A career in education has often been overlooked by young people for a variety of reasons. Youth Inc profiles five education careers that bring immense satisfaction, a sense of fulfillment, and are lucrative too
As children, most of us would have had a laundry list of diverse careers to pursue as an adult. Fireman, postman, bus conductor, train driver, shopkeeper and teacher were common choices. But as we aged, our preferences changed and our laundry list first shrunk and then transformed. Our childhood fascination with firemen, postmen, et al waned and our career choices became banker, computer programmer, accountant and so on – careers that seemed more ‘respectable’ and ‘lucrative’. This is understandable, as in this day and age of intense competition and expensive living, holding steadfast to a career that pays well translates to financial stability.
No takers for teaching
Sadly, in the revamp of our laundry list of careers, teaching is replaced too. The common perception of teaching is that while it is honourable, it is repetitive, consuming and, worst of all, ill-paid – this last is true especially for teachers working in government or government-assisted institutes. Nothing could be further from the truth.
A job that pays
The sixth pay commission, the current salary structure for government employees, also covers the pay of teachers, both in government and private schools. According to its diktat, the starting salary for teachers in government schools is between Rs. 18,000 and Rs. 20,000 per month, including provident fund, travel allowance and dearness allowance. A teacher with about six years of experience earns upto Rs. 21,000 a month, and a teacher with 12 to 15 years of experience commands at least Rs. 30,000 a month. Additionally, the sixth pay commission has promised a raise of 15 to 20% over the next four years.
The evolution of teaching
The most common profession in the education sector is teaching, and teaching can be done in schools and colleges, but there exist other, ‘new age’ teaching jobs. Private tuition has existed for some years but has now become in demand for children as young as four! Tutoring children outside of school has snowballed and evolved into coaching classes, which resemble regular schools in many ways with multiple classrooms, everal teachers from different faculty, in-house tests and exams, custom textbooks and notes, and so on. Private tutoring is still a typical teaching job, but in a different capacity and for a lot more money.
The age of the internet
A newer, younger face in teaching has been spawned by the internet – online tutoring. With better internet connection around the world, it is now possible to connect with a tutor, say, in Spain, and learn Spanish via a video calling facility like Skype. Again, like private tuitions, online tutoring has also begun evolving into online schools where one can study multiple courses for certification and recognised qualifications. All one needs is a computer and a good internet connection.
Beyond teachers
If teaching isn’t your choice of profession, there are other roles in the education sector. There is always the option of taking up a non-teaching job, as a librarian or physical education teacher. One may even become the administrator of the institute, a CEO of sorts, either as the principal or dean of a school or college, or as a CEO itself of a company that runs several schools.
It is possible to work independent of institutes as well. Education counsellors counsel students on higher education and choice of career practice and need not be attached to a school or college. Remedial educators are also in demand now, as they work with children who have learning difficulties like dyslexia. These educators may or may not be attached to a school.
A safe choice
The education industry is diverse, enriching and thriving. It is a sector that will never go out of business or lose funds because of recession because children need an education in all circumstances. With good pay and job stability, this is indeed a lucrative field for a young graduate.
The Delight of the Blackboard
Teachers are known to be second parents to students for the values and knowledge they impart during the formative years of their lives. Read more on how to be a teacher
Overview
The primary school teacher is a student’s first contact point with formal education. Although kindergarten and other preschool education have picked up importance, most formal education systems begin with primary schooling. This is followed up by secondary and higher secondary schooling. The prime focus of a teacher, an educator working through any of the rungs of school education, is to mould their students for higher learning and also for life post school. Being the first formal educators of a student’s life, they are responsible for creating an all-important lasting impression.
Study route
Basic eligibility 10+2 in any stream with minium of 50% marks
To teach elementary school 2-year diploma in Elementary Education or a 4-year Bachelor of Elementary Education degree
To teach secondary/ high school
* A bachelor’s degree
* A Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree
To teach higher secondary school
* A master’s degree in the relevant subject
* A BEd degree
All courses must be approved by National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) except for cases of special education where courses must be approved by Rehabilitation Council of India.
