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Teaching can be as frustrating as it is rewarding, educators say. There’s a satisfaction from helping others and changing lives, according to what some educators told an alumni publication. Teachers are also directly responsible for educating future generations, the American Federation of Teachers reports. Society makes demands related to educating those generations, educators say.

While many school districts have been making cutbacks, average teacher salaries have shown marked increases, and Bureau of Labor Statistics information shows that some job openings are anticipated in the future. The number of elementary school teaching jobs between 2008 and 2018 is expected to grow by 244. The agency forecasts that the number of post-secondary teaching jobs during that same time is to grow by 257. Because teaching at the college or university level is more competitive, individuals with doctorate degrees and those pursuing part-time or non-tenure work might see the best success, the agency reports.

Those who are considering a teaching career might also consider a teaching organization that recruits college graduates of all backgrounds. Teach for America trains and supports participants who make two-year commitments to work in urban and rural public schools, its web site shows. The intention is to help students in low-income communities succeed academically despite challenges of poverty and limited school system capacities, the Teach for America web site suggests.

Becoming an elementary school teacher at a private or public school typically requires a four-year teaching degree followed by certification or licensing, where requirements vary from state to state. Working as a teacher’s assistant might provide individuals embarking on a new career or seeking a change a feel for what the field of teaching is like. This particular type of work might only require short term, on the job training, Bureau of Labor information suggests. The number of teaching assistant positions is expected to grow by 135 between 2008, according to the agency.

Many teachers who are already working in the field might find that online degree programs offer the opportunity to continue learning and to build upon their initial teaching degrees. Some might decide to enroll in schools online to complete courses over the summer when school is out, so they can work toward an advanced degree in education administration or education leadership. Students in such programs often have the goal of becoming a principal, provost or student services director. Administrative jobs at the K-12 and college and university levels typically require a master’s or doctorate degree along with experience in teaching, admissions counseling or other areas, Bureau of Labor Statistics information show.

While administration jobs at the K-12 and college and university levels are expected to see average growth into 2018, growth at the preschool and childcare levels is expected to be substantial, Bureau of Labor Statistics information shows. This growth is anticipated as a result of fewer children being cared for in the home and states adding programs to accommodate them, Labor Statistics information suggests. Student enrollment at other levels is forecast to slow and to be offset by greater responsibilities in monitoring student achievement, Bureau of Labor Statistics information shows.

Being a teacher isn’t easy, educators admit. Society demands that teachers keep up with changing, high-tech global demands, sharpen young minds beyond academics and measure success based on tests that might not consider all of the job’s challenges, educators told an alumni publication. School districts typically pay public school teachers based on their level of experience and, in many instances, the type of college degree they hold.

An American Federation of Teachers survey showed that average teacher salaries at traditional public schools for the 2006-2007 academic year increased by 4.5 percent over the previous year, to about $5,1000. This was the first time since 2003 that teacher salaries exceeded the annual inflation rate, the Federation noted. In some of the highest paying public school districts, some teachers with more than 25 years of experience, advanced degrees and added responsibilities earn more than $100,000, according to the American Federation of Teachers. Explore online college programs and earn the Online Distance Learning Degrees that will get you on a path to success!