The Teaching Career Cluster
Teaching is a respected, versatile, and important career across many industries. It comes as no surprise, then, that teaching has its own career cluster. Learning what the teaching career cluster encompasses can help those considering a career in teaching decide if this field is right for them.
What is a Career Cluster?
Career clusters are groupings of professions related to a particular area of work, interest, or skill. For the teaching career cluster, this includes the many fields of teaching that span both school and non-school settings. While there are many different kinds of teachers, they are all united in their focus on instruction and the sharing of knowledge.
Careers Included in the Teaching Cluster
The teaching career cluster is broad, embracing many different career options. Some of the careers in this cluster include:
- Elementary and Secondary School Teachers: These teachers plan and teach lessons to students in elementary school or high school. They may specialize in specific subjects, such as math or science.
- Post Secondary Faculty: Post secondary faculty teach in colleges or universities. They specialize in a given field and are often expected to conduct research, as well.
- Vocational Teachers: Vocational teachers provide instruction in specialized technical fields. For example, they may teach carpentry or welding, helping to prepare students for employment in a particular field.
- Childcare Providers: Childcare providers teach, care for, and supervise children. They may be found in childcare centers or may provide care in a private home setting.
- Adult Education Instructors: Adult education instructors help adults pursue educational goals, often providing assistance with language skills, GED preparation, and job training.
What Skills do Teaching Career Cluster Professionals Need?
In order to be successful in a teaching career, professionals must possess a number of key skills, such as:
- Communication: Teaching professionals must be able to clearly and effectively express ideas and concepts to their students.
- Creativity: Teaching professionals must be creative in their approach to instruction, finding new and innovative ways to present material to students.
- Patience: Teaching can be a difficult and demanding job, so patience is a necessity.
- Organizational Skills: Teaching professionals need to be organized in order to plan and manage their classes effectively.
- Adaptability: Teaching professionals must be adaptable in order to adjust their instruction to meet the needs of their students.
Teaching is a rewarding and fulfilling career choice, and understanding the teaching career cluster can help individuals determine if this is the right path for them.