Career path
* Clear the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) conducted by the state government or the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) conducted by the central government
* To teach in a government-run or aided school, complete a basic 2-year teacher’s training programme which is recognised by the NCTE
COURSE CANVAS
* BEd, KJ Somaiya Comprehensive College of Education, Mumbai
* BEd, Amity Institute of Education, Noida
* BEd, Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi
* Diploma in Elementary Educaton, The Oxford College of Diploma in Education, Bengaluru
* Bachelor of Elementary Education, Lady Shri Ram College for Women, New Delhi
THE CONVENTIONAL EDUCATOR
Nandita Dasgupta, principal of Global Indian International School, Noida, talks about the role and responsibilities of a teacher in the classroom
Becoming a teacher
A postgraduation degree in a chosen discipline and a Bachelor in Education degree with a minimum of 3 years experience were the requirements expected from me when becoming a teacher.
Requisite skills
A teacher should ideally possess good communication skills, good pedagogical skills and should have sufficient planning skills to get started.
Responsibilities at work
As a teacher, my primary responsibility is to be completely accountable for the holistic development of each and every child under my care.
Remuneration
The pay packages for teachers can be expected according to the Sixth Central Pay Commission depending on the grades and the pay bands the respective teacher falls under.
Perks and challenges
The first and foremost challenge is to keep innovating and spreading your horizons to help prepare your students with respect to the kind of world they will be inheriting as today’s children and tomorrow’s decision makers. The perks of the job are always the simple words of appreciation and the pat on the back from children/ parents /stakeholders etc. They mean much more than material benefits.
3 things I love about my job
I love the great bonding with children the job affords. I love the exhilaration I get when a lesson is well executed and I enjoy the fact that the job keeps me constantly dynamic on a 24×7 scale.
How I stay motivated
To put it simply: total passion for the calling.
The education industry in five years
I see the education industry becoming very challenging because we are entering a scenario where students will have access to any curriculum they want which will help them achieve their ambitions. The boundaries of geography and physical space will no longer be restricting factors and I foresee schools will only play the role of facilitators in the future.
Raising the standard of Indian education
I think Indian educators can stay forward thinking and plan for the next millennium to help raise the standard of Indian education.
Advice for aspiring teachers
Don’t enter this area for a stop gap reason or just to earn money.
I love the great bonding with children the job affords. I love the exhilaration I get when a lesson is well executed and I enjoy the fact that the job keeps me constantly dynamic on a 24×7 scale.
THE SATISFACTION OF ELIMINATING HOMEWORK
Tuition teachers and coaching classes have become an integral part of India’s education system. With increasing competition and constantly rising standards, students need help outside the classroom to score top marks
Overview
From tuition teachers working in a single room in their house to train students to coaching classes that do the same in study centres across the country, there is no dearth of after-school training programmes for students. And these are bound to grow with the increasing number of higher education students and the demand for more classes for pre-school students. Tuition teacher and classes is the popular term used in India to refer to test and subject preparatory courses and classes that work outside of school hours to assist students with their needs.
Study Route
Coaching and tuition classes are not formal educational setups in India which are governed by educational boards. Hence there is no certified programme that can qualify a person to become a tuition teacher or start their own coaching classes. Having a postgraduate degree or diploma in the subject/field you plan on teaching is recommended for secondary and higher secondary level teaching. Since a coaching class can be considered an entrepreneurial venture, it would be advisable to attain a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree or other equivalent management certification from a reputed institute.
COURSE CANVAS
* Post Graduate Programme in Management, Indian Institute of Management (IIM), all over India
* Post Graduate Dipolma in Management, S. P. Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai
* MBA, Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune
Career path
* Having many years of experience as a teacher under your belt will help you make a good start as a coaching class teacher
* To start a coaching class, it is advisable to have worked in the education industry for a few years
* Having prior experience in the field will help you understand the operations to be conducted
* It is important to stay updated with changes in policy as well as changes in subject and exam patterns to best help your students
THE TESTING COACH
Manek N. Daruvala is the director of Triumphant Institute of Management Education (T.I.M.E.), one of India’s leading test preparation coaching classes
Becoming the director of a coaching class
After graduating and then completing IIM-Ahemdabad’s post-graduate management programme, I worked at several places including VJIL Consulting Ltd in Hyderabad as head of the education and training division. More than any qualification, it was a passion for teaching that pushed me to start T.I.M.E. and venture into this field. The education at IIM-Ahmedabad helped me become an entrepreneur and my stint with VJIL Consulting Ltd gave me a basic understanding of the education industry.
Requisite skills
As an educational entrepreneur, I focus on two areas – teaching and entrepreneurship. For teaching, one needs to be thorough with the subject. Subject knowledge is vital and one needs to stay updated with changes in the exam patterns. For entrepreneurship, you need the courage to take risks. Making the right decisions at the right time is also vital. Ability to adapt is the key.
