3 Key Points to Success in a Teaching Career

A career in the education field is one that, as with most other positions in this current economy situation, is highly competitive when it comes to landing that desired teaching position. When it comes to being truly successful in a teaching career, studies have shown that there are certain qualities that one must have, and that is what we will look into a bit here.

Think back to your time in school, and you will probably remember there being those teachers that seemed to really connect with students while teaching, as well as those that just basically put the information out there. I know I still can, all these years later, remember those special teachers that really "touched" me and those that did not. Almost anyone can instruct others, but it takes a certain type of person to really bond with students and be able to inspire and affect the mind of the student. That is the kind of connection you need to be able to establish in order to be a real success in a teaching position. If you want to truly teach someone something they will hold onto, you must see educating as much more than simply laying out textbook knowledge to others; it is a learning experience that is truly life changing for the student, and will stick with them when they leave.

To get to the stage of being ready to take on a teaching position, you have obviously acquired quite a few years of education yourself. However, is that all you need? In order to really continue to succeed and really touch that spirit of learning in students, you need to continue to have that thirst for knowledge yourself. If you have the passion and excitement about learning yourself, that passion will show and influence those around you - the students. A teacher who already feels - and acts - like they "know it all" or are unable to consider that they could be wrong, or "behind the times" in an area of study, will not have the same connecting affect with students as those who have an ever-learning attitude. This type of continual hunger for knowledge yourself is what can set apart a great teacher from a mediocre one.

Of course, in order to enter into an education career, you first need to have acquired the proper degrees depending on which are required for your specific field of study. On top of that though, you need to have a special degree in education that helps you to understand various teaching techniques as well as some insight in understanding the minds and ways of students. But similar to that eagerness discussed above, you should have a desire to continue in your formal training too, acquiring additional certifications/qualifications for your field of study. Do not be complacent with just getting into a position, but desire and strive to move onward and upward into advanced studies in your field. The more you are qualified, the more desirable you become to your employer, which can lead to longevity in your career.

If you have been in a teaching career for some time, please share with everyone how these types of tips have been beneficial to your career. Have you known co-workers who would fit into these categories mentioned, and if so, have you seen the affect it has had on their career? Please share in the comments below.