Black Collegian Career Center

Would another career make her happier than banking? In her job, Williams could measure dollars and cents, but when the day ended, she couldn't really measure what she had accomplished. While she thought of making a mid-career change and redefining her goals, she taught at the Christian school her children attended in Kenner, LA, as an assistant.

She soon found teaching very similar to banking, an investment for the future. But instead of giving quarterly returns on your investment, teaching gave daily returns: "I cannot tell you how much joy I received from teaching. Students began the school year eager to learn but knowing very little; then by the end of the school term, they had progressed noticeably. Knowing that I played a part in their progress could only be described as joy."

Williams quit the banking industry. Currently, she is a head teacher of a K-3 class (3-year olds) at First Baptist.

The Demand For Teachers

U.S. News and World Report's Annual Career Guide for 1997 lists education as one of the best jobs for the future. While employment in the areas of educational services will increase by 2.2 million people between 1994 and 2005, most of the new jobs will be for teachers. Fairfax County Public Schools, one of the largest public school districts in the U.S., hires between 800 and 1,000 teachers during an average year.

A bachelor's degree and a teaching certificate are required of all new teachers in both public and private schools. The majority of teachers enter the profession with degrees in general education, art, music, industrial arts, business, foreign language, reading, social, biological or physical sciences. Although there are some exceptions, the greater percentage of general education teachers are at the elementary school level.

However for those who specialize, there are positions in the elementary and high school levels for persons in reading, foreign language, physical education, education, English as a second language, health, social work, information sciences, vocational and occupational education, physical occupational therapy and agriculture.

According to the latest census data, 20 percent of the new jobs available for college graduates will be special education, elementary, and secondary school assignments. Bilingual teachers are also in demand as a result of the large influx of students who speak another language.

African-American Teachers Wanted!

More than 70 percent of the teaching corps are White, middle-aged females. Ninety percent of the male teachers are White. With more children of color making up the public school rolls, the demand for African-American teachers, especially males, is great; however, the supply is not.

"African American teachers play a pivotal role in not only molding the young African American child, but they also help their colleagues get a better perspective on racial and cultural issues that impact education just by being in the same building," says Constance Goodson, a health and sex education consultant for the Georgia public school system.

Recruiters are looking for African-American teachers, especially males. "An African-American male who has completed his college requirements and is certified at the elementary school level has an open 'field' in terms of employment if he his willing to relocate," adds Goodson, a former school teacher and administrator.

Benefits of Teaching

There are only a few other careers that offer you the financial, cerebral, affective, and security opportunities afforded full-time public school teachers. If you have children who attend school in the same district or parish where you teach, you can be home when they get home from school. When they have school break, so do you. Summer. Easter. Christmas. If you need extra money, the 2-1/2 month summer break allows you the opportunity to either teach summer school or get another summer job. If time is what you're looking for, you have those months to travel or rest before the next school term.

In addition, your retirement plan begins with your first paycheck. You get a health package for yourself and your dependents that few companies can match. And if you're pregnant you get prenatal benefits and maternity leave. And after giving birth your job is guaranteed upon your return.

Compensation for the Beginning Teacher

Starting teaching salaries for public school teachers range from $19,000 to $33,000. Generally, the higher salaries are found in the Northeast and the West because of the high cost of living.

Another factor that influences teachers compensation is the size of the district in which the school system is located. Smaller school districts tend to pay less than larger districts, and on average private schools pay far less than public schools. An additional $100 to $1,500 can be added to the salary of starting teachers assigned co-curricular activities, such as band, athletics, or the school newspaper.

Factors Other Than Money

There may be variables other than money that you should factor in deciding whether you will accept a position. These include family support systems, leisure activities, lifestyle, cultural and social outlets, demographics, and topographies.

Often school districts team with private companies to entice people to teach in their district with attractions other than salary. As you go over offers presented to you by district recruiters, be assertive. Ask questions. If you don't ask, you might miss out on an incentive that could influence your decision.

What might those incentives be? Some districts offer reduced rent for a limited time; banks that have teamed up with the districts offer low cost loans if you decide to live in certain neighborhoods; utility start-up fees can be reduced, if not eliminated; and some districts even assist with loans to help you purchase a car.

Remember, if you have maintained a respectable grade-point-average, present yourself well to recruiters, and if you are willing to relocate, you will be highly sought after.

Teachers Hold the Key To Our Future

Most people cite a desire to give back to the community or the chance to serve as a role model as reasons why they teach. All of us can remember at least one teacher who inspired us. Take this opportunity to touch a child's life.

No matter what your major or your career aspirations, you can inspire some child to achieve his or her highest potential or achieve things he or she never thought possible. You hold the key. Unlock the door and open it so that our future can walk right through.

Like Cheryl Williams, you'll find that there is more joy in giving than in receiving.