Malik 1 Aadil Malik Ms.

Whisler Portfolio I January 9th, 2012 Pedagogy: Exploring a Career of a Teacher Guaranteeing education for all children is critical to Americas social and economic future. The United States economic competitiveness and the path to the American Dream depends on providing every child with an education that will enable them to succeed in an evolving academic climate that is centered on knowledge and innovation (Education | White House). According to a study reported by The Broad Education Foundation, a national entrepreneurial philanthropy that seeks to transform American urban public education, students in America rank 25th in math and 21st in science compared to students in other developed countries (Statistics on American Education). Education is an issue that affects Americas national strength, security, and image. Dramatic new opportunities are being created to educate Americas youth to prevent falling behind other countries. As the urge for education reform is at a rise, American school districts are seeking strong, talented leadership and teachers who are passionate and willing to ensure the brightest possible futures for the youth of their country.

Figure 1

Figure 1 shows dramatic statistics regarding the current education climate in America, including issues concerning drop-outs and lost income. Contrary to popular belief, the majority of American students are falling behind their international counterparts. Therefore, President

Malik 2 Barack Obama has set out new initiatives to improve teaching across the country. The government of the U.S. urges Americans to consider a career in education. Teachers are the single most important resource to a childs learning. Laws are being created to ensure that teachers are supported as professionals in the classroom, while also holding them more accountable. The President has invested in innovative strategies to help teachers to improve student outcomes, and use rewards and incentives to keep talented teachers in the schools that need them the most. While rewarding outstanding teachers and recruiting the best and brightest to the field of teaching, the government is also challenging school districts to remove ineffective teachers from the classroom (Education | White House). However, to most, the political climate of academic reforms is merely another reason to consider a career in education. In fact, teaching has many rewards. Teachers directly affect the lives of the students of the future. It is gratifying for a teacher to watch a student develop and achieve academically, socially and eventually professionally. They are directly responsible for educating future generations of workers and innovators. Beyond the gratification of aiding in the progress of students, teachers have a demanding job that entails making decisions, communicating with individuals from a myriad of cultures, explaining vital and often complex subject matter, and most currently fulfilling the combination of governmental and parental requirements demanded to guarantee a positive outcome for the forthcoming generations of America. Personality Traits Famous writer, Elbert Hubbard, once said, Down in their hearts, wise men know this truth: The only way to help yourself is to help others (People Smart). Educators are usually people who enjoy interacting with others and have a great deal of flexibility. According to

Malik 3 Howard Gardners Theory of Multiple Intelligences, a person who is classified as People Smart would do well in a job in the field of education. People Smart individuals have a developed and wide array of social skills and are attuned to other people. They are well-suited for a varied amount of occupations, including education careers, because they can understand others and are capable of communicating effectively (People Smart). An example of a People Smart person is current United States President, Barack Obama. Obamas ability to orate and advocate his ideas to people gives him the strength to be a great leader. Those who are interested in the career of education should also familiarize themselves Gardners Word Smart category, or linguistic intelligence. Word Smart individuals are capable of using language effectively through both mediums of speech and writing. People with word smarts tend to have high verbal memory and recall of information presented in lectures and writing, which are qualities any aspiring teacher should have (Word Smart). Communicating effectively is integral in being a successful teacher. Job Description Educators play a crucial role in fostering the intellectual and social development of adolescents in their formative years. They plan, evaluate, assign lessons; prepare, administer, and grade tests; create curriculum, communicate effectively, and maintain classroom discipline (BLS). Middle and secondary school teachers help students analyze topics with a deeper intelligence, and as a result expose them to more information in the world. Secondary teachers specialize in specific subjects, such as English, mathematics, or history. In addition to conducting classroom activities, teachers are responsible for overseeing study halls and homerooms, supervising field trips, and initiating extracurricular activities (BLS). Along with

