Education Future Career assignment

Assessment Traits

Requires Lopeswrite

Assessment Description

Use O*Net Online as well as a minimum of three scholarly, peer-reviewed resources to write a 750-1,000-word, five-paragraph essay that focuses on your intended professional career.

Research current statistics related to the profession including:

· Salary

· Job opportunities in your area

· Advancement opportunities and retention

· Benefits and rewards

· And anything more you find relevant

In your essay, explain the main tasks being done in this job, what skills are required, and if any social/interpersonal skills, mathematical skills, spatial skills, manual dexterity, or other unique skills are required. Additionally, be sure to discuss if any licenses, certifications, degrees, or special or unusual training is needed for this job. If so, include detailed information on how to qualify for this.

Lastly, examine the following questions in your essay: what part does honesty, integrity, or a code of ethics play in the performance of this work?

Make sure you’re utilizing the feedback from your instructor on your annotated bibliography and outline as you write your final essay.

This essay should be written in third person.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.       

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. A link to the LopesWrite technical support articles is located in Class Resources if you need assistance.

Writing Research Papers. Make a Quick List.

Hi Class

How is everyone doing with their essay that is due this week?

Below is all you will need to write this essay. Please do not make it harder than it is. Do not describe the challenges of the profession (this would be another paper), do not describe what you want to be or how great the profession is. Your job is to provide information in a clear and unbiased way. That is all. Think you are writing a “manual” to someone who knows nothing about the profession.  Remember not to use I, me, we, ours, us, you. Read your paper out loud. You will be surprised on how many mistakes you catch simply by reading the essay out loud.

Paragraph 1= Introduction to the profession. Clearly outline the profession.

 

Paragraph 2= Skills, education, licenses, exams needed to become this professional. Use a Peer Reviewed article for this paragraph (it must come from the GCU library). The order of paragraphs 2 and 3 can be interchanged. Just make sure the information for each is clear.

 

Paragraph 3= Salary, demand, opportunities in this profession. Use O*Net for this paragraph.  O*NET OnLine (onetonline.org)  Take the time to explore this website. It provides a lot of information.

 

Paragraph 4= The role code of ethics, integrity and honesty play in this profession. Use a Peer Reviewed article for this paragraph (it must come from the GCU library).

 

Paragraph 5= Conclusion. Summary of all 3 main paragraphs.

 

2

Becoming A Great Elementary Education Teacher

Donna Smith

Grand Canyon University

UNV 303-0500 University Success

Tania Radda

July 15th, 2024

Becoming A Great Elementary Education Teacher

As an elementary school teacher, the career requires more than a degree and state certification. The candidate must also possess inter-based skills and personal qualities to develop into a great teacher. Teachers must provide leadership, excellent communication and critical thinking skills, reasoning and problem-solving skills along with a strong ethical and moral character. Excelling as an elementary teacher requires formal training and education, but also the initiative and determination to master an inter-based set of skills and exhibit the traits of a positive role model and mentor for all others to learn from. As Hirsh pointed out, “Great teachers are the most important school-based ingredient for student success” (Hirsh, 2011, p. 18 Vol. 32). The rewards of becoming a teacher are limitless and for each person to determine the value. Teachers are placed in a role model position and must create a high standard and value within the system and encourage other members to achieve the same. As a teacher, the role is not just educating, but providing students, parents, faculty and the community with an example of what a great teacher provides for the school and community. While formal training, education and certification are the basics of requirements these inter-based skills must also be addressed. Earning a bachelor’s degree and getting state licensing will vary from state to state, be sure to research and investigate colleges of choice and the state requirements.

