Current Status and Future of the Teaching Industry - Coursework Example

Career Analysis Name Institution Introduction Teaching is one of the oldest professions in the world. Teaching history is also an old profession. History is important in our daily lives because it is important for people to understand where they have come from and where they are going. History is one of the subjects in high school. Teaching history impacts learners with knowledge on various issues that have occurred in the world (Haydn, 2001). It also impacts skills to learners on historical and emerging issues in the world. Teaching history involves conducting lessons on vital historical people, places and events. They also engage learners in learning about social activities. They guide students on how to conduct research and provide arguments in history. Nature of Teaching Teaching history in high school is a profession that exists under teaching. Teaching itself is an industry. Teaching as an industry is characterized by its own natural features. Its nature has been gestated and explicated in uncountable ways. Teaching does not only aim to achieve the needs meted out by the curriculum, but at developing skills and values by guiding learners (Townsend, 2006). Teachers should develop positive thoughts in students or learners. The nature of the teaching industry refers to the important qualities or features that characterize teaching. A positive relationship between teachers and students is one of the features in the teaching industry. Teachers carry the responsibility of ensuring that students gain academically and also gain skills from what they learn. Teachers should maintain a healthy professional relationship with students in order to impact them positively (Townsend, 2006). Teaching is not confined to classrooms, but also to the outside environment. Relating with the students is, thus, vital in impacting positive thoughts on students. Learning history for example, requires students to research and read deeply. Students will therefore feel the need to interact with their history teacher for guidance. This in turn will help in achieving academic goals and meeting the needs of the students. Professional development is another nature of the teaching industry. Teaching effectively and providing quality teaching services goes beyond relying information to learners or students. Teachers come from different racial, economic and social back grounds just like their students. Quality and effective teaching methods may work differently depending on the student. Teachers, thus, have to be well trained, mentored and tested on student development (Weiner, 2006). This will impact them with important skills and knowledge necessary in teaching all students regardless of their back grounds. This comprises professional development and is an important nature in teaching. It prepares teachers to teach in a diverse environment. A teacher teaching a student with disabilities in learning for example is able to help the student in his or her academics. The teacher will at the same time manage to reach other students who have other problems. Professional development is important in teaching because teachers are able to counter challenges in learning that may occur in their working environment (Day, 2004). It also makes teachers more dynamic. Teachers may work in different places with different types of students in a given period of time. Professional development helps them to adapt to that specific environment. It is, thus, an important aspect of the nature of teaching. Dynamics in the classroom is another nature of the teaching industry. The minimum time that a student is able to concentrate is thirty minutes. Attention in the classroom is based on a student’s perception of the subject. A teacher’s main concern in maintaining a student’s or learner’s interest is based on the child being bound to attend the lesson. The teacher however, has to ensure that the student is able to concentrate despite the many distractions available (Townsend, 2006). Teachers are, thus, required to maintain a child’s interest in learning their subject. This is one of the natures of teaching and ensures that students feel the importance of concentrating in class. Teaching effectively may become a paradox in some way. A teacher, who teaches well and effectively equips students with the necessary skills to study and learn by their own means, may end up being expendable. This means that students will find it better to learn and study on their own without help from the teacher. This is one of the natures of the teaching industry. Teachers may feel or find it hard to grasp the fact that students can learn on their own. This is because many people want to have the feeling that they are needed in their profession. A teacher however, needs to come to terms with the fact he or she is preparing his or her students for life after school. A teacher who uses his or her skills to equip students with tools on how to learn on their own is better than one who teaches students to rely on him or her at all times (Raths, 2003). A teacher is required to be knowledgeable and skilled. This is the nature of the teaching industry. Teachers should not just pass down information to students, but should also be knowledgeable in their area of profession. This ensures that professionalism is maintained. It also ensures that teaching services are effective and impact students with the necessary skills. A teacher teaching history for example should be knowledgeable on historical issues that have occurred over time (Haydn, 2001). They should be well informed and skilled in their teaching. This is the nature of the teaching industry. Current Status and Future of the Industry The current status of teaching refers to the position of teaching in the society. Teachers carry the responsibility of guiding students and ensuring they grow well intellectually. They also carry the responsibility of ensuring that students have the necessary skills that are essential in tackling challenges in the future. Many people believe that teaching is the greatest profession in the world (Townsend, 2006). Teachers prepare the road for other