There’s no higher calling than education, but what if you don’t want to spend your life lecturing in front of a blackboard? What if you have a more kinesthetic approach in mind? Here are just five career paths for the teacher who isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and enjoy some hands-on teaching.
Art
From finger-painting with reception students to sculpting sessions with those at university, students of all ages can express themselves through art, and guiding them to creativity will offer you a hands-on job full of messes and laughter. Not only will you have the chance to lead by example and express yourself through your own art, but you will help students find hidden talents and explore new worlds through art. Many art teachers choose to specialise in one or two focus areas, but you can also become a jack of all trades in progressive or all-ages schools.
Drama
What light through yonder window breaks? Is it the east, and drama instruction is the sun. You’ll wear many hats as a drama or theatre teacher, including writer, director, producer, critic and motivational speaker. You might even dabble in carpentry for all those set constructions. The good news is that all of these responsibilities will keep you both busy and engaged.
Special needs
If you have patience, compassion and an understanding heart, consider a career in special needs education. While a sometimes intense and challenging job, you’ll find that this is one of the most rewarding teaching jobs you can pursue. Not only will you build close relationships with your students by teaching them life skills, but their parents will be ever grateful for your influence and help. Most of the learning in special needs classrooms are hands-on and interactive, so you’ll find there’s never a dull moment.
Music
Music is an international language that speaks to everyone differently, and as a music teacher, you’ll have the chance to introduce students to instruments, composers, and artists for perhaps the first time. According to professionals at Kent State University who offer a master’s degree in music education, schools with music programmes produce students with better language skills and cognitive abilities. Whether you’re showing little ones how to properly hold a flute, or secondary school students how to march and drum at the same time, you’ll hold a rewarding job as you introduce children to the power of music.
Alternative education
For a career that’s truly outside the box, look into alternative education programs like Waldorf or Montessori. These schools emphasise humanistic, hands-on teaching techniques that can range from projective geometry blocks to the artistic movement of eurhythmy. You’ll never have to worry about ruffling the feathers of a school board with your creativity when creativity is built into the curriculum.
If you want to avoid a lifetime of lecturing, consider one of these five hands-on teaching jobs. Not only will your students benefit from your fun, interactive style, but you’ll also have a career that never gets old.
Would you consider hands-on teaching jobs? Let us know in the comments below.
Photo: Purple Sherbet Photography / Flickr
Dixie is a freelance writer who loves to write for business, finance, women’s interests, and education. Dixie lives in Arizona with her husband and three beautiful daughters who are the inspiration for her writing.
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