Have you considered teaching in another country?
The Bachelor’s in Education Studies is an interdisciplinary degree that is applied in many different fields. There are dozens of jobs available in the private sector, public schools, charter schools, non-profit and service organizations, government agencies, advocacy groups, and the business and corporate world. A graduate can work with individuals or for institutional improvement. Below are listed only some of the job and description available.
If you are adventurous and interested in teaching, but not in public schools, you might consider teaching internationally. An Education Studies major can be an excellent way to prepare for this experience.
Most people who decide to teach abroad teach English as a foreign language, though this is not the only option. Teaching internationally is similar to teaching in the states, though there is a large variety in pay and living arrangements. For example, countries like Japan pay a full salary and provide a place to live, while other jobs may be in boarding schools or schools similar to the states. Salaries can range from $40,000 to $75,000 depending on the circumstance.
To teach abroad, you’ll need to:
- Prepare lessons based on the country or school’s curriculum and standards.
- Keep children safe.
- Grade student work and give timely feedback.
- Communicate with families and schools staff and administrators.
- Understand standardized or nationals tests and prepare the student for them.
- Motivate young people to work hard and be responsible.
Communication will be a challenge if you don’t know the language and should be seen as part of the international teaching experience. In addition to preparing, grading, and assessing students, you will most likely need to prepare them for tests. Many international schools have standardized tests that are very significant in each student’s life and future.
Another great option to pursue with the Education Studies degree is working in educational policy. Lobbyists or Public Relations Specialists earn a median salary of $70,511 per year and range anywhere between $43,004 – $128,952 according to Payscale. The essential job description of a lobbyist is to meet with elected officials and their constituents on behalf of your interest to persuade them to pass, reject, or amend legislation. For example, lobbyists for the National Education Association (NEA) will work to advance goals such as higher teacher pay, more equitable access to education, and better contracts for teachers.
Tasks and responsibilities (according to Payscale) include:
- Contacting and conferring with members of the legislature and other holders of public office to persuade them to support legislation favorable to client’s interest.
- Studying proposed laws to determine possible effect on the benefit of the client, who may be a person, specific group, or the general public.
- Preparing letters, fact sheets and other documents used by federal and state liaisons.
- Representing your interest (such as the NEA) at conferences and meetings.
- Communicating effectively with stakeholders, government officials, the general public, and the media.
Education studies majors may also be hired at organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club of America. BGCA is one of the top charitable organizations in our country. There are many different jobs for the ES degree holder such as Director of Operations, Program Director, Education Director, Marketing Manager, Health Specialist, and Program Coordinator. Depending on your experience and the particular focus of your degree, you may be eligible for an Education Director job. This position would require leadership skills and excellent communication know-how. An Education Director’s national median earning is $62,349. According to Payscale, Boys and Girls Clubs Education Directors make a median salary of $39,908.
General responsibilities include:
- Supervise all education-related programs and staff, including budgets.
- Teach courses when expertise or scheduling requires.
- Provide expertise on curriculum, learning standards and policy.
- Participate in formal and informal meetings with educators, students and the community to assess needs and satisfaction.