professions. Nevertheless, teachers are not highly regarded and do not command a lot of respect in the society. Third world countries for example, have low regard for teachers. They are not well paid unlike in developed countries where teachers earn well. Teachers find pleasure in their work from watching students make something out of themselves. The direct rewards from their work are not enough to give them pleasure. The current status of teaching is, thus, bad. Teachers are also blamed for the failure of students. Students who do not perform well attribute their failure to teachers. This creates a negative status of the teaching profession. They also have to bear responsibility for students who lack motivation and who skip school. Teachers are also required to be up to date with current trends in the world. A history teacher for example is required to be well informed of current world affairs (Haydn, 2001). A teacher who is not well informed may be regarded as a failure. This is bad because there are some teachers who may miss out on certain current issues. Teachers however, are respected in most countries and are trusted with the welfare of the students. There are parents who employ teachers to teach their students from home. Online teaching is also a current affair in the industry that has ensured that teaching is at par with technological innovations. This marks some of the current status of teaching. The future of the teaching industry however, seems bright. Many countries are starting to realize the impact of teachers in their countries. A county that fails in its teaching system is bound to fail. This is because teachers are the back bone of the country. They enact the necessary skills and knowledge in providing services within the country (Raths, 2003). Teachers are getting better payments and are highly regarded. This is a positive impression that makes the future of the teaching industry bright. The future of the industry is also positive for the teachers. Past trends in the teaching industry created a system in which students relied more on their teachers. Technological innovations however, have made it easier for students to also learn on their own without relying on their teachers entirely. Research engines, online libraries and online educational engagements are some of the things that have made it possible for learners to learn on their own (Weiner, 2006). Teachers in the future will merely offer guidance to students in their research work. This means that the future of teaching is bright as it will shift to students learning more on their own. Teachers play a positive role in the society by not only educating students with academic knowledge, but also skills necessary in the outside world. The society is also beginning to appreciate the role played by teachers in helping their children tackle challenges in the outside world. The future of the teaching industry is, thus, more promising than ever. Impacts of globalization on teaching Globalization refers to growth in global scale. Globalization has also played an impact in education. Education is a dynamic field that adapts to changes in time. Globalization has impacted the teaching profession or industry both negatively and positively. It has led to technological developments in education. Technology has been incorporated in the education sector. Students are relying on the internet to conduct research and inform themselves on issues around the world. Online libraries have also emerged. Students can access books, articles, journals and newspapers at the comfort of their houses. This has played a positive impact in teaching. Teachers find it easy to teach students because resource materials are widely available. Globalization has also impacted teaching in a positive way by impacting knowledge on different cultures in the world (Block & Cameron, 2002). Globalization has led to the spread of different cultures. Students, thus, are able to review, compare and contrast different cultures. This has helped in creating a society in which people are well informed. Globalization has enabled countries to share teaching resources. Institutions from different countries may rely on resource materials from institutions in other countries. A teacher teaching history for example, when teaching about other countries historical features, can rely on a person from that country in delivering information. This is a positive impact in the teaching industry impacted by globalization. It has also led to sharing of information in different countries (Block & Cameron, 2002). Schools in America for example can study African literature or history. Globalization has impacted education positively by ensuring that students study broadly and widely. Teachers can now teach on issues that go beyond their own boundaries and culture. They can teach about other countries politics, social and economic situations. This is important because students are able to compare their own environment with others in other countries. Students are also able to relate to issues affecting other parts of the world (Block & Cameron, 2002). Students can learn about how others tackled similar issues that are affecting them. This is important and plays a positive impact. Globalization however, has negative effect on the teaching industry. A country’s culture may be easily eroded by another countries culture. Third world countries for example, have adopted western cultures. This is a result of globalization of education. Globalization of education involves learning other people’s way of life. This is hazardous and harmful as students may find other cultures more superior than theirs. This is a negative effect of globalization in the teaching industry. Modern education has also become a means of westernizing other countries (Block & Cameron, 2002). The emergence of an education system empowered by technology has led to westernization as students copy trends from western countries. Teaching should, thus, incorporate other cultures in their curriculum and should portray them too as superior. Teaching Qualifications and the Current Pay Scale Teaching history in high school requires one to meet certain qualifications. It