General Study: Elementary or Early Childhood Education

Title of the Career;
Nature and/or description of the career;
Training and education required for the career; Jobs outlook for the future (including income); Earning potential of the career; Positives and negatives (pros and cons) of the field; Required skills, knowledge and abilities to perform the job; Related occupations (alternative to this career).

GENERAL STUDY
ELEMENTARY OR EARLY CHILDHOOD
EDUCATION

DESCRIPTION
In an early childhood education diploma program you will learn about the education needs specific to young children and how to go about fulfilling them. Learn about early childhood psychology and behavior and the specific teaching practices that cater to them. Also learn about how to communicate with children and their families to ensure that each child receives the attention he deserves.
EDUCATION Throughout the course of a childhood education diploma program you will become an expert in the assessment of the educational needs of children. Learn observation techniques and theories and how to implement them into progress reports and personalized learning plans. You will also learn about children with special needs and how to meet them. Most diploma programs incorporate extensive classroom time with children as a way of getting hands-on experience.
Job Out Looks Employment of kindergarten and elementary school teachers is expected to grow by 17 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Growth is expected because of both declines in student–teacher ratios and increases in enrollment. However, employment growth will vary by region.

EARNING POTENTIAL OF THE CAREER
Potential earnings can vary widely based on many factors, some of which may include the following: public or private setting
School district (large, small, inner city, suburban, rural, etc.) college or university standing and size an educator's subject specialty a teacher's educational qualifications union membership

In recent studies states that teachers in Alabama make 35,000$ starting out but average’s 45,000$ after a couple of years of experience. Also that is with just a bachelor degree.

Pros
I am able to help others.
As a teacher, you will wear many hats – a communicator, a disciplinarian, a conveyor of information, an evaluator, a classroom manager, a counselor, a member of many teams and groups, a decision-maker, a role-model, and a surrogate parent.
High job satisfaction
Passing on your knowledge and passion.
10 weeks paid holiday
Wall Displays!
Having a laugh/fun with the kids
The ability to use my own initiative and be creative.
No two days are the same.
You get to dabble in everything.
Probably do less work than the average business employee, and probably smile a lot more as well!!
Paid the same as secondary schools according to the TDA pay scale.

CONS
Sometimes stressful (every job is)
Exhausting.
Paperwork!
You will be involved in - after school meetings, committees, assisting students, grading homework, assignments, projects, and calling parents - All these demand some sacrifice of your personal time.
Children can get out of hand/ rowdy classes.
Less opportunities to earn extra money, compared to secondary schools.

There are not to many requirements to being a teacher besides getting a degree and having passion for what you do.

RELATED OCCUPATIONS
1. Instructional coordinator: Also known as directors of instructional material or curriculum specialists, instructional coordinators work on the strategic side of education. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, sample duties include selecting textbooks, assessing curricula for quality, implementing new technology in classrooms and training teachers. Most instructional coordinators have a background in education, either in teaching or administration.
Median annual salary: $56,880*
2. Corporate trainer: Teachers can parlay their talent for instruction and skill development into a career in corporate training. Companies employ corporate trainers to mentor new hires, teach professional development classes and keep employees up-to-date on new technologies and processes. Most corporate training roles will fall under a company's human resources department.
Median annual salary: $51,450
3. Private tutor: Those with an entrepreneurial streak might consider starting a business as a private tutor. Like teachers, private tutors work directly with students, but on a one-on-one basis. For those who don't want the hassle of running a business, companies such as Varsity Tutors match certified tutors with students.
Median annual salary: Salary varies by experience, education level and region. A search for tutors on Care.com found that less-experienced tutors charged as little as $15 an hour, while more advanced tutors charged $50 an hour or more.
4. Administrator: A career as an education administrator is a good fit for those who wish to take on a leadership and management role in the education system. Unlike teachers, education administrators have less interaction with students and instead spend more time overseeing and managing teachers and other staff in their school or district.
Median annual salary: $83,880
5. Standardized test developer: Standardized test developers do just that -- they write questions and passages for standardized tests used in education. Test developers may also verify test content and review it for accuracy and fairness.
Median annual salary: N/A
6. Educational program director: Working in facilities such as museums, zoos and national parks, educational program directors plan and develop the learning programs used to instruct student and community groups who visit the facilities.
Median annual salary: Salary varies by type of facility and experience level. According to CBSalary, for example, museum educators earn an average salary of $38,341, while park naturalists -- those who create public programs at national parks -- earn about $37,673 per year.
7. Textbook author: Textbook authors conduct research, write passages and verify information for student textbooks. Though full-time, salaried jobs can be found with major book publishers, some textbook authors work on a freelance or contract basis.
Median annual salary: $53,070