A major in Teacher Education & Development prepares you teach different subjects to students. This means you could teach English, history, chemistry, math, or even art. The subject possibilities are endless, what is important is that you focus your major around what you are interested in and also pursue a teaching certificate. Each teacher education program is different based on what college you attend and your focus. This program will prepare to become a classroom teacher on your specific subject.
Every college will require different courses for your degree. You will be required to take content courses based upon your focus. These courses will vary depending on the path you intend to pursue. Education courses will also be required; for example literacy, educational psychology, and teaching methods. Concentrations in this major include anything from Agricultural and Art, to Driver and Safety Ed, Health, Math, Music, Science, Computers, Technology and much more.
Required Skills
As a teacher, you make the decision about what is being taught in your classroom. You need to have direction and organizational skills in order to make sure what is required by your district is being covered in your classroom. Another skill that is necessary is to be authoritative; it is important to ensure learning will happen in your classroom. You need to be assertive and maintain control while you are teaching your students. However, other important traits of a teacher include patience and creativity. You should also be approachable and kind. Students respect teachers who respect them. Students are also willing to share their problems when teachers show that they are available and they want to help.
Creativity is important in every subject. Students have a short attention span, especially when other students are around to distract them. It is important to use your resources such as technology, other teachers, and items in your community to add to your lessons. An example of this might be teaming up with the science teacher to have a lesson on both the history of mummification and a science lesson on how people were mummified. Then you could all go on a field trip to a museum to view mummies. You cannot be afraid to ask for help or to work with colleagues to make your students learning memorable and exciting.
You should be confident in your subject matter. You should be willing to research to answer difficult questions from your students, while at the same time admitting when you are stumped and get your students on board with figuring out an answer.
In order to become a teacher you must complete a semester of student teaching and become certified in your state. Prior experience working with kids will help you decide if this is the right career for you.
Careers
With a degree in teaching you can become a classroom teacher for your specific subjects. Most colleges will require you to get a Master's degree in your concentration which will allow you to succeed in any job in relation to your degree.
The growth rate for teachers is expected to increase by 17% by 2020, however this is based on specific regions and it will decline it certain places. Graduates with a degree in teacher education and development average $34,299 as a starting salary with a mid-career salary of $55,884.
Here is a small sample of the careers that a degree in Teacher Education Subject Specific might open up.
