Christian Colleges for Secondary Education

By Calli Wolfenden, Staff Writer
 

Being able to teach is a valuable skill in any field, as there is always something to be learned and someone who benefits from learning it. Especially in the case of spiritual life and Biblical truth, there is no doubt a need for those who can effectively communicate lessons, be that in a Bible study, ministry, or Sunday school context.

Proverbs 22:6
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”

Proverbs 4:13
“Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.”

Much like in the education field, there are always roles for those with an education degree in ministry and the Church. There are roles in Sunday school, teaching groups from toddler age to adult Sunday classes about the Bible. There are also opportunities to write curriculum for these classes or Bible studies, to help others teach or lead groups. Additionally, ministry or mission work often includes teaching of some sort, especially when serving families and children in different countries or regions.

Teachers also have the unique opportunity to serve missionaries in other countries by teaching at international Christian schools or missionary schools. This role serves the missionary families abroad by ensuring their children get a well-rounded education. Those who choose to major in education could also serve in teaching positions at Christian school in the United States as well.

An education degree may not be the most financially rewarding path, but it is one made for those who want to make a difference in the lives of children and their families. If you are passionate about teaching and working with children/teenagers, are compassionate, patient, empathetic, and a top-notch communicator, then perhaps the Lord is calling you to an education degree!

By Calli Wolfenden, Staff Writer
 

Teachers play an essential role in every society. From teaching formative lessons to toddlers, to awakening a passion for a subject in a young adult, teachers are an influential piece of the puzzle in a student’s journey. Those who choose to major in Education choose a path marked by difference-makers. Those who pursue teaching have the unique opportunity to not only speak into the lives of young ones and teenagers alike, but also ignite a passion for learning, for specific subjects, and encourage students as they learn and develop. Teachers can make all the difference in a student’s life, by taking an interest in not just their education, but their struggle and growth.

Those who get an education degree at a Christian College gain the distinct opportunity to learn to teach not just as educators, but as one child of God to another. A Christian college will prepare teachers to love students as those made in the image of God and loved by Him, as those meant to be protected and guided. They will learn to see education through a Biblical perspective and be taught the best techniques to ensure true learning, in both school subjects and Biblical studies. A Christian college will prepare those who choose to major in education to reflect the love and truth of God in their role as an educator wherever they are led to go following their degree.

Example careers for those who choose to major in Education:  

• Elementary Teacher: An Elementary teacher, as the name implies, teaches elementary students. Typically, elementary runs from kindergarten through 5th or 6th grade, and the elementary teachers will instruct students on core subjects like math, science, reading, or social studies, giving them important foundational knowledge of each subject. Elementary teachers work with other teachers, parents, and administrators to best serve the needs of each student in their class.
• High School Teacher: High school teachers typically teach one or two subject areas, sometimes more than that, and they teach across the grades 9-12. They focus more in depth on certain subject areas and work with parents and other teachers to help students achieve academic and personal goals. They may also mentor students as they prepare for college life and beyond.
• Special Education Teacher: Special Education Teachers work with students who have learning, emotional, developmental, or physical disabilities, using specialized tools or techniques to help them overcome obstacles and challenges in their educational journey. They often collaborate their efforts with parents and other teachers to come up with individualized education plans (IEPs) to meet the specific needs of each student and ensure they have access to the resources that they need.
• School Administrator: School Administrators manage the logistics of schools, such as budgets, staff, and resources. They also implement policies and educational programs and handle any logistical, behavioral, or academic challenges. Their role is meant to ensure that district and state standards are met by the school, and that the environment is safe and effective for learning.
• Guidance Counselor: Guidance Counselors work to help students succeed emotionally, academically, and personally. They are the ones who help students put together college applications and figure out the logistics that go with applying and sending out transcripts and finding scholarships. Guidance Counselors also handle personal issues, emotional difficulty, or conflicts between students, coming up with personalized solutions or enlisting further resources when necessary. They work closely with parents, teachers, and administrators to ensure a supportive environment that students can thrive in.
• Adult Education Instructor/Teacher: Adult Education Instructors help adults reach their academic, career, or personal goals through teaching practical skills, professional development, or personal enrichment courses. The classes may be geared toward GED preparation, literacy skills, specialized subjects, or training for the workforce. Adult Education Instructors work with their students and adapt their teaching styles to meet the needs of their students. They may work in community centers, colleges, online platforms, or some other locations.

Teachers are a staple to societies across the board, so it should come as no surprise that there is ample opportunity for those with an education degree. There is consistent demand for teachers and educators, so placement rates are typically quite high. While teaching is not the most financially rewarding profession, with an average mid-career salary of around $69,597, it is a career that has high impact and reward in other ways. Teachers and educators of all kinds have the potential to influence the next generation, marking their educational journey with empathy, kindness, and encouragement to pursue knowledge and truth.

Even with a field that is so full of opportunity, there are key things to do to ensure that you give yourself the best chance of landing the teaching position you want. The first is to prioritize experience during your college career. This can be things like internships or student teaching opportunities. For many education degree programs, student teaching is a requirement for graduation, but not all of them. Internships/student teaching can help you get on-the-job experience, learn strategies and teaching methods, and see how what you’re learning applies to real-time situations. This can give you a good preview of your future career in the field and what you can expect and prepare for.

Choosing a specialization can also set you apart in the world of education. Special education, Physical Education, Subject-specific teaching, and others are great ways to narrow down your focus and make you a more ideal fit for a specific role. Teachers for STEM subjects are almost always in need, making an education degree with a focus on one of those subjects highly marketable in the education field. Additionally, continued education can also be a beneficial move for those who wish to go further or higher in the education field, such as administrative or college professor careers.

Pursuing a career with an education degree is well suited to those who are strong communicators, passionate about teaching, patient and adaptable, and empathetic. Working with children or teenagers can be difficult, and everyone learns at a different pace, so being able to be patient and empathetic to each student’s specific needs is important and can be the difference between a frustrating subject and a newfound passion for children. Passion for teaching and effective communication skills go hand in hand, as finding the best way to explain a topic may take a few tries and being able to be thorough in your lessons without being bland or losing students’ attention is key to an effective learning environment. Being able to handle the emotional aspects that come with teaching, as learning can come with personal and frustrating challenges for many students, can be the encouraging boost that makes the difference for many kids and parents as they trust their child’s education to you. The same characteristics that make for an effective career with an education degree in a school setting can also be effective in a ministry setting.

Works Cited:

• National Education Association. “Educator Pay Data 2024.” NEA, 18 Apr. 2024, www.nea.org/resource-library/educator-pay-and-student-spending-how-does-your-state-rank.