Malik 4 these responsibilities, teachers are committed to tasks such as establishing and enforcing rules for classroom behavior, maintaining student grades and records, planning classwork, and evaluating students progress (O*Net). Teachers also work with students from varied ethnic, racial, and religious backgrounds (BLS). It is important for a teacher to understand how to communicate effectively to a diverse body of students. An observation made by a student at South Brandywine Middle School in the classroom of history teacher, Mr. Anthony Olseski, reveals that the same topic being taught to one class with a uniquely diverse population of students was interpreted differently by another group (Olseski). This reveals the importance of the way a teacher needs to communicate his/her lessons. Teachers must also have the ability to listen and comprehend both spoken and written information, and use deductive/inductive reasoning and speech clarity skills to be able to present themselves clearly to their students (O*Net). According to About.com guide, Melissa Kelly, Teaching is a noble profession but also a time consuming one (Kelly). In order to achieve success in the classroom, a teacher must realize that the 7 to 8 hours of their work day must really be spent with their students, not creating lesson plans or grading tests. To improve relationships with their students, a teacher will be responsible for spending some of their own time attending sport activities, school plays, and other activities (Kelly). In order to be a good teacher, one must treat students as consumers of knowledge, not strangers or simply children. As technology enters the mainstream, teachers must also be able to effectively use technological resources on a daily basis. For example, educators of all levels may be required to know how to use LCD projectors, computers, printers, scanners, photocopiers, video cameras,

Malik 5 laboratory beakers and hotplates, etc. They also should know how to use word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software (O*Net). Often, the most important yet overlooked aspect of a teachers career would be their work environment. According to a survey taken by the National Center for Education Statistics, some teachers view their work environments as unsupportive. The survey indicates that only one-third of teachers agreed strongly that parents support their efforts to education their children (NCES). In addition, The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports than many teachers, particularly in public schools, are frustrated by the lack of control they have over what they teach. This factor may lead to some teachers feeling unsupported and isolated (BLS). Though many feel there is a lack of motivation from students parents, they also are optimistic and believe in the potentiality of improvement. In addition, most states have tenure laws that prevent public school teachers from being fired without reason. Teachers can obtain tenure by completing three years of teaching in a classroom (BLS). The concept of tenure has caused controversy within many school districts in the United States. The film, Waiting for Superman, portrays a documentary on the modern-day public school system. One of the aspects covered in the film is the concept of tenure, and whether it should be eliminated or not. The film depicts a scene of a rubber room in New York City, where several teachers are being paid simply to sit, read newspapers, and sleep as they are not required to teach under the law of tenure. According to the film, tenure costs the city around $100 million per year, and administrators of these schools are unable to afford better teachers and programs within their schools (Superman). This aspect of the work environment of teachers is becoming more troubling as education reforms continue to pass. Though tenure may be beneficial towards adult teachers, it may prove harmful towards students.

Malik 6 There are other current political problems to consider as an aspiring teacher, including the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) which was introduced to Congress by former President George W. Bushs administration in 2001. Enacted during a time of public concern regarding the state of education, the NCLB legislation set in place requirements that reached into virtually every public school in America. It expanded the federal role in education and took particular aim at achieving proficiency. At the core of the NCLB Act were a number of measures designed to drive student achievement and to hold states and schools more accountable for student progress (Issues: No Child Left Behind). Recently, President Obamas administration has passed a waiver allowing 10 states to be exempt from the NCLB Act. Dr. Paru Shah, Assistant Professor of Political Science at Macalester College, conducted a survey in which 87 elementary school teachers in Chaska School District were asked questions regarding their opinion on the NCLB act. The survey revealed that only 13% of teachers said the sanctions improved teaching, 90% said they were under unfair pressure to improve student test scores, and 88% believed the act caused teachers to ignore important aspects of curriculum. The survey also addressed perceived changes in instructional efforts and possible changes needed for improving education. Shahs survey concluded with the notion that NCLB needs to be re-evaluated and reshaped into an effective policy (The Teachers Voice). Earnings In 2006, public school teachers at all levels kindergarten, elementary, middle, and secondary had median annual earnings that ranged from $43,580 to $48,690 in May 2006 (BLS). In Pennsylvania, however, the median salary for an educator is $51,300. The top ten percent earn $67,490 (Job Outlook for Teachers).

