K-12 Classroom Teaching

This is a common career choice in education, where you can work with students in various grade levels and subjects. To explore this area, consider what age you are drawn to and which academic subjects. Depending on what type of school the U.S. state, there may be varying levels of certification or education required to become a classroom teacher. As you consider classroom teaching, explore school types such as public, private, charter, independent, boarding, religious, etc. Each school will have their own practices and approach to teaching as well as subject options and role titles.

Student Support Roles

There are many ways to support students, including counseling, special education, library science, athletic coaching, English as a second language, or administrative support, just to name a few. These types of roles give employees the opportunity to support students outside of a traditional classroom and often allow for more one on one time and counseling based work. As you explore these types of careers, look at job descriptions to understand the experience and education required.

Higher Education Administration

Universities have many administrative roles that support the education of students. Some examples can include admission representatives, financial aid counselors, residential life staff, student activities support, academic advisors, and multicultural student services. These jobs allow for a specialized approach to college student development and a focus on one aspect of the college experience. There are opportunities to explore different areas of higher education as many skills between departments or institutions are highly transferable. Explore options at public, private, and community colleges. Many higher education administration roles require a master’s degree, however there are certain roles that only require a bachelor’s degree, such as some advising, admission, and residential life roles.

Educational Policy

Education policy analysts evaluate policies and their impact on educational systems. They may work in government agencies, think tanks, or research organizations, providing insights to inform education policy decisions. Educational policy is an area that has roles at a local, state, or federal level. If you are interested in making an impact through policy, also explore careers on the government page.

Community Education and Social Justice Education

Many community based organizations have an educational component. There are many that are guided by a social justice mission and philosophy. You would impact community members of all ages by coordinating and executing educational programs and initiatives. This could include workshops, classes, advising, or events. Often community based or non-profit organizations focus on a specific issue area you may focus on. This area may encompass both education and administrative duties. Explore further on the non-profit page.

International Education

If you are interested in working in education in an international country there are several ways to get involved. Consider roles such as teaching English abroad, working at an international higher education institution, or working for global education organizations in the United States that bring domestic students overseas. Language skills may be crucial for these types of roles, as well as adaptability. International education roles can be found through placement agencies which can support with securing visas or other essential logistics, often charging a fee. The Peace Corps is another way to consider international opportunity with an education component. If you are interested in an international career, check out the working abroad page for more information.