What Are the Different Careers in Education?

When most people think of a degree in education, they often associate it with the teaching job experience in a classroom full of students. Though this assumption is not wrong, there are various other careers in education that do not involve taking on the classroom teacher role, preparing a course curriculum or instructing students at a private or public school.

Whether you're seeking to obtain a position in school administration, school counseling, education and leadership management, school psychology, or teaching, there are several career paths to choose from when exploring a degree in education. Each education career offers an impressive amount of flexibility. The skills developed when obtaining a bachelor's degree in education, such as effective communication and leadership, are skills admired in a variety of positions. Because of this, professionals with a teacher intern experience and an education degree are frequently presented with various career opportunities.

Interested in a career in education? Continue reading as we explore careers for education majors. Each career on this list offers the chance to make a difference in the lives of others as an educational professional, whether you're standing in front of a classroom or not. Explore the list of careers in education below.

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Expanding Opportunities for Education Graduates with Work Experience

The education field is experiencing growth, with increasing demand for education professionals, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. There are several careers in the field that are experiencing growth, including postsecondary teacher, postsecondary education administrator, curriculum developer, school counselor, and special education teacher. These education jobs offer a range of opportunities for individuals with a passion for education and a desire to make a positive impact in the lives of students and mentors. Whether working in higher education or K-12, these careers offer the chance to shape the future of education and have a lasting impact on the students and communities they serve.

Administrative Services

If you have a passion for education as well as a natural appeal to leadership, then majoring in administrative services is likely to be a rewarding career choice. Education careers like administrative services offer individuals the opportunity to work within the school system as a part of the leadership team. A school administrator works with every level of education to build a brighter, well-educated future. Though the exact job requirements for an education administrator will vary based on the educational institution, generally, administrators work to improve the school system by setting new policies and goals, managing budgets, training and overseeing staff, and handling the day-to-day operations. Most professionals in educational administration start as school teachers who desire to make the transition out of the lesson plans and the classroom teaching experience.¹

Some of the most common education administrator positions are:

• School Principals
• Assistant School Principals
• Superintendents
• School District Administrators

At Alliant International University, the Administration Services Program offered by the California School of Education (CSOE), helps experienced school teachers transform into principals, superintendents, administrators, and educational leaders of esteemed global institutions. If you're a skilled educator who desires to take their impact outside of the classroom walls and transition into a management and leadership role, this program will provide you with the skills, knowledge, and higher education resources needed to do so.

School Counseling

When faced with a problem at school, students turn to their teachers for guidance. But, what happens when a student faces a challenge that is a little more complicated than a math problem? Often, students need a life coach whom they can get direction on major life decisions, like choosing the right college or career - that's where the school counselor steps in. A career in school counseling is ideal for professionals with an education major or doctorate in educational psychology who appreciate working with students individually. Administrators who are skilled in interpersonal communication and problem-solving are often exceptional school counselors as well as career counselors. To pursue a career in school counseling, it is required that you first become certified in this career field with the right higher education. Alliant International University's PPS Credential in School Counseling online hybrid certification program is excellent for those seeking to become a certified school counselor.

Earning your certification in school counseling is an excellent foundation for the following careers:

• School Counselor
• Admission Counselor
• Education Consultant
• Guidance Counselor
• School Psychologist
• Admission Recruiter

Depending on the career and the educational institution, some of these careers may require additional training.² Alliant's PPS Credential in School Counseling online hybrid certification program is intended for individuals with a master's degree in psychology, counseling, or education. Obtain this certification and you’ll be able take the next step towards pursuing a rewarding career in school counseling.

Educational Leadership and Management (Education Materials Creator, Policy Maker, etc.)

The need for leaders and innovators in the world of education is constant. Whether your goal is to become the dean of a large and prestigious university, a school principal, or an education materials creator for school districts, pursuing a doctoral degree in educational leadership will equip you with the skills needed to become an excellent applicant for the position.

Obtaining a doctoral degree or doctorate in this field is often required for the following career paths:

• School Dean
• Instructional Developer and Coordinator
• Education Materials Creator and Developer
• Teacher
• Professor
• Policy Maker

Begin a successful program in educational leadership and set your school and students up for success by obtaining a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Management offered by the California School of Education (CSOE) at Alliant International University. 
 
Alliant International University offers a direct line from your Bachelor's degree and Master's Degree to your EdD in Educational Leadership and Management. 

School Psychology

Now, you may be thinking, "what's the difference between a school psychologist and a school counselor?" and while there is some overlap, there are also several significant differences. Though both professions work directly with students, a school counselor will often work with all students in elementary education and secondary education, while a school psychologist will work with fewer, more specific students. The role of a school psychologist is to help guide children through their most vital formative years and ultimately help them succeed in their educational experience.³ Plus with the overall increase in learning disability diagnoses, the need for school psychologists may continue to rise.

While the job requirements of a school psychologist will vary depending on the school. Their responsibilities will likely include:

• Conduct assessments and screening
• Administer intelligence tests
• Determine the eligibility for special education services
• Provide mental health and behavior counseling
• Collect and analyze academic behavior data to improve school-wide evaluation and accountability

Aside from working in a school setting, a school psychologist can also work at a consulting firm, hospital, government institution, community mental health clinic, and private practice. To become a school psychologist, an individual must receive a license by the state department of education as well as obtain a Master's in Psychology.⁴ At Alliant International University, our School of Psychology offered through the California School of Education grants a Master of Arts in School Psychology, PPS Credential, and PsyD in Educational Psychology. 