Malik 7 Teachers with bachelors degrees often earn less than those with masters degrees. Getting a masters degree or national certification often results in a raise in pay. Other teachers earn extra income by participating in school events, coaching student sports, and working with students in extracurricular activities. Some teachers also receive bonuses during the summer by volunteering to tutor or teach summer classes. Although private school teachers generally earn less than those who teach public schools, they may be given special benefits such as free or subsidized housing (BLS). In addition to regular salary, one of the benefits of being a teacher is the impressive benefits package most schools offer. Most public schools grant their faculty comprehensive health and life insurance, as well as government pension plans. For example, teachers who become members of the union, National Education Association, can choose from a variety of health/dental coverage options to meet their needs and budget (NEA). At private schools, teachers are likely to enjoy perks such as free or discounted tuition for their own children (The Benefits of Teaching). In 2006, more than half of all elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers were actively involved in unions such as the American Federation of Teachers (BLS). Unions are helpful for teachers because they can be formed to advocate for higher wages, less hours, and other terms of employment. Teachers can also plea for more benefits such as medical insurance and retirement plans. For example, the National Education Association is a union committed to advancing public education. NEA's 3.2 million members work at every level of educationfrom pre-school to university graduate programs (NEA). In todays poor economy, the rate of unemployment in the United States is at a rise. The current rate is 8.2%. A current population survey compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Malik 8 shows a decline in unemployment in those who have a higher education or experience background. 1.9% of teachers who have doctoral degrees are unemployed, whereas 5.4% of teachers with Bachelors degrees are unemployed (BLS). In an interview regarding salary and benefits, 8th-grade history teacher Anthony Olseski said, If money was the first thing that mattered, I would be doing something else (Olseski). Though salary is an important aspect in every career, to many, the enjoyment and pleasure of being a teacher is truly what matters the most. Prerequisites The traditional route to becoming a public school teacher is through receiving a bachelors degree and then licensure. The road to becoming a successful teacher truly begins in the classroom, as a student. Aspiring teachers learn their craft in college education courses and special teacher training courses. In addition, public school teachers must obtain a state license. Requirements for these courses vary, but they typically include supervised practice teaching or student teaching, and an exam (Teaching Career Requirements). While in college, aspiring teachers should try to gain experience volunteering within a classroom with children in the age group they wish to teach. They should check with local schools in their community for volunteer opportunities such as tutoring programs. America Reads, a national volunteer service that was introduced in 1997, challenges candidates in the career field of education to help children learn to read well and independently by the end of elementary school. There are approximately 1,200 colleges and universities participating in the America Reads Challenge. The program provides aspiring teachers with the opportunity to gain experience working with children (Teachers Count).

Malik 9 The requirements for teacher licensure/certification are set by each individual states Department of Education. While the state licensing requirements do differ among states, most states require teachers to fulfill a standard set of requirements. In order to become a teacher, an individual must hold a bachelor's degree, and, in some states, a post-baccalaureate or master's degree. For secondary subjects, you will usually need a degree in the area you wish to teach. In addition, an aspiring teacher will likely have to participate in an approved, accredited education program that fulfills student teaching and practicum requirements (Teachers Count). According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, for initial certification, teachers must earn a Baccalaureate degree, complete an approved program, and pass the Praxis Series exam. These tests measure basic skills in reading, writing and mathematics. In addition to licensure, these tests are often used to qualify candidates for entry into a teacher education program (Praxis Series). Teachers certified at an accredited college or university in one state may be allowed to transfer their teaching certificate to another state, under the law of reciprocity. Usually, a state will require teachers who were licensed elsewhere to meet any local requirements for certification within a specified period of time. Getting certified in New York means you have reciprocity with over 30 other states. Some states have reciprocity with more states, and others with fewer states (Becoming a Teacher). In todays job climate, once candidates are exposed to the market, they should not only meet the requirements set by the state, but also have additional volunteer experiences and have participated in unique educational training programs in order to land a job. Outlook Opportunities for teachers should be excellent in the coming decade. With a college education and personal experience as students themselves, teachers aspire to lead a new

