Careers in Education: Opportunities for Teachers

If you enjoy working with children and are searching for a meaningful job that provides more than simply paying the bills, then you should consider becoming a teacher. Even if you don’t want to teach in a traditional classroom setting, a degree in early childhood education (ECE) can be a foot in the door to a wide variety of exciting and fulfilling jobs.

Preschool Teacher

One popular career option for those with an early education degree is becoming a teacher. Preschool teachers use imaginative methods to encourage early childhood education, engage young students, and prepare them for their elementary school years. They use a simple curriculum to assess the social and mental development of their students and help these children and their parents prepare for academic success in the years ahead. Most preschool teachers work with kids ages three to five, but can work with children from infancy up to the age of eight. 

Teacher Assistant 

A teacher’s assistant or teacher’s aide provides support to the lead classroom teacher. This is an important position as it allows the teacher to spend more time focusing on classroom instruction. A teacher’s assistant performs a variety of duties, including taking attendance, grading tests and homework, and other record keeping and instructional tasks. They may also be tasked with monitoring students’ behavior in the classroom, recess, or the cafeteria. A teacher’s assistant may be assigned to work one on one with students who require additional support. 

Private Tutor 

Many ECE teachers with an entrepreneurial spirit enjoy starting their own tutoring business. Many tutors work one on one or with small groups of students after school. One of the benefits of private tutoring is you can often set your own hours and payment terms. 

Early Intervention Specialist 

An early intervention specialist is also an option for teachers who are seeking an alternative work setting. They work within the field of special education, primarily with children from birth to age four, to identify and address developmental delays. Early intervention specialists often work in preschools but may also meet with children and their families in their homes and can be employed by school districts, regional programs, or medical providers. 

Family Support Specialist 

For those with an interest in social work, an ECE degree can be a stepping stone to a career as a family support specialist. A family support specialist’s main priority is to facilitate care for families in need by offering counseling and rehabilitative services to those in crisis. This can include homelessness, domestic violence, or caring for a disabled family member. After meeting with families, a family support specialist must determine their needs and then arrange assistance through education programs, affordable housing, childcare, or food programs. 

Nanny 

Another possibility for someone with an ECE degree who is seeking an alternative job is to consider becoming a nanny. While an ECE degree isn’t always required to get hired as a nanny, many parents prefer to hire those with a degree in early childhood education. Nannies are much more than a babysitter. They’re usually hired full time and perform a variety of household duties, including transportation, shopping, meal preparation, helping children with homework, and creating a fun learning environment at home. 

What Career Opportunity Speaks to You? 

Whatever career path you decide to take, becoming a teacher is a career choice that very few teachers regret. If you’re ready to earn your degree in early childhood education, contact Athena Career Academy today. The opportunities are endless, and there’s no waitlist to enroll!