American education and the significant historic changes since Americanization

*Notable moments along the timeline*

Only a Teacher - classroom
  1. Americanization (Late 19th – Early 20th Century): Schools aimed to assimilate immigrants by teaching English and American values, sometimes using harsh methods like punishing native language use.
  2. Wounded Knee (1890): The massacre of Sioux by U.S. troops symbolizes the violent treatment of Native Americans during the Indian Wars.
  3. Women Teachers’ Struggles (1890s–1910s): Women, who made up most teachers, fought for better pay, job security, and autonomy, leading to the growth of teacher unions like the AFT.
  4. Progressive Education (1910s–1930s): John Dewey promoted democratic, student-centered learning, challenging traditional classroom structures.
  5. Civil Rights (1940s–1960s): Teachers were key in challenging segregation, especially after the Brown v. Board decision in 1954.
  6. Teacher Professionalism (1980s–2000s): Rising standards, such as the A Nation at Risk report and National Board certification, sought to improve teaching quality.
  7. Assessing Students and Teachers (21st Century): The debate continues over how to fairly assess students and teachers, balancing standardized testing with more holistic approaches.

These developments over the years since Americanization of the education system shows the continuous efforts to improve the quality of education, through evolving practices, while raising professional standards.

Public Broadcasting Service. (n.d.). PBS online: Only a teacher: Closeup: America’s teachers. PBS. https://www.pbs.org/onlyateacher/closeup.html

Minors Contributed to Future Occupational Opportunities

Mabry, A. (2023, August 1). Coaches employment requirements. TASB. https://www.tasb.org/news-insights/coaches-employment-requirements

In order to guarantee that they support the school’s educational goals, the majority of high school coaches in Texas are also required to hold a teaching certification. Because of this double duty, coaches are in charge of both academic instruction and sports programming. An outline of the justification and prerequisites is provided below:

Why Coaches Must Be Teachers in Texas

  1. Educational Standards and Accountability
    • Schools want to make sure that every employee, including coaches, supports the academic and learning objectives of the organization.
    • The state guarantees that coaches adhere to the same professional and ethical standards as educators by mandating that they be instructors.
  2. Multi-Role Efficiency
    • Combining teaching and coaching responsibilities allows schools to make efficient use of their budgets. Instead of hiring separate individuals for these roles, schools employ teacher-coaches who can serve in dual capacities.
  3. Holistic Development of Students
    • Through their interactions with students in both academic and athletic settings, teacher-coaches gain a comprehensive grasp of their needs and skills. Relationships between mentors are strengthened by this dual position.
  4. Compliance with UIL Standards
    • The University Interscholastic League (UIL), which governs Texas high school sports, requires coaches to meet specific certification and eligibility standards. These typically align with teaching certification requirements.

Requirements for Coaches in Texas

  1. Teaching Certification
    • Coaches must hold a valid Texas teaching certificate. This typically requires a bachelor’s degree, completion of an educator preparation program, and passing state certification exams.
    • Certification ensures that coaches are prepared to teach in a subject area in addition to coaching athletics.
  2. Professional Development
    • Coaches are often required to complete professional development courses related to their coaching duties, including training in sports safety, first aid, and CPR.
    • Some schools may require specific certifications like the “Concussion in Sports” course.
  3. Background Checks
    • As with all educators in Texas, coaches must pass criminal background checks before being employed by a school district.
  4. Athletic Coaching Training
    • Many districts encourage or require additional training through workshops or certification programs that focus specifically on coaching methods, athlete safety, and compliance with UIL rules.

Challenges and Benefits of the Teacher-Coach Model

  • Challenges:
    • Balancing classroom responsibilities with coaching duties can be demanding, requiring excellent time management skills.
    • Coaches must often teach subjects outside their primary expertise, adding to their workload.
  • Benefits:
    • Coaches who also teach develop a stronger connection with students and the school community.
    • This model emphasizes that sports are an extension of the educational experience, promoting teamwork, discipline, and character development.

This system reflects Texas’s emphasis on ensuring that coaches are educators first, aligning with the state’s broader goals of academic and personal development for all students.

Current and Projected Trends

  1. Self-Enrichment Teachers: Projected Job Growth: 11.06%
  2. Coaches and Scouts: Projected Job Growth: 9.95%
  3. Tutors: Projected Job Growth: 7.61%
  4. Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education: Projected Job Growth: 7.39%
  5. Instructional Coordinators: Projected Job Growth: 5.41%
  6. Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors: Projected Job Growth: 5.39%
  7. Substitute Teachers, Short-Term: Projected Job Growth: 4.86%
  8. Postsecondary Teachers: Projected Job Growth: 4.79%
  9. Education Administrators, Postsecondary: Projected Job Growth: 3.78%
  10. Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education: Projected Job Growth: 3.32%

10 fastest growing jobs in Education & Training. BigFuture. (n.d.). https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/explore-careers/career-clusters/education-training/10-fastest-growing-jobs 

https://infogram.com/projections2031-1-1hxj48pkk7k9q2v

How our Career fields are tied in but different

Casasola, T. (2020, February 16). Teaching vs coaching. Medium. https://medium.com/@timcasasola/teaching-vs-coaching-61a9510048b5

Both coaching and teaching entail directing and mentoring people to improve in their overall growth, whether in athletics or academics, they have many things in common. Both are in charge of inspiring people, establishing objectives, and fostering an atmosphere where people may grow in both domains. But the objective is different because coaching is more focused on teamwork, strategy, and physical growth, whereas teaching is more focused on conveying academic knowledge. Both call for effective leadership and communication, but the strategy and objectives can change based on the situations.

