Technology Education: Preparing the Next Generation for the New Millennium

Technology Education Offers Numerous Opportunities

Technology education combines training in education with the study of technology, which prepares you to teach technical skills to students of all ages and levels. Considering how fast technology changes and evolves, this profession continuously needs new applicants, which gives you potentially excellent job prospects when you've completed your degree program.
Women in particular are highly in demand. Because fewer than 6 percent of technology teachers in the U.S. are women, there are increased scholarship and financial aid opportunities for women who want to pursue a technology education degree.

What Degree Program Do I Need?

Degree programs vary somewhat depending on where you want to teach. Some technology education degree programs offer a teaching credential as well, which is required if you want to work in a public elementary, middle, or secondary schools. Those who want to teach at vocational schools, community colleges, or universities don't need a teaching credential, and can instead focus solely on a technology education degree program.
As technology becomes increasingly important, many states are requiring teachers to have training in technology, even those who won't be teaching it directly. It's become necessary to incorporate technology into the classroom for even young children in order to better prepare them for the future, which means their teachers must be technically proficient themselves.

Online Education: Both Learning and Teaching

As online degree programs grow in popularity, the demand for online teachers has increased. A degree in technology education not only prepares you to work in a traditional brick-and-mortar school, but it can also lead to a career designing e-learning programs, teaching at online universities, and even improving the way online education works. Earning your own degree through an online program can give you additional knowledge of this growing field as well as a greater insight into what improvements could be made.
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Teachers--Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary
Technology Education.org, What is Technology Education?
Valley City State University, Technology Education at VCSU

Laura Horwitz has worked as a freelance writer and researcher for seven years in both London and the US, focusing frequently on education and career advice. She has also taught English and journalism. She currently lives in Los Angeles.