Why Study Education?

TCU is the only university in the nation with two on-campus special education laboratory schools, Starpoint and KinderFrogs. You’ll have the opportunity to observe and teach at these schools, and learn from the amazing educators and students there.

TCU’s middle and secondary programs have extensive experiences in a variety of settings, including opportunities for observation and teaching in urban, suburban, and independent schools.

The Early Childhood-6th Grade, Middle and Secondary Education programs have been recognized with a combined six national awards. TCU teaching candidates have a 98% pass rate on Texas state certification exams and a 100% placement rate if they decide to teach after graduation. And if you’d like to teach in the area, you’ll be in good company. More than 80% of TCU teaching candidates teach in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

• Classroom Teacher: Teach at elementary, middle, or high schools in various subjects, adapting teaching methods to different learning styles and needs.

• Special Education Teacher: Work with students who have a range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities, designing and delivering effective and accessible education plans.

• Educational Consultant: Advise schools, educational organizations, and businesses on educational practices, curriculum design, and the implementation of technology in education.

• School Counselor: Support students' academic, career, personal, and social development through counseling and coordination with teachers and parents.

• School Administrator: Manage the daily operations of educational institutions, including hiring staff, handling budgets, and creating policies that enhance student learning and school culture.

• Curriculum Developer: Design, evaluate, and revise curriculums and educational materials, ensuring they meet educational standards and are effective for diverse student populations.

• Corporate Trainer: Develop, coordinate, and lead training programs within corporations to enhance the skills and knowledge of employees.

• Instructional Coordinator: Oversee school curriculums and teaching standards, develop instructional material, coordinate its implementation with teachers and principals, and assess its effectiveness.

• Higher Education Administrator: Work in postsecondary institutions managing student services, academics, and faculty research, often requiring advanced degrees in educational leadership or administration.

• Educational Policy Analyst: Research, analyze, and promote policy decisions that improve educational systems at the local, state, or national level.

• Adult Education Instructor: Teach adult students basic skills, like reading and speaking English, or help them prepare for job qualifications and educational testing.

• Community Education Officer: Develop and implement educational programs that inform and engage community members on various topics like health, safety, and community development.

• Museum Educator: Design and conduct educational programs and workshops for museum visitors of all ages, enhancing their understanding of the exhibits.

• Director of Education Programs at Non-Profits: Lead educational initiatives that align with the mission of non-profit organizations, often focusing on community development and outreach programs.

• Learning Technology Specialist: Implement and manage technology-based educational tools and platforms in schools or corporate environments, ensuring they enhance the learning experience.

• Librarian/Media Specialist: Manage collections of information resources and provide assistance in navigating and accessing these resources effectively, often in schools or public libraries.

• International Education Coordinator: Develop programs that support education across borders, often involving the management of exchange programs and educational initiatives in other countries.

• Youth Program Director: Oversee programs designed for youth engagement and development outside of traditional school settings, such as after-school programs and summer camps.

• Educational Researcher: Conduct research focused on improving educational practices, learning processes, or policy decisions, often requiring further graduate study.

• Educational Sales Representative: Promote and sell educational products like textbooks, e-learning courses, and classroom technology to schools and other educational institutions.

These careers showcase the versatility of an education degree, highlighting opportunities across various sectors that value the skills and knowledge that education graduates bring.

TCU has many different paths to teacher certification:

Early Childhood-6th Grade (Kindergarten-6th Grade): English as a Second Language (ESL) and Special Education or Bilingual and Special Education

Middle School (4th-8th Grade): Language & Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Combined Science or Social Studies

Secondary (6th or 7th-12th Grade): Language & Literacy, Social Studies, Life Science or Physical Science

All Level (Kindergarten-12th Grade): Music, Art, Physical Education or Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Double Major or Minor in Educational Studies: Biology, Chemistry, Communication Studies, Dance, English, History, Journalism, Mathematics, Physics/Mathematics, Languages Other Than English (LOTE) – Spanish, Theatre Arts

If you want to make an impact in education outside of the classroom, TCU offers a non-certification Youth Advocacy & Educational Studies program.

An education degree equips graduates with a broad range of transferable skills that are highly valued in various professional settings beyond traditional teaching roles, including:

• Communication Skills: Educators are skilled in both verbal and written communication, necessary for teaching complex concepts in an understandable way and for effective dialogue with parents, colleagues, and administrators.

• Interpersonal Skills: Teachers must work with students, parents, other teachers, and administrators; these interactions hone their ability to engage effectively and empathetically with diverse individuals.

• Organizational Skills: Managing a classroom, planning lessons, and coordinating schedules demand high levels of organization, making educators proficient in managing multiple tasks and deadlines.

• Problem-Solving Skills: Educators regularly assess, diagnose, and address learning challenges or classroom issues, developing keen problem-solving abilities that are applicable in many professional contexts.

• Leadership and Management Skills: Teachers lead classrooms and often take on leadership roles in curriculum development and school committees, preparing them for management roles within and beyond education.

• Adaptability and Flexibility: Adapting teaching strategies to suit different learning styles and changing educational standards is a key part of teaching, making educators highly adaptable and flexible professionals.

• Critical Thinking: Teachers analyze a variety of educational materials and approaches, assess student work, and adjust curriculum plans, fostering refined critical thinking skills.

• Conflict Resolution: Dealing with conflicts between students or negotiating with parents and staff about educational issues develops advanced conflict resolution and negotiation skills.

• Mentoring and Coaching: Through their role in supporting student growth, teachers become skilled mentors and coaches, able to guide and influence others positively.

• Cultural Competency: Working in diverse classrooms helps educators develop an awareness and understanding of different cultural backgrounds, enhancing their ability to work in global or multicultural environments.

• Patience and Perseverance: The challenges of teaching require patience and the capacity to persevere through difficult situations, valuable in any professional setting.

• Public Speaking: Regularly presenting information in front of a classroom enhances public speaking skills, making educators well-prepared for roles that require presenting and training abilities.

• Teamwork: Collaborating with other teachers on lesson plans, projects, and school-wide initiatives reinforces the importance and skills of teamwork.

• Emotional Intelligence: Interacting with students and understanding their needs develops high levels of emotional intelligence, crucial for managing personal and professional relationships.

• Assessment and Evaluation: Teachers' skills in assessing student learning and program effectiveness are transferable to any role that requires the evaluation of performance outcomes.

These skills make education degree holders versatile candidates for a variety of career paths, highlighting the broad applicative nature of the competencies developed through their studies.