requires one to have knowledge on a specific area and to be passionate about it. Teaching history in high school requires one to be an expert in their area of teaching. One is required to have an undergraduate degree in their area of teaching. A teacher teaching history is required to either have an undergraduate degree in education specializing in history (Townsend, 2006). They can also have a degree in history. It however, depends with a school’s demands. One is also required to complete a teacher education program in order to get certificates. In the United States of America, each state has different demands and requirements when it comes to certification. Most of the schools however, require one to have a degree in their area of expertise and they should also pass some exams. Exams vary depending on the state one is in. Teachers are mostly paid depending on the level of education they have attained. The salary also increases as one gets more experience in the profession. High school teachers also earn extra money from co-curricular activities such as coaching a sports team. Trained high school teachers earn between 44,844 and 72,645 dollars depending on the level of experience and qualifications. High school teachers are also required to obtain licenses from the state they are working in. Students undertaking a bachelor’s in education should have undergone internship that enables them to gain some experience (Townsend, 2006) . Work Environment and personality types for teaching The day to day work environment in the teaching industry is diverse and depends with the area one is working from. The day to day work environment involves interactions with people from all walks of life. High school teachers interact with students from different racial, economic and social backgrounds compared to his. They also interact with colleagues from different backgrounds and who hold different ideologies. One is, thus, required to be dynamic and accommodative. One should be able to accommodate others. The day to day work environment can also be hostile. There are students who are rebellious towards their teachers and lack respect. One can also be in conflict with colleagues due to a difference in opinion. One should however, compose themselves and tolerant. A teacher should also have leadership qualities. A teacher is a leader in the class room and outside. One should be able to guide and lead a group of students (Townsend, 2006) . The students are the teacher’s responsibility and they should thus provide good leadership to the students. Teachers should be morally upright. Students look up to teachers for guidance and for skills necessary in tackling issues in the outside world. Teachers should be able to not only offer academic knowledge, but also guidance and counseling to students. They should be able to mentor children who lack proper mentorship. A teacher’s presence must be felt in the class room. This means that the teacher should create an enabling class room environment. Students should be able to listen to the teacher and concentrate to what the teacher is saying. Teachers should have a strong personality that enables them to perform their duties effectively. Teachers have been entrusted with the welfare of the students. They should, thus, possess a strong personality that is able to repay this faith and trust bestowed on them (Day, 2004). They should be able to create a contributory environment for their students. Conclusion History is one of the subjects in high school. Teaching history impacts learners with knowledge on various issues that have occurred in the world. It also impacts skills to learners on historical and emerging issues in the world. Teaching history in high school requires one to be an expert in their area of teaching. One is required to have an undergraduate degree in their area of teaching. A teacher teaching history is required to either have an undergraduate degree in education specializing in history. Teaching as an industry is characterized by its own naturalal characteristics. Its nature has been gestated and explicated in uncountable ways. Teaching does not only aim to achieve the needs meted out by the curriculum. It also aims at developing skills and values by guiding learners. Teachers carry the responsibility of ensuring that students gain academically and also gain skills from what they learn. Teachers carry the responsibility of guiding students and ensuring they grow well intellectually. They also carry the responsibility of ensuring that students have the necessary skills that are essential in tackling challenges in the future. Teachers play a positive role in the society by not only educating students with academic knowledge, but also skills necessary in the outside world. Technology has been incorporated in the education sector. Students are relying on the internet to conduct research and inform themselves on issues around the world. Globalization has enabled countries to share teaching resources (Block & Cameron, 2002). Institutions from different countries may rely on resource materials from institutions in other countries. A teacher teaching history for example, when teaching about other countries historical features, can rely on a person from that country in delivering information. Globalization of education involves learning other people’s way of life. This is hazardous and harmful as students may find other cultures more superior than theirs. Teachers should be morally upright because students look up to them for guidance and skills necessary in tackling issues in the outside world. References Weiner, L. (2006). Urban Teaching: The Essentials. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Raths, J. (2003). Teacher Beliefs and Classroom Performance. New York: New York University Press. Day, C. (2004). A Passion for teaching. New York: McGraw Hill. Block, D., & Cameron, D. (2002). Globalization and Language Teaching. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Haydn, T. (2001). Learning to Teach History in the secondary School. New York: Routledge. Townsend, T., & Bates, R. (2006). Handbook of Teacher Education. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Read More