Responsibilities at work
I have been associated with a variety of functional areas at T.I.M.E. – from faculty training and development to advertising and marketing.
Remuneration
I was the director of T.I.M.E. when we started this company with a corpus of
Rs. 24,000 in the year 1992 and today our brand turnover is Rs. 241 crores. There is no fixed salary scale when you are an entrepreneur. You start from scratch and then you can grow over the years.
Things I love about my job
I had a passion for education, and pursuing it as a career gives me immense satisfaction. More than any remuneration, it is this satisfaction which matters at the end of the day.
How I stay motivated
It is the love of teaching and the ability to make a difference in a student’s career that keeps me going.
The education industry in five years
The education industry will continue on its growth trajectory. Rising aspirations of parents will drive the sharp increase in household spend on education in India. Steady growth and recession proof nature of the industry is going to stay.
Raising the standard of Indian education
We at T.I.M.E. consciously aim at building and developing every resource we hire. Training the trainer is very important. To raise the standard of Indian education, it is vital to enhance the quality of teachers.
Advice for aspiring coaching classes directors/private tutors
To succeed, one should undercommit and over-deliver. That has worked well for us at T.I.M.E. There is no substitute to honesty and the commitment to work hard.
THE BUZZ OF ONLINE CLASSROOMS
With the advent of the internet and its varied facilities, it is now possible to attain a qualification sitting at home with a computer. Online education is an exciting field of possibilities, challenges and immense creativity
Overview
Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), a concept that has been invented for the internet age, allows anyone and everyone with an internet connection to study courses online, usually for free. The course content is similar to that studied offline;notes, homework assignments and worksheets are made available, along with pre-recorded video lectures. However, since the internet allows for instant communication, there are also instant messaging facilities and discussion forums for students to talk to other students and instructors.
Study route
There are no strictly enforced qualification requirements to be an online educator, but it helps to have a higher degree qualification or a teaching certificate in the subject you wish to teach, as this makes you a more credible tutor. Recommended qualifications are:
* BEd/MEd
* Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) qualification for school level teaching (upto class 8)
* National Eligibility Test (NET) qualification for college level teaching
Career path
* First gain experience teaching in an offline setting – most MOOC teachers have experience teaching in conventional classrooms and are both offline and online teachers
* It also helps to first structure and design courses as a teacher in the real world before attempting to do so in the virtual world
* When you have built sufficient credibility as an educator, you may transition to online tutoring, either through your present institute or independently
* It is recommended that online educators study information technology to understand the best ways to harness the potential of the internet
MOOC PORTALS
* National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL): www.nptel.iitm.ac.in
A diverse offering of courses predominantly from the IITs and IISc
* Coursera: www.coursera.org 542 free courses from 107 global universities
* Khan Academy:www.khancademy.org
Over 700 microlectures for school students and beyond
* Udacity: www.udacity.com
Offers predominantly computer science courses
THE DIGITAL PROFESSOR
Anisha Ghosh, co-founder and teacher at The Academic Financial Trading Platform (AFTP), an online institute offering business courses, talks about educating students via the internet
Becoming an online educator
As a professor at Carnegie Mellon University, I have been engaged in teaching undergraduate, MBA and PhD courses. Recent advances in information technology made me recognise that top quality higher education can be more broadly disseminated to learners in different parts of the world, something they would otherwise not have access to.
Requisite skills
Very good communication skills and considerable thoughtfulness in designing an online course to achieve outcomes similar to those achieved in conventional classroom settings.
Responsibilities at work
Ensuring effective learning outcomes for the students. For instance, each course has a ‘Discussion Forum’ to facilitate interaction between the instructor and the students as well as between students. Instructors also hold weekly office hours to answer questions from students through the platform. These are crucial supplements to pre-recorded video lectures, accompanying slides and homework assignments.
Perks and challenges
Online teaching provides the opportunity to reach much larger numbers of students that would be impossible to achieve in capacityconstrained classrooms. The lecture content can be prepared at the instructor’s time and pace and re-used for subsequent offerings of the course. One of the main challenges is ensuring effective learning outcomes. Online courses must be designed to closely mimic the traditional course delivery method.
3 things I love about my job
First, I see the opportunity to reach much larger numbers of students. Second, MOOCs can transmit not only education but also research to the general public on a grand scale. Third, I have witnessed significant and growing interest for AFTP courses among Indian students. It gives me immense satisfaction to see that MOOCs go a long way.
