Character Education
Character Education is the process of preparing the nation’s children to be ethical and responsible citizens of our country. Character Education aims to develop in students the sense of empathy and honesty that will ensure they demonstrate the greatest sense of integrity in the personal and professional lives. Character Education courses are directed at those who desire to teach children these principles.
What does study of character education involve?
Character education is primarily a teaching degree. The major component of the course covers the course content that needs to be communicated to students. This includes extensive study of the social and behavioral sciences. Character education involves discussion of the meaning behind broad terms like ethics, equality and gender and how are they interpreted across cultures and societies. The course content is aimed at instilling a strong sense of civic responsibility within students. They are taught the governing principles of democracy and equality in the United States and trained on how to uphold these values. The curriculum for Character Education is also focused on the thought process behind these principles in an attempt to prepare students for the many unfamiliar situations in which they will have to demonstrate character. If are you enrolled in classes on Character Education you will also be groomed in the general skills needed to succeed as a teacher at the primary and secondary school level. You will learn how to develop curriculums, manage class administration and foster an environment where discussion is encouraged.
Why pursue Character Education online?
Online studies are a great choice for those who place a premium on flexible study hours. Perhaps you are already teaching at the primary and secondary school level. But to make yourself a stronger candidate to be teaching character education, you could enroll in online courses. These courses are offered by many online institutions in an affordable and convenient manner. Online courses are also a great opportunity to interact with peers and instructors who can provide valuable job connections. Many online schools will allow you to take Character Education courses along with supplementary courses that will enhance your teaching abilities.
Career options after pursuing Character Education
Character education is a key part of the public school curriculum. As such there remains substantial demand for teachers trained in teaching it. When looking to hire people to teach Character Education, schools care not just about the theoretical training but also practical teaching experience. You are thus encouraged to enroll in online courses that can be supplemented with a practical teaching component. Schools are particularly interested in teachers with a flair for teaching and relating to younger students. You can also be creative and look beyond the teaching sector. There is a fair demand for people trained in ethics and civic responsibility in the government and non-profit sector as well. The strong communication and presentation skills that come with this degree could be useful in a variety of careers that treasure such skills.
How Long Does It Take to Complete a Degree in Character Education?
If you want to be a change maker and want to bring out the best in your students, then earning a degree in Character Education would be ideal for you. A number of schools are offering programs in this subject area, including University of San Diego and Regent University. Students can opt for a Character Education Development Certificate, which can be completed in 1 year. They can also pick a 4-year long Doctor of Education with a specialization in Character Education or a 5-year long Doctor of Philosophy in Education with a specialization in Character Education.
What Are the Requirements to Complete a Degree in Character Education?
Students studying for the Character Education Development Certificate have to complete around 9 course units and have to study a variety of subjects such as Instructional Strategies in Character Education, Teaching Positive Social Skills to Students, Character-based Classroom Management Practices & Strategies, and Social-Emotional Teaching and Learning. Those enrolled in the Doctor of Education with a specialization in Character Education have to complete more than 66 credits and have to study modules like Advanced Study of Best Practices in Character Education and Leadership in Character Education.
How Much Can I Make after Completing a Degree in Character Education?
With a degree in Character Education, you can work as Education Consultants, Program Evaluators, Curriculum Developers, Higher Education Administrators and Character Education Trainers. The annual median salary of Instructional Coordinators was $64,450 in 2018. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has forecasted a positive employment growth of 6 percent in this field and has predicted that 11,500 new vacancies will be created from 2018 to 2028.