Educational degree as foundation for professional career success

¶ … Earning an Education Degree

The advantages a person can realize with a college degree are numerous. And getting a bachelor's degree in education has many benefits for those who wish to go into teaching. The nation always needs quality teachers, and getting a degree in Education helps prepare a student for this vitally important aspect of learning in America. This paper examines and critiques the opportunities that are out there for a person with a degree in Education. Every student that has a chance to attend a college or university should seize that opportunity and make the most of it. In this paper the importance of a degree in education will be fully presented and critiqued.

How much is a college or university degree actually worth in dollar terms?

First of all, the basic facts of obtaining a college or university degree are eye-openers. A study conducted by Arizona State University determined that when a person has a bachelor's degree that person earns about $750,000 more over the course of a lifetime of earning than a person with just a high school diploma earns. This of course includes a bachelor's in the field of education, which is aimed at future teachers but is of great benefit to a scholar whether that person goes on to become a teacher or not (Immigration Policy Center -- IPC, 2010, p. 1).

The data from that Arizona State University study indicates that as of 2006, those working without a high school diploma earned approximately $419 per week and had an unemployment rate of 6.8%, the IPC explains. Those with a bachelor's degree earned approximately $962 per seek and their rate of unemployment was only 2.3%; over their careers college graduates earn "in excels of 60% more than a high school graduate, and workers with advanced degrees earn two to three times as much as high school graduates" (IPC, p. 2).

The costs of a higher education are going up, albeit recent legislation (signed by President Obama) has made it easier and less expensive for a student to achieve a government-backed loan. Still, the investment a student makes in his or her schooling -- towards a degree in Education or towards another degree -- is significant but well worth it. The U.S. Department of Education has put out a report called "Think College Early"; the report estimates that a fulltime student attending a four-year, public college or university "spends an average of $8,655 every year on in-state tuition, room, and board" (Degree Advantage). A student attending a community college spends about $1,359 a year on tuition, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

Getting a degree with a major in Education -- the smart way to launch a career

Speaking of community colleges (public, 2-year institutions), there are many advantages to majoring in Education in a community college -- or at least starting out one's approach to a teaching degree at the community college level. According to the Teacher World Web site, getting an associate's degree in Education saves the student money. Many students who graduate from four-year colleges incur a lot of debt (borrowing to pay one's way adds up to a big debt at the end of the four years). Since it is far less expensive to attend a community college, it makes good sense to go that route for many students; they can live at home and continue their jobs. Moreover, most "core courses" in Education will transfer to a four-year college or university once the student has finished the associate's degree at a community college, Teacher World explains.

While attending classes at a community college -- majoring in Education -- the student can keep a job and even save money for enrollment in a four-year university once the associate's degree has been achieved, Teacher World continues. "Many four-year colleges and universities find that students with an associate's degree in education are more mature and make better students" than those who go from high school right into a four-year program, Teacher World asserts. And also, getting an associate's degree with a major in Education means the student can find jobs in education (teacher's aid, paraprofessional, among other positions) without going for the four-year bachelor's degree. It is true that some students really aren't ready for a four-year commitment and hence, the two-year associate's degree can still help the person get a job in education (Teacher World).

Another excellent reason for majoring in Education -- especially for students who enjoy working with young people and helping shape their attitudes and outlooks in positive directions -- is that there are expected to be teacher shortages in the near future. According to The New York Times (Dillon, 2009), more than three million teachers will be retiring in the near future. This retirement scenario will potentially deprive classrooms "of experienced instructors" and it will also put a strain on "taxpayer-financed retirement systems," Dillon writes on page 1.

Besides the expected flood of retirements, there is another reason that getting a degree in Education at this time is a very smart move. According to research, "one of every three new teachers" leaves the profession within five years; this loss of talent costs school districts "millions in recruiting and training expenses" (Dillon referenced a study by the National Commission on Teaching and America's Future).

Not to put a damper on those who are enthusiastic about getting into the teaching profession, but the commission's report says beginning teachers are "being driven away" by pay that is not very high and by "frustrating working conditions" (Dillon, p. 1). These facts should not discourage those who want to major in Education and can't wait to roll up their sleeves and get into that classroom and inspire young people. Finding a good school -- whether it is a two-year or four-year school -- with a great Education department can help the student understand what the challenges are in today's public school environment. Those who pay strict attention (in their Education classes) to the instructor and the materials provided, and who dig into the research about teaching and schools will not be dropping out of the field after five years (as the report indicates) because they will be fully prepared and knowledgeable.

"Education majors study how people learn and how to best teach them," according to College Board's web site. Education majors learn how to build creative, interesting lesson plans; they spend a full semester in training with an experienced teacher prior to launching their own careers; and those Education majors who are "fascinated by the learning process" are trained to be "patient, flexible," and to handle the challenges with skill and compassion as well (College Board).