Malik 10 generation of students to their own professional success. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of school teachers is expected to grow by 12 percent between 2006 and 2016. Job openings are directly dependent on the growth in the industry as the industry grows, more jobs are created and wages are increased (BLS). Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, and secondary school teachers, held about 3.5 million jobs in 2008. Of the teachers in those jobs, about 179,500 were kindergarten teachers, 1.5 million were elementary school teachers, 659,500 were middle school teachers, and 1.1 million were secondary school teachers. Employment of teachers is geographically distributed much the same as the population (BLS). However, the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce challenges these statistics and labels them as misinforming. The current education requirement projections by the Bureau of Labor Statistics use a methodology that underestimates the demand for postsecondary education. In its 1998 forecast, which covered a 10-year timeline through 2008, the Bureau under-predicted how many workers in the U.S. labor force would have Associates degrees or better by 19 million. According to Georgetown, that projection was off by 47 percent. Georgetowns methodology, for that same period, over-predicted postsecondary educational demand by about 2 million workersan error rate of just 4 percent (Help Wanted: Projections of Jobs and Education Requirements Through 2018). It can be assumed that because the official data consistently underestimates the demand for postsecondary education, it could encourage a consistent bias against investing in postsecondary education and training. Whether or not there is a significant demand by employers in the education industry for teachers to have a postsecondary education is uncertain; however, aiming to achieve a degree should not be discouraged.

Malik 11 President Barack Obama has taken methods of education reform to ensure every child has an effective teacher. Obama stated, Particularly at a time when our nation is facing a shortage in teachers due to retirement and retention problems, it is important to ensure that we can attract, support, and retain high-quality teachers (Barack Obama on Education). The outlook on a career in education today is extremely dependent on the current socio-political climate. Specifically, Obama plans to provide funding for 200 new Teacher Residency Programs. In these programs, individuals completing coursework for teacher certification could serve as apprentices in the classrooms of veteran teachers, as long as they pledged at least three years of service in the sponsoring district (Barack Obama on Education). Due to current political education reforms, aspiring teachers are encouraged to seek careers in the fields of math and science. President Obama says he wants to make math and science education a national priority, noting that 80 percent of the fastest growing occupations are dependent upon a knowledge in those fields, yet studies show American students do not graduate with the skills for them. Obama believes the way students are tested in the areas needs to be changed, and he states is committed to working with governors and educators to test inquiry and higher order thinking skills including inference, logic, data analysis and interpretation, forming questions, and communication (Barack Obama on Education). Recently, schools have introduced the STEM program, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. This program was fueled by America's demand for educated individuals to fill the job openings requiring skilled STEM workers in order to keep jobs in the U.S (STEM School Blog). As education is an imperative for each American family, the growth of the job industry is steady and promising.

Malik 12
Figure 2

The Bureau of Labor Statistics recognizes the new political standpoints on education on how they are impacting projection data and outlooks. Their report states: At the Federal level, there has been a large increase in funding for education, particularly for the hiring of qualified teachers in lower income areas (BLS). Statistically, the outlook for a career in education appears strong as well. According to Georgetown Universitys studies, Education occupations will provide a commensurate share of job openings between 2008 and 2018. These occupations currently account for 9 million jobs and will grow to 10.2 million by 2018, a net increase of 1.3 million new jobs. Education occupations will produce 3 million job openings over the decade, including 1.3 million net new jobs and 1.7 job openings from retirement. According to Figure 2, the mean average percent of growth in employment seems to be at a steady 6.3% increase (Help Wanted: Projections of Jobs and Education Requirements Through 2018).

