Gain job flexibility with online education courses

In today's rapidly evolving job market, education is no longer limited to traditional teaching roles. The value of education extends far beyond the classroom, offering a wealth of opportunities for non-teachers and professionals in diverse fields.

While many may associate education courses exclusively with aspiring educators, it's important to recognize the broader benefits and applications of supplementary education for individuals seeking to expand their horizons and excel in their chosen careers.

Soft skills, also known as human skills, are popular in the field of education and are considered important to today's workforce. According to Indeed, “An easy way to highlight the mastery of human skills is to take a class in it and receive a grade or certification. This can easily be added to a resume.”¹

At the forefront of providing comprehensive educational opportunities for non-teachers, the University of Kansas School of Education and Human Sciences (KU SOEHS) stands as a trusted institution committed to empowering professionals across various industries.

Through a range of certificates and electives, KU equips individuals with the tools and knowledge necessary to educate others, become effective leaders, and cultivate expertise that extends beyond their primary field of work.

Read on to explore the transformative power of supplementary education and the many advantages it offers for professionals looking to unlock new opportunities and excel in their respective fields.

Broadening horizons: Education beyond teaching roles

There is a common misconception that education courses are only relevant for individuals pursuing teaching careers. However, the truth is that education degrees, certificates, and electives offer a wide array of benefits for professionals from diverse backgrounds.

According to an article by All Education Schools, “Teachers have many transferable skills that are valued across many industries. Holding a teaching degree may qualify you for jobs in business, non-profit organizations, publishing, government, and more.”²

Many of the skills necessary to become an effective teacher are often sought-after qualities in other careers:

Communication

Excellent communication skills, a fundamental requirement for teaching, are invaluable in many careers. The ability to convey ideas clearly, listen actively, and adapt communication styles to different audiences is highly sought after in fields such as sales, public relations, and customer service.

Adaptability and resilience

Teachers possess the essential skills of adaptability and resilience, thriving in dynamic environments that require quick thinking and agility. These qualities are equally valuable in industries undergoing rapid change, such as technology or startup environments, where being open to new challenges is vital.

The versatility of supplementary education courses further fosters adaptability and resilience, equipping professionals with the knowledge and tools to navigate evolving landscapes, stay informed about emerging technologies, and embrace change with confidence and competence.

Problem-solving

Teachers are skilled problem solvers, continuously finding innovative solutions to meet the diverse needs of their students. This analytical and critical thinking ability is highly valued in roles such as project management, consulting, and research.

Empathy and emotional intelligence

The empathy and emotional intelligence cultivated in the teaching profession are essential for building strong relationships and understanding the needs of others. These qualities are highly sought after in fields like counseling, human resources, and social services.

Organizational skills

Teachers excel in managing multiple tasks, planning lessons, and staying organized. This skill set is highly transferable to administrative roles, event management, or any position that requires efficient time management and attention to detail.

Recognize that the skills and qualities developed as a teacher are highly transferable and sought-after in numerous career paths. Embrace the diverse opportunities that await beyond the classroom, leveraging your strengths to embark on a rewarding professional journey in numerous fields.

The career benefits of supplemental education

Let's explore the reasons why supplementary education holds tremendous value beyond traditional teaching roles:

Diversifying career prospects

Education courses provide individuals with a competitive edge in the job market by expanding their career prospects. By acquiring education credentials, professionals can explore exciting opportunities and make a meaningful impact in various sectors.

Enhancing professional development

Supplementary education equips individuals with invaluable skills and knowledge that contribute to their professional growth. This can be especially true when it comes to the field of education: The interdisciplinary nature of education courses allows professionals to develop critical thinking abilities, effective communication skills, and a deep understanding of human development and learning theories.

Nurturing leadership potential

Teachers possess inherent leadership skills developed through managing classrooms, guiding students, and fostering positive learning environments. These qualities can be harnessed beyond education, making teachers well-suited for managerial roles or entrepreneurial ventures that demand the ability to inspire and guide teams.

Confidence, vision, and effective communication are the cornerstones of successful leadership. Leaders who exhibit these qualities can guide teams without being controlling, fostering productivity and progress. By inspiring trust through confidence and articulating a compelling vision, leaders motivate team members to contribute their best efforts.

