Training and Professional Development Roles for Education Graduates

Overview of Career Opportunities

Did you know that there are 3.8 million U.S. public school teachers? Being a teacher after earning your degree in education makes sense. While it’s a rewarding profession, it has its fair share of challenges, too.

So, if you don’t want to become a K-12 teacher for the rest of your career, that’s also fine. Instead, check out roles in professional development for education graduates. Examples include instructional coordinators and educational consultants.

Why become a professional development practitioner in the first place? You can make a positive impact on the education sector, from schools to corporations. Here are a few ways your knowledge and skills influence the education sector:

• Increase the effectiveness of K-12 teachers (e.g., classroom management and lesson planning)
• Promote increased technology integration in classrooms (e.g., digital platforms and tools)
• Promote diversity and inclusivity in schools
• Ensure compliance with education-related rules and regulations

Indeed, the road won’t be easy. But you can make better decisions by reading on. You’ll get reliable information about roles in professional development for education graduates.

Related:

• Quick Guide to Careers and Specializations in Early Childhood Education
• The Montessori Method: Child-Led Learning
• High-Demand Jobs in Early Childhood Education
• Special Education Careers in Early Childhood
• Pursuing a Career in Child Psychology with an Education Background

The Importance of Training in Education

Teaching and learning are intertwined. To teach, you must learn. To learn, you must teach. The continuous teaching-and-learning cycle in the 21st century is possible through professional development.

Why Professional Development Matters

Professional development in the education sector is of crucial importance for these reasons.

• Enhances the teaching skills of new and seasoned educators

If you’re a new teacher, you’ll appreciate the practical knowledge and skills offered. Your confidence in your teaching abilities increases, too.

As a seasoned educator, you’ll learn about new teaching innovations. There are networking and collaboration opportunities, too.

• Staying current with educational trends and technologies

Teaching principles, practices, and technologies change over time. The education sector doesn’t work in a bubble either. By engaging in professional development, teachers keep abreast of these changes. In doing so, teachers bring their students into the future of learning.

• Maintaining an attitude of lifelong learning

Teachers must be lifelong learners, too. Learning never stops because there are so many new things to discover and explore. You, a professional development specialist, play an instrumental role in their lifelong learning. In the process, you have a hand in improving student outcomes.

Key Professional Development Roles for Education Graduates

Note, nonetheless, that professional development for education graduates isn’t for everybody. You must be passionate about professional development for teachers and educators.

But once you’ve decided that it’s the path for you, check out these popular careers in education training. When choosing from among these careers, consider your education, interests, and goals.

Instructional Coordinators

If you’re looking for a job with a good salary, be an instructional coordinator. According to the BLS, instructional coordinators earn $74,620 in median annual wage. However, instructional coordinators can earn more than $109,500/year with extensive experience.

The main instructional coordinator roles are:

• Develop and implement school curricula and teacher standards
• Work with teachers and other school staff in the assessment of curriculum and teacher standards
• Plan, organize, and conduct professional development programs for teachers
• Review and recommend educational materials, including textbooks
• Perform extensive analysis of students’ test data
• Recommend and train teachers in teaching strategies, tools, and technologies
• Provide mentorship and coaching services to teachers

Being an effective instructional coordinator demands diverse skills. Strong communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills are a must. Leadership, analytical thinking, and interpersonal skills are necessary, too.

Corporate Trainers in Education

If you want to be in the corporate world, check out jobs for corporate trainers for education majors. Titles vary but the most common are training and development managers and specialists. Their median annual wages range from $64,340 (specialists) to $125,040 (managers). Projected job growth (7%-12% 2023-2033) means excellent job opportunities and job security.

While specific roles vary, corporate trainers perform these duties.

• Conceptualize and conduct training and development programs for the organization and its employees.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate budgets for these programs.
• Teach training and development staff members in effective strategies.

Your background in education makes it easier to apply education principles and practices in corporate settings.

