Preschool, kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, and secondary school teaching requires a variety of skills and aptitudes, including a talent for working with children; organizational, administrative, and recordkeeping abilities; research and communication skills; the power to influence, motivate, and train others; patience; and creativity. Workers in other occupations requiring some of these aptitudes include post-secondary teachers; counselors; teacher assistants; education administrators; librarians; childcare workers; public relations specialists; social workers; and athletes, coaches, umpires, and related workers. Job opportunities for teachers over the next ten years will vary from good to excellent, depending on the locality, grade level, and subject taught. Shortages of qualified teachers will likely continue, resulting in competition among some localities, with schools luring teachers from other states and districts with bonuses and higher pay.

POSSIBLE CAREER PATHS WITHIN THIS CAREER CLUSTER:

Educator/ Teacher, Training and Development Manager, Academic or Career and Technical Counselor, Elementary/Secondary Education Administrator.