Secondary Education Essay Research Paper The many

Secondary Education Essay, Research Paper

The many aspects of teaching secondary education

Whenever most people think of a teacher, the first thing that comes to their mind is boring. When some think of a teacher they see an inspiration for all kids in the U.S. Most of the teachers they have had have made an impact on their lives. Many people think they want to do that and that is why they become teachers. The main aspect of having a job is the training, the duties, and the future. One first has to go through all the training of being a teacher.

When teachers decide they want to be a secondary education teacher they have to take required classes. Some of the requirements of becoming a teacher are a license granted by the State Board of Education. The requirements for getting a license include a completed bachelor’s degree in the subject, and a completion of an approved teacher training program. (JIST Works INC.) One-third of all the states requires technology training as part of the process. Almost all states require students for teacher licensure to be tested for competency in basic skills such as writing, reading, teaching and subject matter proficiency. In addition to being knowledgeable in the subject they wish to teach, they must also have the ability to communicate, inspire trust and confidence, and motivate students. They also should be organized, dependable, patient, and creative. Teachers must also be able to work cooperatively with other teachers, support staff,

parents and other members of the community. A lot of teachers recommend working in a camp with kids the age one wants to teach. They also say volunteer in 4H, scouts,

church, or other community programs. (Secondary education overview. On-line) After one has gotten all prepared for teaching, one has to find a job. The book called “foundations of American Education,” suggests one starts looking in the “job search handbook” in the middle of your degree. (Occupational outlook handbook. On-line) This way one will have a head start on everyone else. The best hint that they give in the book is to get the best possible grades in college. No matter what. That is most of the training.

The next big issue in Secondary Education is the duties of the teacher. Most of the time teachers act a facilitators or coaches, using interactive and “hands-on” learning to help students apply it to real life. Teachers can move away from the traditional way of teaching to make their classroom a little more interesting. They may use props or manipulative to help kids learn abstract concepts.(Occupational outlook handbook, on-line) Many classes become less structured, with groups doing work. Most teachers try to prepare kids for the work force. Mr. Patrick Assmussen, a Economics teacher in the building, let me interview him on the subject. He said that you are not only a teacher but also a counselor for all the kids. He has had many students come and talk to him because they trust him. Teachers always are great role models for kids, that was his main reason. That is a main part of teaching.

Another major part of teaching is the future. One of the futures includes the salary aspect. There are different salaries for different teaching positions. Kindergarten, elementary and secondary education teachers’ salary ranges from 33,590-37,890 in 1998.

The lowest percent is at 19,710-24,390. The highest percent is at 53,720-70,030. According to the American Federation of Teachers, beginning teachers with a bachelor’s degree earned an average of 25,700 in the 1997-1998 school year.( Johnson, Dubuis. P.54) The estimated average salary of all public elementary and secondary school teachers in the 1997-1998 school year was 39,300. Teachers mainly belong to unions. The unions are there to bargain over wages, hours, and terms and conditions of employment. In some schools, teachers earn extra money for coaching or helping with extracurricular activities. Other occupations that teachers could go to would be counselors, administrators, librarians or perhaps a college faculty member.

There are many occupations out there that anyone could do. Teaching involves so much more than all the others. One could impact lives, be a counselor, help a kid through a conflict and maybe even teach them some things. Sure, the pay isn’t the best, but the rewards are. Hopefully one would rather see a child succeed in life with their help, then to go buy a new house or car with the money they had gotten. Just remember that every occupation started with a teacher. Where would the world be without them?