Look back at your life and point to the people who made the biggest positive difference. Parental figures and strong friendships may come to mind, but the teachers who were there through your high school education likely had a large impact on your career goals, your worldview, and perhaps--as a recent study suggests--your sense of self. In fact, high school students often cite their teachers as the most influential adults in their lives. If you've long wanted to make a difference in your community, becoming a teacher at the high school level could be a satisfying career move.
Educators among Important "Natural" Mentors
A recent study by Students Against Destructive Decisions found that teens who identify at least one "natural" mentor in their life--a teacher, parent, or other adult not assigned to them through mentoring programs--had a higher sense of self, and were more likely to take positive risks like taking on volunteer work or joining an athletic team.
Your teachers were an essential part of your growth, and now that you're enjoying the career and other benefits of "real life," you may want to give something back by providing a role model for today's students.
Online Education Courses Bridge the Gap
If you dream of making a difference in students' lives as a high school teacher, there are a number of ways to reach your goal. Depending on your state's regulations, any one of the following options could be available to you:
- For bachelor's degree holders, completing a licensing program in your subject area of choice
- Obtaining a master of education degree (M.Ed.)
- Completing an alternative licensure program if you already hold a bachelor's degree in your subject area of choice
If you're coming to the profession from another career, you won't need to worry about feeling left out: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that hiring managers in education often prefer to see a mix of first-profession teachers directly out of school and teachers coming into the profession from other careers.
Federal Government Offers Incentives for Education Schools
If the fear of incurring student debt has kept you from obtaining a master of education degree, you should know that the federal government has taken measures to help alleviate the problem of teacher shortages. Deferments--postponement of payments--or full cancellations may be available if you take on a Perkins or Stafford Loan. Teachers may be eligible for up to 100 percent loan forgiveness if they work full-time as a:
- Teacher in a school serving low-income families
- Special-education teacher, ranging from infants to youth with disabilities
- Teacher of certain fields determined by your state to have a shortage of qualified teachers
As you research teaching degrees, be sure to also research your state's loan forgiveness policy and see if it's possible to work with a loan forgiveness program.
Online Teaching Degrees Offer Convenience
Working towards an education degree means you're taking charge of your future career, and online education courses simplify the process. Online teaching degrees offer a number of benefits, including:
- The ability to study at your own pace with a full-time or part-time educational program
- Access to instructor assistance across a range of mediums
- Self-motivated education, without the hassles of a traditional campus schedule and commute
Many working adults choose to pursue an online master of education degree, which allows students to continue working full time while balancing family responsibilities with educational goals.
Financial Stability in High School Teaching Careers
While the financial rewards for teaching vary depending on your school district and education level, most teaching careers offer stability to educators with the highest educational attainment. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that median annual earnings for teachers with a bachelor's degree stood at $31,704 for the 2003-04 school year, while median annual earnings for all public elementary and secondary school teachers was higher, at $46,597. Obtaining a master of education degree can significantly increase earnings.
For high school teachers, the rewards of a teaching career can be personal as well as financial. Making a difference in the lives of students in your community has an intangible benefit, and every day at work offers a new opportunity to touch the lives of your students at a critical point in their own educational development.