Education Careers -- DRAFT at the University of Saint Joseph | USJ West Hartford, CT (2024)

Preschool teachers educate and care for children younger than age 5 who have not yet entered kindergarten. They teach language, motor, and social skills to young children. Kindergarten and elementary school teachers instruct young students in basic subjects, such as math and reading, in order to prepare them for middle school.Middle school teachers help students build on the fundamentals taught in elementary school and prepare students for high school. High school teachers help prepare students for life after graduation.They teach academic lessons and various skills that students will need to attend college or to enter the job market.Special education teachers work with students who have learning, mental, emotional, or physical disabilities. They adapt general education lessons and teach various subjects to students with mild to moderate disabilities. They also teach basic skills to students with severe disabilities.

Teacher Job Responsibilities

Depending on grade level, teacher job responsibilities can include*:

• Plan lessons and instruct their students in the subject they teach
• Assess students’ abilities, strengths, and weaknesses
• Adapt lessons to changes in class size
• Organize activities so children can learn about the world, explore interests, and develop skills
• Grade students’ assignments and exams
• Work with individual students to challenge them and to improve their abilities and overcome specific learning challenges
• Prepare students for standardized tests required by the state
• Develop and enforce classroom rules and administrative policies
• Supervise students outside of the classroom—for example, during lunchtime or detention
• Teach students how to interact with others
• Observe students to evaluate their abilities, strengths, and weaknesses
• Instruct an entire class or smaller groups of students
• Communicate with parents or guardian about their child’s progress

*source, source, source, source, source

Teacher Job Options

At the University of Saint Joseph, you can choose to specialize in:

• Early childhood education (N-3 at the undergraduate level and PK-3 at the graduate level)
• Elementary education (PK-6)
• Secondary education (4-12)
• Special education (K-12)

resource (need info)

co teaching (need info)

Special education teachers work with students who have a wide range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities.

Special Education Teacher Job Responsibilities

Special education teachers typically do the following*:

• Assess students’ skills and determine their educational needs
• Adapt general lessons to meet students’ needs
• Develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for each student
• Plan activities that are specific to each student’s abilities
• Teach and mentor students as a class, in small groups, and one-on-one
• Implement IEPs, assess students’ performance, and track their progress
• Update IEPs throughout the school year to reflect students’ progress and goals
• Discuss students’ progress with parents, other teachers, counselors, and administrators
• Supervise and mentor teacher assistants who work with students with disabilities
• Prepare and help students transition from grade to grade and from school to life outside of school

*source

Special Education Professional Options

The University of Saint Joseph offers the following Special Education programs:

• Special Education B.S. and MAT with Teacher Licensure
• Special Education Advanced Teaching M.A. (cross endorsem*nt)
• Early Childhood/Special Education M.A. (cross endorsem*nt)
• Special Education Literacy M.A.
• Special Education M.A.
  • With a Concentration in Transition & Accessibility Services
  • With a Graduate Certificate in Autism and Neurodiverse Learners
  • With a Graduate Certificate in Dyslexia and Reading Disabilities

School counselors help students develop academic and social skills and plans for after graduation.The median pay for licensed school counselors in 2023 was $61,710 nationally and $70,800 in Connecticut, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

School Counselor Job Responsibilities

School counselors typically do the following*:

• Help students understand and overcome social or behavioral challenges
• Analyze data to identify factors, such as poor attendance, that negatively affect academic performance
• Advise individuals and small groups based on their needs
• Work with students to develop skills that support learning,such as effective time management and study habits
• Evaluate students’ abilities and interests through aptitude assessments and interviews
• Collaborate with teachers and families to help students plan academic, career, and social goals
• Teach students and school staff about specific topics such as bullying and drug use
• Present options to students for educational or vocational plans after graduation
• Maintain records as required
• Report cases of possible neglect or abuse and refer students and parents to resources for additional support

The University of Saint Joseph offers a M.A. in School Counseling.

*source

According to NAEYC, “Projections indicate that by 2030,40% of school-age children will have a home language other than English.”

Licensed teachers can earn a certification in Teaching English as a Second Language. Having this certification is generally required to teach English to non-native speakers in public schools.

Teaching English as a Second Language Responsibilities
The primary responsibility for teaching English as a second language is what the name implies; teaching English as a second language to students who do not speak English fluently. In addition to teaching the language, EL teachers help students better understand the culture of their new environment.

TESOL professionals typically do the following*:

• Plan and teach lessons to help students gain the knowledge and skills needed to excel in school and work
• Adapt teaching methods based on students’ strengths and weaknesses
• Emphasize skills that will help students in school and work, such as learning English words and common phrases used in school and the workplace
• Assess students for learning disabilities
• Monitor students’ progress
• Help students develop study skills
• Connect students to other resources in their community

*source

Teaching English as a Second Language Job Options
English as a second language teachers have the options to work in a traditional school setting, during evening hours to accommodate older students and an online option to connect with students in different locations.

Education professionals who want to specialize in or deepen their knowledge in a certain area can bring a unique perspective to the classroom.

Areas of specialization offered at USJ include:

• Curriculum & Instruction
• Instructional Technology
• Literacy
• Autism and Neurodiverse Learners
• Dyslexia and Reading Disabilities
• more