Education Degrees Essential for a Bright Future

by Amanda Fornecker

"Good teachers aren't just critical for the success of our students. They are the key to the success of our economy." - Michelle Obama

One of the most important (and often-overlooked) careers is certainly that of an educator. What these individuals teach in the classroom, becomes a foundation for what the future of tomorrow will go out and accomplish.

The First Lady recently wrote an impassioned article about education and teachers and why they are so important. Filled with such conviction as to why they make a huge difference, Obama expresses that this really is a great career to enter. And, because she thinks so highly of the teaching profession, we know that Obama is working hard to get better pay and benefits for teachers throughout the country.

"The reality is that with each passing year, we are losing more and more of our most experienced teachers," she writes. "More than half of our nation's teachers and principals are baby boomers. And in the next four years, as many as one third of America's 3.2 million teachers could retire. The U.S. Department of Education projects that by 2014, just five short years from now, our nation's schools will hire as many as 1 million new teachers."

It is important, then, to have a steady supply of great individuals, who have been educated to their fullest potential and can share their knowledge with those who follow them. This is a great time to get an education degree or even pursue a career change into the field of teaching. If you're even remotely interested in helping others, you already have a head start. No matter what your original degree or job was, you can be sure that its never to late to follow another path.

Acting now, just before a real, positive change in the teaching profession is perfect. By the time you get to the job you desire as a working professional, perhaps change will be evident and you can reap the benefits. Additionally, Obama points out that within the next five years there is really going to be a surge in the demand for professionals who have an education degree and are properly trained in working as an educator. That means a near recession-proof job for you and the opportunity to pursue a career with job security.

You just can't earn your education degree over night, however. It takes some hard work and perseverance to don that cap and gown and complete the transition from student to teacher. Teachers need at least a bachelor's degree in education and usually some formal education training. Many pursue their master's degrees in education, while some go as far as their doctorate. The higher your education degree, the easier it will be for you to get the top jobs in your area of interest.

Education is at the forefront of a successful tomorrow. It is through teachers who have received a formal teaching degree and education that today's youth will be able to carry us into the future. And if you don't believe me, take it from the First Lady, herself. "Today, we need a new generation of leaders to take their place in our nation's schools. We need passionate, talented, committed men and women to step up and devote themselves to preparing our students to succeed in this new century."