A List Highlights the Education Profession
Education is the process by which learners acquire knowledge, skills, attitudes, morals, emotions, beliefs, tools and interpersonal development through a structured curriculum that includes instruction, assessment, practice and evaluation. It also involves the application of learning theories to provide instruction in all the various academic disciplines. The major objectives of education include promoting social awareness, mental health and individual growth, providing the basic needs of individuals and developing productivity, providing an environment that promotes learning and understanding, and maintaining and building upon the learning experience over the life span of students. Educational systems generally include training, teaching, assessment, practice and evaluation as major components of the curriculum. The structure of education may be categorized according to content, instructional design, practice, feedback mechanisms, support, and feedback.
In education programs, teachers play a vital role in determining the learning goals of their students. Teachers formulate the teaching plans based on the objectives of each lesson and organize lessons for students according to their learning levels. There are various types of teachers in education programs. These include general teachers, special education teachers, preschool teachers, elementary school teachers, secondary school teachers, high school teachers, teacher trained teachers and professional teachers.
The curriculum and teaching methods used in education vary according to the type of education system. For instance, the teaching and coaching program of the K-12 education system combines the basic education and training offered by the public school system with the elements of informal education and training provided by professional educators and parents. The curriculum and teaching methodologies of the English Basic Education (EBA) program are based on the experiences and recommendations of experienced teachers who develop the curriculum by listening to children and teachers within the community. The National Association for Home schooling families believes that “children thrive in an environment of involvement, support, and mastery from the people who shape their own future.”
An education policy is a legally binding statement made by an authority figure, such as a county, state, local or national board of education, school district superintendent, or office of the governor. The policy outlines the objectives of the educational system, which are then the basis of the classroom teaching practices. Policy statements may also include provisions about student discipline and student/teacher interaction. Policy statements and rules are written down in various forms such as rules of conduct, accommodations, academic standards, behavioral consequences, student review, and student athlete policy. In addition to writing down the principles or policies contained in the document, teachers must also practice them so they know them by heart.
Curriculum and instructional materials are the tools used in classroom teaching positions. The types of curriculum models are determined by the objectives and needs of the individual student, depending on his/her level of learning. Professional educators make use of different curriculum models such as Whole Language System, Whole Child, and phonics-based curriculum models. The curriculum and teaching methodologies recommended for students with special needs are specified in individualized education plans or CDAPs. Curriculum and instructional materials for English language learners, working children, and students with disabilities are presented in various formats such as books, videos, VHS, computer based programs, and CDs.
Other educational opportunities include professional development coaching, which is conducted by professional organizations such as the Association for the Study of Coaching in Education (ASCE), and other certification or continuing education training programs offered by professional associations. Teachers interested in career paths in the education field can make a career out of their strengths. A list highlights some of the major educational opportunities available for those with strong academic potentials. Careers as instructors or principal of schools, teachers and administrators, curriculum developers, and educational technologies developers are only some of the possible positions teachers may have. Once they start looking into careers in education, they can begin assembling a list of education professionals they would like to join.