Through professional development programs, educators can cultivate essential leadership competencies such as strategic thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving. This equips them to drive innovation and positive change, positioning them as influential leaders within their organizations and beyond.

By recognizing the broader applications and benefits of supplementary education, professionals from all backgrounds can leverage these opportunities to enhance their career prospects, expand their skill set, and become well-rounded leaders in their respective fields.

Empowering Professionals: Unleashing Leadership Potential

According to Forbes, “To grow as a leader, you have to make learning a priority and have a plan for your professional development.”³

Education and development courses not only provide individuals with subject-specific knowledge but also equip them with the skills and expertise to educate others in their respective fields. Furthermore, these courses play a crucial role in fostering leadership development and cultivating effective leaders in any domain.

Below are a few examples of how supplementary education courses empower professionals and unleash their leadership potential.

Creates effective strategies for meaningful learning

Education courses go beyond teaching methodologies and theories. They provide professionals with the tools and strategies to effectively educate others, whether it's training employees, delivering workshops, or designing educational programs. These courses focus on instructional design, assessment techniques, and creating engaging learning experiences.

As a result, professionals can gain the ability to impart knowledge and drive meaningful learning outcomes in their industries.

Fosters essential leadership skills

Leadership development is a vital component of education courses, enabling professionals to become influential leaders in any domain.

Education programs emphasize essential leadership skills such as communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and decision-making. Through interactive learning experiences and practical application, professionals develop the necessary competencies to inspire and guide others, fostering a positive and productive work environment.

Furthermore, by combining subject expertise with educational knowledge and leadership skills, professionals can unlock their full potential, enhance their career trajectories, and become catalysts for positive change within their industries.

The ability to educate others effectively and lead with confidence positions professionals as valuable assets within their organizations, driving growth and success.

Building well-rounded professionals: Cross-disciplinary education

In today's interconnected world, the value of cross-disciplinary education cannot be overstated.

Cross-disciplinary education opens doors for professionals to expand their horizons and adopt innovative approaches. By integrating insights from various disciplines, individuals enhance their adaptability, critical thinking, and ability to navigate complex environments. The University of Kansas School of Education and Human Sciences (SOEHS) offers a diverse range of online master's level electives and certificates, empowering professionals from different industries to deepen their understanding of educational principles and practices.

For example, professionals in the field of business can explore electives in instructional design or educational leadership to enhance their training and development capabilities. Engineers can pursue certificates in STEM education to effectively communicate complex concepts and inspire the next generation of innovators.

Through SOEHS, individuals gain valuable insights and skills that enable them to address challenges, adapt to industry trends, and contribute meaningfully to their organizations.

Cross-disciplinary education allows professionals to transcend boundaries, embrace new ideas, and foster collaboration. By leveraging the resources and expertise of SOEHS, both educators and non-educators enrich their professional journeys, broaden their perspectives, and make valuable contributions in today's dynamic and interconnected professional landscape.

This holistic approach empowers professionals to navigate diverse environments, tackle complex challenges, and drive positive change.

Educational skills open doors beyond the traditional classroom

As noted earlier, the skills required to become a successful teacher are highly valued and sought-after in various career paths. The transferrable nature of education skills enhances learners' effectiveness in their current roles and can help open doors to new career possibilities.⁴

Take a moment to explore some of these exciting job opportunities.

Roles outside of the classroom

If you have a passion for educating children but want a shift from the traditional classroom and the demands of traditional teaching, there are numerous rewarding roles in education that can take you beyond the confines of the classroom. These alternative positions allow you to continue making a meaningful impact on students' lives while offering a fresh perspective and a break from the routine.²