Explore Alliant International University’s School Psychology Programs today.

Teacher

From a very young age, classroom teachers play an essential role in our life. Not only do they influence students on a personal level, but they help provide them with the skills and knowledge needed to become successful in their careers. In short, teachers use the influence of education to help develop the future of the nation. There are very few career paths that extend such profound levels of engagement, emotion, and impact on the next generation. If you are searching for a career in which you can contribute to society and make a real difference, then teaching might be the perfect profession for you. You can be a preschool teacher, middle school teacher, substitute teacher, teaching assistant, and more. 

When becoming a teacher, it's important first to decide what you'd like to teach and if you’ll pursue a multiple subject teaching credential or a single subject teaching credential.⁵ The topics taught often depend on the age of the students and the structure of the school. Do you want to be an elementary school teacher at public schools or do you prefer to teach adults at a university? Aside from a tailored curriculum, when teaching, you must care whether you’re a full-time teacher or a teacher assistant. Caring about your students and their success is a valuable trait to have, especially if you want to have a lasting impact on their lives. Many who choose to become an educator have long and fulfilling careers in the field. Other teachers may spend a few years teaching and then decide to continue their career in an administrative area.

It's no secret that the nation is always in need of teachers. To start your teaching career journey, earn a teaching degree with one of Alliant International University's Teaching Credential Programs. 

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Special Education Teacher

Special education teachers play a vital role in the education field. The profession offers numerous benefits such as advancement opportunities and the fulfilling experience of supporting a diverse group of students who have physical and learning challenges. These teachers collaborate with other special education teachers and education professionals, which is crucial in their daily work. They design lessons that are accessible and relatable to their students, help them achieve their goals, and communicate their progress with families. 

One of the up-and-coming trends in education is a greater emphasis on preschool education. With more value being placed on early education, it’s no surprise that the need for preschool teachers may grow in the next half decade. And considering that employment of special education teachers tends to lag behind employment of other teachers at the same grade level, it’s definitely no surprise that the need for special education preschool teachers may also continue to grow. Special education preschool teachers typically work with children who have a wide range of disabilities, including developmental delay and learning disabilities, autism, speech and language impairments, and mental retardation. 

School Social Work

School social workers collaborate with educators and administrators to detect behavioral problems among students that could result in aggressive conduct, bullying, or absenteeism. They team up with the students and their families to tackle the underlying causes of the problem and come up with educational programs and plans to enhance their academic achievement and social growth.

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Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

If you feel called to the career of teaching yet want a job outside of a traditional classroom setting, or help students in the area of teaching English to second-language speakers, then we encourage you to look into obtaining a TESOL certification or a "Certificate in California Teachers of English Learners (CTEL)" leading to CLAD Certificate.

Though each English teacher certification varies slightly, when applying for a job abroad, likely, more than one (if not all) of these certifications will be accepted. Alliant International University offers offer a "Certificate in California Teachers of English Learners (CTEL)" Leading to CLAD Certificate and a Bilingual Authorization.⁶

Pursuing a career in education can be extremely rewarding. Use this list as a guide to help you decide which career path in education best suits you. Though there are a variety of different fields of education that you can work in, taking the time to find the right one is sure to set you up for success.

Health Specialties Educators

Health specialties teachers represent a very specific subset of educators. These are teachers who instruct, usually at a college or university level, in areas such as dentistry, medicine, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, physical therapy and more. This highly specialized branch of education obviously requires expertise in the medical field. Although this option isn’t open to everyone, for those who have the background and qualifications, the future looks bright.

Bonus: Training and Development Specialists

Though it might not bear an immediate connection to the education industry at first glance, if you have a degree in education, careers in the field of training and development could be open to you. Training and Development Specialists encompass a wide range of careers, including Corporate Trainer and e-Learning Developer. These types of roles are responsible for assessing employee education needs and developing curriculum for training programs – skills and knowledge that match well with what you learn in an education program⁵.

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Sources

1. “Is a School Administrator Career for You?,” AllEducationSchools.com, accessed November 24, 2021, https://www.alleducationschools.com/teaching-careers/school-administrat….
2. “How to Become a School Psychologist - Careers in Psychology,” CareersinPsychology.org |, accessed November 24, 2021, https://careersinpsychology.org/become-a-school-psychologist/.
3. “School Counselor vs. School Psychologist,” Online Counseling Programs, accessed November 24, 2021, https://onlinecounselingprograms.com/mental-health-careers/how-to-becom….
4. “How to Become a School Psychologist,” Psychology.org | Psychology's Comprehensive Online Resource, accessed November 24, 2021, https://www.psychology.org/careers/school-psychologist/.
5.  “How to Get a Teaching Credential in California,” AllEducationSchools.com, accessed November 24, 2021, https://www.alleducationschools.com/teacher-certification/california/.
6. “Teaching English,” TESOL Degrees & Certificates | Alliant Intl University, accessed November 24, 2021, https://www.alliant.edu/education/teaching-english.
7. O•NET OnLine, "Summary Report for: 25-2051.00 - Special Education Teachers, Preschool," O•NET OnLine. Accessed November 29, 2021.  https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/25-2051.00
8. O•NET OnLine, "Summary Report for:
   25-1071.00 - Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary," O•NET OnLine. Accessed November 29, 2021. https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/25-1071.00