A Teaching Career Essay, Research Paper

I. IntroductionThe job of a teacher is to educate pupils using a systematic presentation of ideas, facts, skills, and techniques. As the human race has progressed into an intelligent, dominant species, the art of teaching had not emerged until relatively recently.

II. Important DetailsPublic school teachers are to obtain at least a bachelor?s degree, and be liscenced by taking an approved teacher education program. Luckily, (to attract new peope to pursue this career), many States are now offering liscensing programs. Many excellent job opportunities will stem from the lot of teachers who will expectedly retire in the next ten years. (Particularly in the secondary school level.)

III. Essential AbilitiesThe #1 requirement for teachers given by all 50 States, and the District of Columbia is to be licensed. This requirement is not the same for private school teachers; they can teach without licensure.

IV. Process of Entering WorkToday, personal application is how many teaching positions are secured. College palcement bureaus are can be very affective in helping college graduates find their first jobs. Man teachers? organizations and professional journals list teaching job openings. After the original application is filed, an interview is usually required. Many institutions require aspiring teachers to take written exams, and may ask for reecomendation from other people who know them in order to find out how qualified they are to enter the field.

V. EmploymentBy the year 2000, teachers held about 3.8 million jobs. Approximately 1.5 million of those were elementary school teachers, 1.1 million held secondary jobs, 590,000 were middle school, 423,000 were preschool, and 175,000 were kindergarten teachers. About 15 percent of these were private school teachers, while the rest were public school teachers.

VI. Hours of WorkThe ususal weekly work hours that a secondary school teacher works is about 25-30 hours. These hours are spent working directly with students. The usual daily scheduele is between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. for five days a week. An additional 15-20 hours are spent to plan and prepare class work, helping students with activities, and attending meetings.

VII. EarningsThe earning that a teacher makes depends on the contract agreement made by themselves, and the school district they are to work for. Contracts cover salaries, benefits, and other matters that affect terms of employment. Starting salaries usually range between $24,000-$28,000, but for teachers with more experience, earn about $39,000. Contracts cover salaries, benefits, and other matters that affect terms of employment. Starting salaries usually range between $24,000-$28,000, but for teachers with more experience, earn about $39,000 year-to-year. Salaries vary from school district to school district.

VIII. Teacher OrganizationsTeacher organization are unions that stand for better security on the job and improved working conditions and salaries for teachers. For example, the NEA (National Education Association), and the AFT (American Federation of Teachers) represent teachers in legal proceedings that involve local, stae, and federal government, and since the 1960s, have become increasingly active in polictics. Both unions also conduct research on education aid in curriculum development, and provide teacher training.

IX. Disadvantages of TeachingOne surprise that aspiring teachers may discover is that they are not ready to sacrifice time for extra duties. These duties involve lots of paperwork, as well as extracurricular activities to chaperon. Teachers often have to help organize, chaperone, and attend many school-sponsored events-duties that are both time consuming and not often related to teaching.

X. Suggested Courses to take in High SchoolThe suggested courses for the studen(s) who plan(s) to enter the field of junior to secondary school teaching should take college preparatory courses. But, if the student plans to teach a certaing subject, it is reccomended to take as many classes related to the subject as possible.

XI. ConclusionBibliography”Teaching.” Encarta Online Encyclopedia. 19, May 2002 .

?Teacher.? Occupational Outlook Handbook.” Minneapolis: Finney Company, 1999.

“Teacher.” Princeton Review, The. 20, May 2002 .

United States. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. 2001. 23, May 2002 .