1. School librarian:
   • Additional education in library science opens doors to becoming a school librarian.
   • Work with children while avoiding the oversight and after-hours workload of teaching.
   • Hot field with growing opportunities.
2. School counselor:
   • Pursue additional training to become a school counselor, also known as a guidance counselor.
   • Assist students in various ways outside of the traditional classroom setting.
   • Stay involved in education and support students in different capacities.
3. Administrator:
   • Consider a position in education administration.
   • Explore nearby school district employment pages for qualified open positions.
   • Stay connected to the education field while stepping away from individual classroom responsibilities.
4. Curriculum design:
   • Use your experience as an educator to contribute to improving the quality of education.
   • Opportunities include curriculum development experts, school effectiveness specialists, and learning coaches.
   • Lead teacher training, observe educators, and provide recommendations for enhancing teaching methods.
5. Substitute teacher:
   • Like a traveling nurse, work as a substitute teacher with flexibility in choosing locations and schedules.
   • Requires appropriate licensure, but allows you to work in different school districts.
   • No administrative or preparatory responsibilities of full-time teachers managing their own classrooms.

Roles in other fields

There are also roles in business, government, law, publishing, and non-profit that are a good fit for those with an advanced background in the field of education.²

1. Marketing: Utilize your business acumen and understanding of human needs to help companies market their products. Online marketing, such as search engine marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), and email marketing, offers viable career paths in today's Internet-focused economy.
2. Technical Writer: Leverage your writing skills to excel in technical writing. Draft user guides, manuals, and white papers for companies, showcasing your ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively.
3. Paralegal: Consider a career as a paralegal, where many skills acquired as a teacher can be directly transferred. Short and affordable certificate programs are often available for aspiring paralegals, and the work can be fulfilling with competitive salaries.
4. Human Resources: Leverage your teaching degree to lead employee education and training programs within companies. Additionally, your understanding of diverse backgrounds can make you an asset as a recruiter or in other HR roles.
5. Management: Draw upon your natural managerial skills as a teacher to explore opportunities in the business world. Additional education or training may be necessary, but your ability to organize and lead teams can be highly valuable.
6. Entrepreneurship: If you have innovative product or service ideas and the drive to assemble a team, consider venturing into entrepreneurship. As a recent graduate or experienced teacher, explore opportunities beyond traditional school settings and pursue your entrepreneurial aspirations.

Remember that with teaching skills you possess a diverse skill set that can be applied in various industries. Embracing the possibilities beyond the classroom and exploring these alternative career paths can help create opportunities for a fulfilling professional journey.

Continuing your education at a highly-ranked institution

When it comes to pursuing further education and professional development, the reputation and credibility of the institution play a crucial role. A reputable institution ensures access to rigorous academic programs, cutting-edge research, and high educational standards. It also provides opportunities to learn from experienced faculty, access state-of-the-art resources, and engage in extensive networking with professionals and industry experts.

Attending an esteemed institution like KU SOEHS opens doors to extensive networking opportunities. Engaging with a community of like-minded professionals, alumni, and industry experts allows individuals to expand their professional network with valuable connections that can propel their careers forward.

Furthermore, KU SOEHS offers a diverse range of electives and certificates tailored to different industries, enabling professionals to acquire a broader understanding of educational principles and practices. This understanding not only enhances their ability to design and deliver impactful training programs but also fosters empathy and inclusivity within their professional environments.⁵

Choosing the KU School of Education and Human Sciences for continuing education comes with the advantages of a highly-ranked institution. KU SOEHS's commitment to excellence and innovation in education has been recognized with the prestigious ranking of #19 for the Best Online Master's in Education Programs for Curriculum and Instruction by U.S. News and World Report.⁶ This recognition underscores the institution's reputation and credibility in delivering high-quality online education to aspiring educators and professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in curriculum and instruction.

By investing in lifelong learning and career growth through SOEHS's programs, professionals position themselves for ongoing success and advancement in their respective fields.

Learn the most powerful reading education skills at KU

By taking the next step with the esteemed KU School of Education and Human Sciences, individuals can unlock their full potential, broaden their horizons, and make a lasting impact in their industries. KU’s program helps equip you with the knowledge and expertise needed to make a meaningful impact in today's ever-evolving professional landscape.

The Curriculum and Teaching online Master's program at KU is the perfect opportunity to do just that and help your career thrive beyond the classroom.

You can gain these skills while maintaining your busy schedule with our 100% online master’s programs. Join our community of passionate educators and take the first step towards advancing your career and expanding your career options today.

KU’s admissions outreach advisors are here to answer your questions, Schedule a call today.