Over the years there has been a large push to refine education and promote the importance of these inter-based skills, but currently it is up to the individual. A bachelor’s degree requiring 4 years of education will vary by state and educational fulfillment requirements. According to Chard & Cibulka (2013, p. 52), “the state statutes governed by its preparation programs that are controlled by the institutions of higher education within the state are not preparing teachers for the classrooms. Most states meet a list of requirements for certification that reads like a shopping list”. It’s important to research and investigate the licensing and certification process. Contact the Department of Education in each state, speak with districts, administrators and current teachers in the locations of interest. Most districts have a teacher certification assistant that can be a valuable resource. Using the State of Florida as an example, they require a 4-year bachelor’s degree and passing the Florida Teachers Exam and the certification process. A required passing grade of 200 points on the multiple-choice section and an 8 out of 12 points is needed on the general knowledge portion. The average passing rate on the first attempt is 75%. Application is then made for a Florida Educator Certificate with a 4-step process. Completing the initial application, submitting an official statement of status of eligibility, employment in a Florida elementary or secondary school and submitting fingerprints and a background check. The initial process takes up to 10 weeks with another 10 weeks to process. Fees start at $75 for the application with additional fees for processing. The state also requires educators to complete a pre-service field experience or internship consisting of 60 hours, plus a 12-week student teaching program. During this time a temporary certificate may be applied for. Candidates that have an interest in obtaining a master’s degree may want to consider gaining experience in the classroom before deciding to move into administrative roles or higher education. Along with academic requirements, teachers need to address the inter-based skills and their ethical and moral values. The next consideration for the profession is salary, job statistics, job demands, and benefits.

As an entry level elementary school teacher in the state of Florida, the following statistical information may help guide new teachers to the right career path. Florida has some of the largest metropolis cities as well as a vast number of large spans of rural areas. This topography provides for a vast difference of educational job opportunities and salaries. Choosing a location could directly influence personal options regarding salary and job availabilities. Data from the National Center for O*Net Development reports, the annual salary state-wide ranges between $48,370 and $79,420 with an average of $56,850 compared to the US average of $63,680. By city the annual median fluctuates from $48,420 to $82,560 with larger and more affluent areas earning the in higher range. In 2022, employment was listed at 1,425,000 with little to no change in projected growth (2022-2023), however, there were 96,000 job openings. When compared to the US trends, Florida showed a projected growth of 10% between 2020-2030 (O*NET OnLine, 2024). While school districts vary, many offer state health insurance plans with expansive coverage and options for short- and long-term disability insurance and life insurance. Florida has a state retirement system after 30 years of service or age 62. Some districts offer incentive bonuses and extracurricular job opportunities such as tutoring, summer school and special program teaching. Along with salary and job market details, another aspect of teaching is personal and professional ethics, integrity and honesty, which is the underlaying foundation of the job.

Educators must possess and develop their own moral compass of ethics, integrity, honesty, principles, and values to develop into great teachers and ensuring students absorb and develop their own foundations from example. The teaching profession requires educators to adhere to multiple sets of codes of conduct and ethics. The National Association of Educators has a set of principles for a code of ethics for educators to follow. The Florida Department of Education has a rule in place for professional conduct for the education profession and each district has a code of ethics policy. Teachers must possess the insight to process, except and evaluate the differences between professional standards and the actuality of a daily classroom. For good teachers to be great teachers there must be a high level of ethics, integrity and honesty for a teacher to succeed in this task. Castner states, “I refer to teachers’ ethical commitments as their fidelity in teaching young children. It’s the teacher’s commitment that sets the standards for upholding these qualities.” (Castner, 2022, p. 239). Developing these skills and qualities requires consistent attention to self-reflection, honesty and patience and the ability to see oneself and how interactions, reactions and responses with others are perceived. Observe students, parents, staff, and partners and evaluate the relationship. Seek advice and constructive criticism from others that possess high standards of these qualities. Access how to become more proficient and how to sharpen these qualities to use as tools in becoming a great teacher.  

The teaching profession encompasses a vast amount of research into the profession so the candidate can make informative decisions about job benefits and salaries, educational and certification requirements and ethical responsibility all needed to achieve excellence as an educator. Research, commitment to the process, proactive involvement in all aspects of training is imperative to the success of standing in the front of the first classroom of eager students and knowing the standards of transforming into a great teacher. To be a great educator it requires the aptitude to master the art of a responsible individual with the ability to exhibit and teach both educational criteria and interpersonal skills and ethics to create well-rounded and educated students. The ultimate success of becoming a great teacher is being a promoter and advocate of the high standards that should be set by all educators in the profession and witnessing the mastery of developing young minds that will set forth into adulthood from this tutelage. It is the great teachers’ job to mold and create the next generation.