How I stay motivated
Several thousand students enrolled in my first MOOC course. The majority were from India, including some from very remote parts of the country. Their testimonials emphasising the usefulness of the course, along with the recognition that such services would not otherwise be accessible offered me unparalleled satisfaction.
The education industry in five years
MOOC courses are going to be increasingly used wherein lecture videos covering fundamental concepts would be made available ahead of time and the limited class time would be spent on student interaction, reviewing difficult concepts and working on example problems.
Raising the standard of Indian education
Indian universities can partner with MOOC providers to offer courses from the world’s top schools for credit. Upon successful completion, students can receive a certificate which can be forwarded to potential employers.
Advice for aspiring online educators
Think carefully about how your product is going to be differentiated in the face of increasing competition from both universities as well as private institutions developing their own MOOC programmes.
MAKING MONEY AS AN ONLINE EDUCATOR
* Via revenue sharing partnerships with local universities wherein students engage in online learning at home and then interact with an on-campus professor
* Via distance learning partnerships, where the partnering university would offer certain MOOCs (in conjunction with some of its own) for certification
* Via partnerships with employers who may avail of MOOCs for on-the-job training of employees who can also receive certification
THE GLEE IN SHAPING LIVES
Counsellors help guide a student through their tough education and career decisions. Their calculated advice is paramount in directing students towards a suitable career and a successful professional life
Overview
Counselling students takes place at various levels. School counsellors may be professionals employed by the school on a full-time basis or as a faculty member trained to counsel students in addition to their regular teachingrelated responsibilities. Career counsellors are professionals who work individually or with a collective to help students frame a path to attain a certain career goal. Education counselling is provided when a student isn’t sure what they want to do while career counselling aims to help a student who is sure about his career objective.
Study route
There is no centrally accepted programme which is considered a definite requirement for someone to be certified as an education or career counsellor. However, certain courses can help attain the knowledge and skill required for the field. They are:
* A postgraduate diploma in guidance and counselling
* An MA in Educational Psychology
* A Master of Education in educational and vocational guidance
Career path
* To be a top-notch education or career counsellor, it is important to gain plenty of experience in the field
* Experience is vital for counselling students
* Working overseas in an educational institution can help gain the experience required to be an overseas education counsellor
* Being constantly updated about the education industry and policy changes that may affect other industries is also important
COURSE CANVAS
* Diploma Course in Guidance and Counselling, National Institute of Education, New Delhi/ Bhopal/ Bhubaneswar/Mysore/Shillong
* Certificate course in School Counselling, Karnataka State Open University,
Mysore
* Certificate in Guidance, Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi
THE PATH FINDER
Swati Salunkhe, Managing Director of counselling firm Growth Centre, andfrequent career columnist for several publications, talks about the gratification associated with helping students find their career and education path
Becoming a career counsellor
To become a career counsellor, ideally one can do BA and master/PG in career guidance/counselling psychology. To succeed in this field it is equally important to stay updated on different careers and courses.
Requisite skills
Listening skills, observation skills, patience, solution oriented approach, communication skills and interpersonal skills are primarily required to be an effective counsellor.
Responsibilities at work
Interacting with clients (students and parents), administering psychometric tests, guiding clients on the basis of client’s performance in the tests, solving career queries, giving career seminars, organising career workshops and taking up career and personal counselling sessions.
Remuneration
Freshers can expect a pay package between Rs. 1 to 1.5 lakh annually. With work experience and performance on the job the package can range from Rs. 2.5 to 4 lakh annually.
Perks and challenges
The perks include increased knowledge about people, careers, perspectives and a sense of satisfaction and purpose. The biggest challenge is to identify the right fit between the desired career and the potential career while ensuring client satisfaction.
3 things I love about my job
Firstly, interacting with people from various backgrounds, cultures and economic strata. Secondly, facilitating their career decision choices and giving them solutions. And the third would be on-job experiential learning.
How I stay motivated
The education sector and people itself are interesting. Also, every client, every query and every concern is unique which demands individual attention, creative insights and thinking from multiple perspectives which keep one occupied without thinking about hours.
The education industry in five years
The education industry is only expected to expand with the advancements in technology, openness of students to opt for nonconventional courses and availability of courses through different modes of education that has expanded its reach to the masses. Also, more specific courses are expected to come up as well as upgraded educational policies and regulatory organisations.
Raising the standard of Indian education
Educators can contribute in the education policy, ensure technological advancements in teaching, focus on inclusive education, adapt with student learning styles, harp on the importance of career guidance.