Educational Consultants

If you want to be a change agent, consider the educational consultant’s career path. You will work with school districts and their K-12 schools. The primary goal is to implement best practices that improve educational outcomes.

Specific roles and responsibilities include:

• Perform needs assessments for every school covered.
• Provide comprehensive recommendations in various aspects. These can include curriculum development, teacher training, and instructional strategies.
• Assist in the implementation and evaluation of the recommended programs.

Educational consultants have more flexibility and independence in their work, too. You can work on a per-contract basis and set your hours.

Online Education Developers

Check out online education development jobs if you want steady work. With the rising demand for online learning, your expertise will be in demand, too.

Your primary role is to create digital learning courses and resources. You will also ensure that these are easy to use and access for its intended users. With your education degree, you have a unique perspective on online learning.

Continuing Education Specialists

Among the primary responsibilities of continuing education specialists in education are:

• Plan, organize, and conduct teachers’ professional development programs
• Assist teachers and other education professionals in earning and renewing their certifications/licenses

Whatever your choice from among these careers, don’t limit yourself either. You can explore their costs and benefits, jump between careers, and see which one fits you best.

Skills and Qualifications Needed for Professional Development Roles

Earn these credentials and develop these skills for professional development roles for teachers.

Educational Background

• Earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. Choose a specialization, if possible, based on your chosen career path. Examples include Educational Leadership and Curriculum & Instruction.
• Earn specialized certifications. Instructional design, technology, and training and development certifications are the best.

You will find, too, that it is an ever-changing industry, so you must also engage in continuous learning. You, the teacher, must also become a learner to become better at your job.

Soft Skills

Transferable skills aren’t acquired overnight. You must make deliberate efforts to develop them at every opportunity.

• Communication
• Leadership
• Organization and time management
• Collaboration, particularly in working with diverse individuals

Technological Proficiency

• Be competent in the use of current educational technologies. LMSs like Moodle, Blackboard, and Canvas must be on top of your list. Most schools with online learning components use them.
• Be proficient in the design, implementation, and evaluation of e-learning and virtual training platforms and tools.

Preparing for a Career in Training and Professional Development

Being successful in training and developing careers in education demands preparation.

Gain Experience in Education

Your teaching experience is among one of many stepping stones. Being a classroom teacher means gaining useful insights into the challenges teachers face. You’re then in a better position to design teacher-centric training and development programs.

Be sure to consider internships in training and development jobs, too. You will gain practical experience and exposure. Plus, networking opportunities abound.

Additional Certifications and Training

When developing your skills for professional development in education, consider earning certifications. Consider these professional certifications to boost your skills and credibility.

• National Board Certification awarded by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
• Google Certified Educator
• Certified Educational Technology Leader awarded by the Consortium for School Networking

You will realize, too, that the more you learn, the more you don’t know. So, you continue learning.

Advancing in Professional Development Roles

Career advancement opportunities await when you know what to do to take advantage.

Pathways to Leadership

Even with a master’s degree, you’ll start in entry-level training and development positions. Keep these tips in mind to climb the ladder faster.

• Show your leadership and management skills.
• Take the initiative in identifying and addressing problems.
• Seek mentorship opportunities.
• Be proactive in seeking career advancement opportunities. Take on more responsibilities without being a pushover.
• Build your reputation as a training and development expert. Publish research and present at conferences, among others.

Networking and Professional Growth

Networking is valuable in career advancement because people make the decisions. Other benefits of networking for professional growth include:

• Exploring job opportunities in and outside of your niches.
• Sharing new research and best practices with your peers.
• Gaining access to resources that you didn’t know or couldn’t access before.

Conclusion

The best roles in professional development for education graduates offer excellent compensation and career advancement. You just have to be aware of them and grab the opportunity. With your educational background, you’ll have a smooth transition from teaching young students to teaching professionals.

As a training and development professional, you must also be a lifelong learner. Think of it as being a role model to the teachers and educator-leaders learning from you.