Summary Overview

https://www.careeronestop.org/Videos/IndustryVideos/education-and-training-overview.aspx

Education & Training Career Cluster | Explore Careers | CareerOneStop. Education and Training Overview. (n.d.). https://www.careeronestop.org/ExploreCareers/Learn/CareerClusters/education-and-training-career-cluster.aspx

The goal of the Education and Training Career Cluster is to get people ready for a range of jobs in the education field. This cluster covers occupations that support educational institutions and organizations as well as those that entail teaching, training, counseling, and assisting students at various educational stages, from early childhood to adult education.

Key Features of the Education and Training Career Cluster:

  1. Purpose:
    The development of knowledge and abilities to assist teaching and learning processes is the main focus of the Education and Training cluster. Academic, technical, and job-related abilities are developed by professionals in this field for students of all ages. These positions may be in training and development within companies and organizations or in formal education environments (like schools and universities).
  2. Core Areas:
    • Teaching and Instruction: Educators in elementary, secondary, and post-secondary institutions who teach various subjects and provide guidance to students.
    • Training and Development: Professionals who design, implement, and evaluate training programs for employees in various industries, including corporate trainers, HR specialists, and instructional designers.
    • Administration and Support: Roles related to managing and supporting educational systems, such as school principals, education consultants, and special education coordinators.
    • Counseling and Mental Health: Includes counselors, psychologists, social workers, and other professionals who support students’ social, emotional, and psychological well-being.

Types of Occupations in the Education and Training Cluster:

  1. Teaching and Instruction:
    • Preschool Teachers
    • Elementary and Secondary School Teachers
    • Postsecondary Professors (e.g., college/university professors)
    • Special Education Teachers
    • Adult Education Instructors
    • Librarians and Media Specialists
  2. Training and Development:
    • Corporate Trainers
    • Instructional Coordinators
    • Curriculum Designers
    • Training and Development Managers
    • Vocational Education Teachers
  3. Educational Support Services:
    • School Administrators/Principals
    • Instructional Assistants
    • Education Consultants
    • School Psychologists and Counselors
  4. Counseling and Mental Health:
    • School Counselors
    • Career Counselors
    • Psychologists
    • Social Workers
    • Substance Abuse Counselors

Education and Training Requirements:

  • Degrees: The cluster usually requires a bachelor’s degree for the majority of teaching positions, a master’s degree for counseling, school administration, or higher education teaching, or possibly a doctorate for university academics and positions requiring advanced research, depending on the occupation.
  • Certification and Licensure: Numerous occupations in this cluster, particularly those related to education, call for particular state or federal certification and licensure. For instance, counselors might need to obtain a license from a professional board, whereas teachers frequently need to pass tests to become certified in their state.
  • Skills: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, organizational aptitude, empathy, patience, and a dedication to continuing learning are all necessary for careers in this cluster.

Employment Outlook:

The demand for education and training professionals is generally steady, as education remains a critical part of society. Occupations in this cluster are expected to grow at varying rates depending on the specific role. For example, the need for special education teachers, school counselors, and postsecondary instructors is projected to increase, reflecting ongoing emphasis on specialized education and lifelong learning.

Overall, the Education and Training Career Cluster offers a wide range of rewarding career paths for individuals passionate about teaching, helping others learn, and supporting the educational and personal development of people across the lifespan.

INTRODUCTION

Micah

My name is Micah Lopez and I am a senior here at Texas State. I am majoring in Integrated Studies with my three minors being Exercise and Sports Science, History, and Criminal Justice. My career goals are to make six figures doing what I love and that is coaching football.

Trez

My name is Trez Moore I am a senior here at Texas State University. I am a current football player here at Texas State and I have plans of paying in the NFL. Other wise God forbidden I would like to continue my love and career for the game of football and become a coach. I am majoring in Integrated studies here at Texas State and my minor is in criminal justice.

JLO

My Name is JLO, I am a senior Here at Texas State University with a major in Integrated studies and three minors of Psychology, Sociology, and Criminal Justice. My career goals vary between teaching/ coaching. I hold two degrees already in Sports Psychology and Medical assistance. i hope to use all of the skills learned in school to effectively help children as they progress throughout high school in both athletics and in school.