References

Castner, D. J. (2022). Fidelity in teaching young children: Two stories of professional integrity.  Journal of Research in Childhood Education, 36(2), 239–254. https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=psyh&AN=2021-66180-001&site=eds-live&scope=site

Chard, D & Cibulka, J (2013). The Quest for Better Educators. (2013).  Education Next, 13(4), 50–57. https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edb&AN=90265726&site=eds-live&scope=site

Hirsh, S. (2011). What Makes a Good Teacher? The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Digs for Answers with Its Measures of Effective Teaching Project.  Journal of Staff Development, 32(6), 18–20. https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/https://www.learningforward.org/news/articleDetails.cfm?articleID=2378

National Center for O*NET Development. 25-2021.00 - Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education.  O*NET OnLine. Retrieved June 29, 2024, from  https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/25-2021.00

Rubric Criteria

collapse all Rubric CriteriaCollapse All

Current statistics related to intended profession

21 points

Criteria Description

Research current statistics related to intended profession including salary, job opportunities in, advancement opportunities and retention, benefits and rewards, and any other relevant information.

5. Target

21 points

Essay includes numerous current and relevant statistics for the future career. Research is detailed and thorough, showing great insight into the chosen future career.

4. Acceptable

17.85 points

Essay includes clear and thorough research on current statistics related to intended profession. Research shows a clear understanding of the chosen field.

3. Approaching

15.75 points

Essay includes some brief research on current statistics related to intended profession, and demonstrates a basic understanding of the chosen field.

2. Insufficient

13.65 points

Essay includes inadequate research on current statistics related to intended profession. Information does not demonstrate that proper research into chosen field has been completed.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Essay does not include research on current statistics related to intended profession.

Skills and Qualifications

42 points

Criteria Description

Explain the main tasks being done in this job, what skills are required, and if any social/ interpersonal skills, mathematical skills, spatial skills, manual dexterity, or other unique skills are required. Discuss any licenses, certifications, degrees, or special training needed with detailed information on how to qualify for this.

5. Target

42 points

Essay explains numerous tasks and relevant necessary skills for the future career. Explanation is detailed and thorough, showing great insight into the chosen future career. Essay thoroughly discusses licenses, certifications, or special training needed to qualify for a job in the chosen field in detail. Discussion shows a deep understanding of requirements to be employed in the chosen field.

4. Acceptable

35.7 points

Essay clearly and thoroughly explains numerous tasks and relevant necessary skills for the future career, and discusses licenses, certifications, or special training needed to qualify for a job in the chosen field in detail. Discussion shows an understanding of the requirements to be employed in the chosen field.

3. Approaching

31.5 points

Essay briefly explains basic tasks and necessary skills for the future career, and briefly discusses licenses, certifications, or special training needed to qualify for a job in the chosen field. Discussion shows a basic understanding of the requirements to be employed in the chosen field.

2. Insufficient

27.3 points

Essay inadequately explains tasks or necessary skills for the future career, and does not discuss licenses, certifications, or special training needed to qualify for a job in the chosen field. Explanation does not demonstrate that proper research into chosen field has been completed.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Essay does not explain any tasks or skills required for the future career and does not discuss any licenses, certifications, or special training needed to qualify for a job in the chosen field.

Role that honesty, integrity, or a code of ethics plays in this profession

35 points

Criteria Description

Discuss the role that honesty, integrity, or a code of ethics plays in this profession.

5. Target

35 points

Essay answers the question in great detail. Response is thorough and shows a deep understanding of how honesty, integrity and/or a code of ethics impacts work in the chosen field.

4. Acceptable

29.75 points

Essay clearly answers the question. Response is informed and shows a thorough understanding of how honesty, integrity and/or a code of ethics impacts work in the chosen field.

3. Approaching

26.25 points

Essay answers the question appropriately. Response is brief and shows a basic understanding of how honesty, integrity and/or a code of ethics impacts work in the chosen field.