Advice for aspiring counsellors
From a perspective of social work to being accepted as a professional service, counselling has come a long way and hence, anyone willing to take it professionally should have the right skill sets, willingness to learn and patience.
The biggest challenge is to identify the right fit between the desired career and the potential career while ensuring client satisfaction.
THE PRIDE IN BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS
If you would like a teaching job that does not focus on academics and that challenges your creativity every day, a remedial educator is what you should be
Overview
Remedial education is a specialised branch of teaching that helps children with learning difficulties/disabilities (LD) pick up certain skills and cope with their weaknesses. Since learning difficulties are varied, from dyslexia to autism, and each child exhibiting an LD also has varying levels of the disorder. Thus, remedial education is highly individualised and focuses on overcoming the barriers to learning by, for example, helping a child identify alphabets and read (in the case of dyslexia) or helping them comprehend numbers (in the case of dyscalculia) and so on.
Study route
* Class 12 in any subject
* Any bachelor’s degree, although a BA/BSc in Psychology is recommended
* A teaching certificate/qualification is recommended: a TET or a NET. NET would open doors to research qualifications like PhD if you are interested
* A BEd then MEd in learning disability or special education, or a postgraduate diploma in special education (PGDSE)
Career path
* Some institutes for remedial education require prior teaching experience, so you may start as a regular teacher
* While studying to be a remedial educator, a three-month internship at a special school, LD school or a remedial centre is recommended
* Start as a counsellor in a centre or school
* With enough experience, you could start your own remedial counselling centre
COURSE CANVAS
* BEd and MEd in Learning Disability, Mumbai University
* BEd, MEd and PGDSE for various disabilities, Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi
* Diploma in Dyslexia Therapy, Maharashtra Dyslexia Association, Mumbai
* Diploma in Learning Disability, Shristi Child Development & Learning Institute, New Delhi
COMMON LEARNING DIFFICULTIES
* Dyslexia: trouble with words and reading
* Dyscalculia: trouble with numbers and maths
* Dysgraphia: trouble with writing
THE THWARTER OF DISORDERS
Nisha Baikerikar, a remedial educator at Prafulta, a counselling centre for school children in Mumbai, weighs in on her profession and what it means to teach children with learning difficulties
Becoming a remedial educator
I did BCom and then a PGDSE in Mumbai. Simultaneously, I did my internship at Saplings Special School, also in Mumbai.
Requisite skills
Innovativeness and creativity are of utmost importance; one must be prepared with three or four techniques of teaching a topic. One should be a good listener, and observant of a child’s learning methods. Don’t force them to learn according to how you teach. It helps if a remedial educator is also a counsellor, as most children with LD are low on motivation and selfesteem.
Responsibilities at work
Once assessment tests have diagnoseda child’s learning disability, the child’s strengths and weaknesses are found out. Then an Individualised Education Plan for the child is planned, keeping in mind the weaknesses. This serves as the child’s curriculum for the entire year. Based on this plan, worksheets and teaching aids are prepared. At the end of the planned periods, the child is re-evaluated to see if there has been an improvement.
Remuneration
Remedial teachers are usually paid on an hourly basis. Self-employed teachers with experience can charge anywhere from Rs. 450 to Rs. 600 for an hour’s remedial.
Perks and challenges
Self-employed educators have flexibility of work timings.With experience, you can work in schools or centres as a freelancer and provide guidance to other remedial and special educators.Whileone needs to have various strategies for each child and make them innovative and interesting every time, a child might take a lot of time to respond to them. Here patience is the key.
3 things I love about my job
I can be as creative as possible with my teaching aids and worksheets. I love the instant feedback I receive from my students. There is constant learning and upgrading, both for me and my students. Job satisfaction is high in this field.
How I stay motivated
By keeping myself abreast with the latest techniques, laws, tools and evaluative measures that exist in the field. It also helps to have fun during your sessions.
The education industry in five years
The aim for our educationists should be for the integration of all the differently abled under one roof. There is a need for greater awareness regarding remedial and special education among schools and the education community.
Raising the standard of Indian education
Future educators should establish adept training of teachers, leading to the right school leadership that is needed to meet the educational challenges of the future.
Advice for aspiring remedial educators
Remediation is not like private tuitions which deal with academic areas. Remediation deals with deficit skills. It is more individualised. It also deals with certain psychosocial aspects of the child’s personality and environment. These have to be kept in mind.
Volume 3 Issue 6
