If you are considering making a career change to education, you are not alone.
People make the decision to make a career change to education for various reasons. Perhaps you are experiencing corporate burnout, or perhaps you want to pursue a career that is going to make a lifelong difference in the lives of others.
Whatever your reason, you should know how to efficiently and strategically make a career change — and we are here to help you take the first step to jumpstarting your education career.
Discover the value of an education degree with our resource — Become an Invaluable Educator: The Value of Graduate Education Programs and Teaching Credentials.
How Many Teachers are in the United States?
According to research from UnitedStatesNow.org, there are over six million educators working in the field today — this includes teachers working in pre-schools, elementary, middle and high schools, as well as instructors working in special education and at the college level.
While there are millions of teachers employed today, there is still a very real shortage of teachers in the United States right now. This is due to factors including burnout from the coronavirus and compounding demands in the classroom (California, Arizona, Nevada, Washington and Virginia are just a few of the states that are experiencing dire teacher shortages).
But, as a society, we recognize the crucial need for skilled, driven educators who can instruct and lead the next generation. For that reason, many states are adding incentives to attract new teachers — including more support, higher salaries and better benefits.
If you are passionate about making a career change to the transformative field of education, then here are a few tips related to switching careers.
4 Tips to Making a Career Change to Teacher Education
So, you are thinking about making a career change to education? Here are a few actionable steps you should take.
1. Start researching education careers
Within the education field, there are many opportunities. You could pursue a career as a classroom teacher or you could choose to put your skills to a career outside the classroom as an instructional coordinator, academic advisor, counselor or curriculum developer. You can also engage in education policy and policy evaluation.
In short, take the time to research the kind of education career that is going to be a good fit for you, and start making moves to develop the skills needed to succeed in that role.
2. Choose a graduate education program
Teaching is a special calling, and educators are some of the most critical professionals in existence today. As such, it is important to adequately prepare yourself to be a force for change — no matter your role.
One of the most tried-and-true ways of ensuring that you are developing the necessary skills needed to jumpstart a lifelong career in teaching is through graduate-level education. There are a number of data-backed reasons to obtain a master’s degree in education, including higher salaries, more job security and advancement opportunities.
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3. Update your resume
As a future teacher, you will need an updated resume that highlights your accomplishments, skills and credentials. You will want to call out any training or educational experiences that will compliment your new teaching career — including your graduate education degree.
Cater your resume to target new potential education employers, so be sure to highlight your ability to lead within an educational setting.
4. Stay connected with your network
While you obtain the skills needed to become a teacher, you will have the opportunity to network and connect with likeminded, driven professionals who can inspire you during your journey and guide you as you seek to make a lifelong, meaningful career in education.
Be sure to nurture your connections and use them to further expand your network as you build your new career in the educational field.
A Look at the Mount’s Master of Science in Education and Teacher Credentialing Programs
Our Master of Science in Education and Teacher Credentialing programs at Mount Saint Mary’s University Los Angeles are founded on a commitment to social justice, inclusiveness and leadership.
We develop and empower teachers at every stage of their careers by providing them with academic and professional guidance throughout the credentialing process. Our programs also help prepare students to be competent, confident and successful teachers — starting in our own classrooms and extending far beyond.
Want to learn more about our graduate education programs? Request more information today!
Become a Phenomenal Teacher and Educator at the Mount; Connect with Us!
At Mount Saint Mary’s University, we are passionate about producing marketable, qualified educators who go on to make a real difference in the lives of others. With small, intimate classes, dynamic classroom conversations and readily-accessible faculty, we challenge our students to grow as future leaders and educators.
Ready to transform your teaching career with a Master of Science in Education or a Teaching Credential? We encourage you to connect with us today.
We cannot wait to help you find your place at the Mount!
Discover the value of a Master of Science in Education program; download the guide today!
