Tips on Enhancing Your Secondary Education Career by Picking a Specialty
I got beat up the other day.
Some people were complaining about their jobs. I had just finished listening to my “Be a Positive Thinker” self-help collection and I thought I’d try out some of their suggestions. I went up to the complainers and told them I absolutely loved my secondary education career and started laughing – that’s what cd 3 recommended.
“Careers in education provide great hours! I have fun! I get to take vacations to South Carolina,” I told them. I then laughed hysterically–that’s what cd 9 said to do.
That’s when disgruntled worker #1 punched me in the face and disgruntled worker #2 kicked me in the stomach. I heard them cursing my career choice and asking me if my Education classes had taught me anything about facial reconstructive surgery. I must have blacked out. All I remember is disgruntled worker #3 hung me on a coat rack by my underwear.
I should have finished cd 14. It said never laugh hysterically at roofers and iron workers.
Tips for Picking an Education Speciality
With a new respect for roofers and iron workers, I returned to work, bandaged heavily. That didn’t stop me from sharing these tips with my complaining colleagues:
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Do something you love.
If you enjoy working with struggling students, specialize in education. If you are motivated by teaching reading, become a reading specialist. If you choose to specialize in something you love, you’ll work because you choose to, not because you have to. (That’s cd 4, in case you’re wondering.) -
Specialize in what you’re good at.
Although I would love to specialize in dance education, I can’t dance. If you have no patience with slow learners, don’t specialize in teaching children with learning disabilities. If you can’t spell, don’t become a reading specialist. -
Assess the education requirements.
Make sure you know what you’re getting into before you decide to specialize in it. Is there a University nearby that offers the program you need? Can a degree be earned online? Are you able to dedicate the time necessary to complete the requirements? -
Assess needs.
Make sure there’s a need for what you want to do. I would love to teach about the Civil War all day, but there is zero demand for a high school teacher who specializes in the Civil War, so I’ve had to let go of that unrealistic dream.
What’s in Demand?
Having a specialized skill makes you more valuable, especially in these areas:
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Special Education:
The Americans with Disabilities Acts guarantees an education for those with special needs. Public education does a good job, but special education administrators and teachers are in high demand. -
Autism:
Teaching children with autism can be a rewarding profession. Autism is, sadly, on the rise, and as demand increases, so might the pay. -
Literacy Specialists:
Reading level is the most accurate indicator of success in school. The United States, however, is becoming less literate every year. Literacy specialists, therefore, are in great demand. -
Education Technology:
Schools have been accused of being stuck in the stone age. A growing number of schools are turning to technology specialists to help public schools catch up to the private sector. -
Math and Sciences:
Math and Science teachers are always in high demand, always.
Specializing in something that you enjoy, that also has future demand, will keep you motivated, positive… and employed.