Sometimes the job market can be tough for new graduates. This is especially true if you are working towards a degree in education. While the job outlook for the coming years is positive, getting a foot in the door can be challenging.
Whether you are currently in school or simply thinking about going back, there are several specialized course programs that can help you get a leg up on your competition in the field of education.
Here are four specializations for those interested in education.
1- Special education
Teachers who have coursework or a certification in special education are in-demand in schools around the country.
Special education teachers typically work one-on-one or in a small group setting with kids who have special needs.
Maybe they are behind on their reading skills, or they have a learning disability that makes it difficult for them to retain the information they are learning in a larger group setting.
Whatever the case, special education teachers work with classroom teachers, parents, and school administrators to develop and implement a customized learning plan for a child.
A career as a special education teacher is highly rewarding.
2- Instructional technologist
More and more classrooms are embracing technology as a teaching tool. As technology continues to become more prevalent, the need for qualified educators who have an understanding of the different tools is growing.
If you have a master’s in teaching with a specialization in instructional technology, chances are your skills will make you a favorable candidate for many positions in your district.
Some schools have designated instructional technologist roles, while others simply have a go-to teacher that provides support related to technology.
If you embrace technology in your daily life and use it as a tool to enhance your knowledge, consider studying instructional technology to help further your classroom career.
3- Reading specialist
Reading specialists, as the name suggests, help students who are struggling with reading. Kids struggle with grasping phonics and reading concepts for a variety of reasons.
Maybe they simply don’t have the support they need at home, or perhaps they are in the process of learning the English language.
A school reading specialist can help them master the concepts that they are struggling with and improve their reading skills over time.
Teachers with a certification or coursework as a reading specialist are often more marketable than those with a general degree in education.
4- Curriculum specialist
Often, curriculum specialists actually work outside of the classroom. They may work for a particular school district or be employed at the state level.
Their responsibilities include partnering with educators to select supplementary materials to complement the school or state curriculum.
This can include selecting different learning programs and systems or actually working with state administrators to determine appropriate curriculum benchmarks for students.
If you are a classroom teacher who is interested in having an impact on students in a different way, why not consider becoming a curriculum specialist.
The need for qualified educators is ever-present. But sometimes differentiating yourself from your competition can help you get your dream job a little faster.
Those who are interested in furthering their education may want to consider taking courses or becoming certified as a special education teacher, instructional technologist, reading specialist, or curriculum specialist.
These specialized tracks can help you land your dream job today.