2. Insufficient

22.75 points

Essay begins to answer the question; however, the response is unclear or does not appropriately address how honesty, integrity or a code of ethics impacts work in the chosen field.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Essay does not address or answer the question.

Thesis, Position, or Purpose

9.8 points

Criteria Description

Thesis Development and Purpose

5. Target

9.8 points

The thesis, position, or purpose is clearly communicated throughout and clearly directed to a specific audience.

4. Acceptable

8.33 points

The thesis, position, or purpose is adequately presented. An awareness of the appropriate audience is demonstrated.

3. Approaching

7.35 points

The thesis, position, or purpose is discernable in most aspects but is occasionally weak or unclear. There is limited awareness of the appropriate audience.

2. Insufficient

6.37 points

The thesis, position, or purpose is unfocused or confused. There is very little awareness of the intended audience.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

The thesis, position, or purpose is not discernible. No awareness of the appropriate audience is evident.

Development, Structure, and Conclusion

11.2 points

Criteria Description

Advances position or purpose throughout writing; conclusion aligns to and evolves from development.

5. Target

11.2 points

The thesis, position, or purpose is logically advanced throughout. The progression of ideas is coherent and unified. A clear and logical conclusion aligns to the development of the purpose.

4. Acceptable

9.52 points

The thesis, position, or purpose is advanced in most aspects. Ideas clearly build on each other. Conclusion aligns to the development of the purpose.

3. Approaching

8.4 points

Limited advancement of thesis, position, or purpose is discernable. There are inconsistencies in organization or the relationship of ideas. Conclusion is simplistic and not fully aligned to the development of the purpose.

2. Insufficient

7.28 points

Writing lacks logical progression of the thesis, position, or purpose. Some organization is attempted, but ideas are disconnected. Conclusion is unclear and not supported by the overall development of the purpose.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

No advancement of the thesis, position, or purpose is evident. Connections between paragraphs are missing or inappropriate. No conclusion is offered.

Evidence

7 points

Criteria Description

Selects and integrates evidence to support and advance position/purpose; considers other perspectives.

5. Target

7 points

Specific and appropriate evidence is included. Relevant perspectives of others are clearly considered.

4. Acceptable

5.95 points

Relevant evidence that includes other perspectives is used.

3. Approaching

5.25 points

Evidence is used but is insufficient or of limited relevance. Simplistic explanation or integration of other perspectives is present.

2. Insufficient

4.55 points

Evidence is limited or irrelevant. The interpretation of other perspectives is superficial or incorrect.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Evidence to support the thesis, position, or purpose is absent. The writing relies entirely on the perspective of the writer.

Mechanics of Writing

7 points

Criteria Description

Includes spelling, capitalization, punctuation, grammar, language use, sentence structure, etc.

5. Target

7 points

No mechanical errors are present. Appropriate language choice and sentence structure are used throughout.

4. Acceptable

5.95 points

Few mechanical errors are present. Suitable language choice and sentence structure are used.

3. Approaching

5.25 points

Occasional mechanical errors are present. Language choice is generally appropriate. Varied sentence structure is attempted.

2. Insufficient

4.55 points

Frequent and repetitive mechanical errors are present. Inconsistencies in language choice or sentence structure are recurrent.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Errors in grammar or syntax are pervasive and impede meaning. Incorrect language choice or sentence structure errors are found throughout.

Paper Format

7 points

Criteria Description

Uses appropriate style, such as APA, MLA, etc., for college, subject, and level; documents sources using citations, footnotes, references, bibliography, etc., appropriate to assignment and discipline.

5. Target

7 points

No errors in formatting or documentation are present.

4. Acceptable

5.95 points

Appropriate format and documentation are used with only minor errors.

3. Approaching

5.25 points

Appropriate format and documentation are used, although there are some obvious errors.

2. Insufficient

4.55 points

Appropriate format is attempted, but some elements are missing. Frequent errors in documentation of sources are evident.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Appropriate format is not used. No documentation of sources is provided.

Total140 points