Malik 13 Advancement in modernizing and changing education paradigms is not only possible, it is happening, and todays teachers are being held responsible by parents and a demanding government to help and prepare students for the rigors of life beyond the classroom. The problem is that the current system of education fosters a design conceived for a different age and culture; educators are trying to meet the future by doing what they did in the past. However, as the federal government takes charge at attempting to reform education, careers in education are at a steady rise, and progress seems imminent. President of the United States, Barack Obama, is working to replace ineffective teachers with teachers who guarantee high-quality education for their students. Teaching is not perceived only as a career choice, but a life purpose with moral benefits. Of course, while there are countless advantages of being a teacher, there are disadvantages as well, including a comparatively low salary to other occupations, a physically demanding work schedule, and constant stimulating pressure from students and parents alike. Though all facets of a career in education today encompass a sense of political and social urgency, the art of becoming and being a teacher lies not only in striving to satisfy these needs, but by ensuring these needs are united with passion, commitment, and a promise for mutual success.

Malik 14 Works Cited "25-2031.00 - Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education." O*NET OnLine. Web. 25 Feb. 2012. <http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/252031.00>. AFT Teachers: A Union of Professionals. Becoming a Teacher. Web. 25 Feb. 2012. <http://www.aft.org/pdfs/tools4teachers/becomingateacher0608.pdf>. "Barack Obama on Education." Education.com. 1 Aug. 2008. Web. 25 Feb. 2012. <http://www.education.com/magazine/article/Barack_Obama/>. "The Benefits of Teaching." Benefits of Being a Teacher. Web. 25 Feb. 2012. <http://www.teacher-world.com/articles/benefits-of-being-a-teacher.html>. Carnevale, Anthony P. Help Wanted: Projections of Jobs and Education Requirements Through 2018. Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. June 2010. Web. 25 Feb. 2012. <http://www9.georgetown.edu/grad/gppi/hpi/cew/pdfs/FullReport.pdf>. "Education." The White House. Web. 25 Feb. 2012. <http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/education>. "Issues: No Child Left Behind." Education Week: Research Center. 19 Sept. 2011. Web. 25 Feb. 2012. <http://www.edweek.org/ew/issues/no-child-left-behind/>. Kelly, Melissa. "Top 5 Things to Consider Before Becoming A Teacher." About.com Secondary Education. Web. 25 Feb. 2012. <http://712educators.about.com/od/teachereducation/tp/becomingateacher.htm>. Lorenzo, George. "Job Outlook for Teachers Job Outlook for Teachers Job Outlook for Teacher." Lorenzo Associates, Inc. Web. 25 Feb. 2012. <http://www.edpath.com/GuidetoOL/job%20outlook%20teachers.html>.

Malik 15 "National Education Association." NEA. Web. 26 Mar. 2012. <http://www.nea.org/>. Olseski, Anthony. Personal interview. 9 Oct. 2009. Shah, Ph.D., Paru. No Child Left Behind: The Teachers' Voice. Rep. Web. <http://www.mn2020.org/assets/uploads/article/nclb.pdf>. "Statistics on American K-12 Public Education." The Broad Education Foundation. Web. 25 Feb. 2012. <http://broadeducation.org/about/crisis_stats.html>. "The STEM School Blog." What Is a STEM School? Web. 26 Mar. 2012. <http://www.stemschool.com/2009/04/what-is-stem-school.html>. "Teacher Quality: A Report on the Preparation and Qualifications of Public School Teachers." National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Jan. 1999. Web. 25 Feb. 2012. <http://nces.ed.gov/surveys/frss/publications/1999080/index.asp?sectionid=5>. "Teachers Count." I Want To Teach - How to Become a Teacher. Web. 25 Feb. 2012. <http://teacherscount.org/wannateach/how.shtml>. "TeachersKindergarten, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary." U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 17 Dec. 2009. Web. 25 Feb. 2012. <http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos318.htm>. "Teaching Career Requirements." Career Requirement. Web. 25 Feb. 2012. <http://www.careerrequirement.com/teaching.htm>. Waiting for Superman. Dir. Davis Guggenheim. 2010. DVD. "Work Smarts: Using Multiple Intelligences to Make Better Career Choices." Web. 25 Feb. 2012. <http://jist.emcpublishingllc.com/work-smarts.html>.