An Education Industry Booms: The Online Degree Program for Principals and Teachers

Very few industries combine stability and flexibility like the business of education. This field has all of the potential to be a juggernaut of opportunity. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals an appealing job outlook for the following education-based careers:

• Principal. Growth estimated at 12 percent through 2016--about as fast as the national average. An additional 53,000 jobs are expected to be added
• Teacher. Growth estimated at 12 percent through 2016--about as fast as the national average. An additional 479,000 jobs are expected to be added
• Teacher Assistant/ Teacher Aide. Growth estimated at 10 percent through 2016--about as fast as the national average. An additional 137,000 jobs are expected to be added

K-12 Education: Special Needs in Schools Means Opportunity and Benefits

Perhaps the most inviting feature of a job as a principal, teacher, teacher assistant or teacher aide is the sheer diversity of subjects to choose from. The professional satisfaction you'll enjoy stems from teaching material that you're truly passionate about.

• Reading/Writing. Instruction in the basic skills of written communication common to all professions
• Math. The precursor to engineering, technology and other mechanical endeavors
• Science. A study of the natural world that leads to professions in research
• Social Studies. An examination of world, regional, national and local cultures
• Honors Classes. The enhanced curriculum for students who demonstrate academic drive
• AP Classes. High-stakes programs that can earn your students college credit

Global Education Programs Setting the Pace

Creating a list of top-performing countries with respect to educational system is difficult for several reason: population size, total expenditures based on GDP, level of development, just to name a few. But we can look at performances and arrive at a general consensus on the countries that are getting it right.

According to Eric Beerkins, PhD, the United States, the United Kingdom Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, Japan and Germany sit atop the "best school system" rankings. Countries that have made significant improvements include Greece, Argentina, Thailand, Russia and India. Opportunities to teach abroad draw many American teachers to better schools, better pay and an exposure to new cultures.

School Teachers Mixing Lesson Plans With Passion

From basic skills to advanced placement classes, good teachers come from all backgrounds. It's your life experience that will endear you to your students, just as the top teachers on the 2009 National Teacher of the Year Finalists list have done:

• Alex Kajitani. This 2009 California Teacher of the Year is an eighth grade mathematics teacher at Mission Middle School in Escondido, California. He focuses his lessons on improving the world in which we live.
• Susan Elliott. This 2009 Colorado Teacher of the Year is a ninth through twelfth-grade English and social studies teacher at Highlands Ranch High School in Highland Ranch, Colorado. She is a 31-year vet and is an expert at weaving cross-curricular connections and integrated technology.

If you believe your career should be more than just a paycheck, the education industry offers professions with a true social conscience. There's simply no better advertisement for the job than that.