OVERVIEW
What is a Traveling Teacher?
Traveling teachers spend time working in different parts of the world, growing acquainted with each location’s history, culture, cuisine, and customs as they instruct students. The subjects they teach can range from math and science to social studies, with English as a Second Language (ESL) courses being very common. Some traveling teachers may have years of experience teaching in elementary schools, high schools, or universities while others might have only weeks or months of training.
Either way, most—if not all—traveling teachers obtain certification so that they’re better prepared for classroom instruction. These individuals value personal and global education, and they may also seek to improve education systems and infrastructure as an overarching objective in their travels, especially if they teach in less-developed nations.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Traveling Teacher Do?
A traveling teacher’s day-to-day responsibilities vary depending on a number of factors, including subject area, teaching program, location, and student age range. However, typical duties include the following:
- Lesson planning. Teachers spend several hours a week preparing classroom lessons and materials for the benefit of their students.
- Teaching and instruction. Thorough prep work can lead to stimulating discussion, with students actively participating as they ask and answer questions.
- Student assessment. To evaluate student progress, teachers administer quizzes and tests at regular intervals.
- Individualized support. Sometimes students may need one-on-one attention outside of class. Teachers should make extra time if possible to speak to these students about their concerns.
- Classroom management. Whether classes are big or small, teachers maintain order and ensure that each student feels valued.
- Collaboration and communication. Often, teachers spend time with other faculty to discuss plans, goals, assignments, and more.
- Travel and logistics. Traveling teachers adhere to clear, detailed itineraries as they go from point A to point B. Teachers might refer to travel agencies or use smartphone traveling apps as a guide.
- Recordkeeping and documentation. This includes in-class and homework assignments, grades, and attendance.
- Professional development. Teachers will continue to grow personally and professionally as they help students understand concepts and practice their skills.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How Do I Become a Traveling Teacher?
Traveling teachers should gain experience in managing classrooms and student expectations, and they should obtain enough education to become competent instructors in their chosen field. Though many do, not all traveling teachers complete bachelor’s or master’s programs. Others get certified to teach or receive continuing education. Below are common steps to becoming a traveling teacher:
- Obtain a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Examples include special and elementary education, mathematics education, English, English teaching, and more.
- Pursue industry certifications to stand out to employers. For example, English teachers may consider TEFL or TESOL certification.
- Identify where you’d like to teach. You may decide to travel to another English-speaking region or go to a foreign country. If you plan to teach internationally, remember to keep your passport up to date and apply for visas as needed.
- Apply for traveling teacher jobs. This might include updating your résumé, drafting cover letters, attending job interviews, and networking.
Best Degrees for Traveling Teacher
Education
Bachelor's Degrees Elementary Education
Online bachelor's degree programs built for aspiring elementary school...
Online bachelor's degree programs built for aspiring elementary school teachers who are looking to earn a teaching license.
Leads to a teaching license. Specific grade levels will vary depending on teaching certification in your state.
- Time: 68% of students finish within 36 to 38 months.
- Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 37 to 45 (47 for Washington residents) total courses in your degree, depending on which program you pursue.
Concepts included in this program:
- Lesson Planning
- Ethics
- Behavioral Support Strategies
- Educational Psychology & Development
- Classroom Management
These online bachelor's degrees require in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching.
Education
Bachelor's Degrees Special Education
Online bachelor's degree programs built for aspiring special education...
Online bachelor's degree programs built for aspiring special education teachers who are looking to earn a teaching license.
Leads to a teaching license. Specific grade levels will vary depending on teaching certification in your state.
- Time: 61% of students finish within 34 to 38 months.
- Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 38 to 39 total courses in your degree, depending on which program you pursue.
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Lesson Planning
- Ethics
- Behavioral Support Strategies
- Educational Psychology & Development
- Classroom Management
These online bachelor's degrees require in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching.
Education
Teaching, Elementary Education – M.A.
An online master's of arts in education degree and teacher certification...
An online master's of arts in education degree and teacher certification program for aspiring elementary school teachers who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field.
Leads to a teaching license. Specific grade levels will vary depending on teaching certification in your state.
- Time: 64% of students finish within 24 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 28 total courses in this program (29 for Washington residents)
Concepts included in this program:
- Lesson Planning
- Ethics
- Behavioral Support Strategies
- Educational Psychology & Development
- Classroom Management
This online teacher's degree requires in-classroom observation and a term of full-time student teaching.
Education
Teaching, Special Education (K–12) – M.A.
An online master's degree for aspiring teachers looking to further their...
An online master's degree for aspiring teachers looking to further their careers with a focus on K–12 special education.
- Time: 64% of students finish similar programs in 22 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 30 total courses in this program.
This program is ideal for students who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field and are looking to earn their initial teaching license.
Concepts included in this program:
- Professional, Ethical and Legal Guidelines in Special Education
- Management Strategies for Academic and Social Behavior
- Assessment and Evaluation
- Methods of Instruction and Intervention
- Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
Find a rewarding career teaching students with diverse challenges and special learning abilities with this teaching master's degree.
How Much Does a Traveling Teacher Make?
$59,720
Traveling teachers might expect to make earnings similar to those of traditional school teachers. Average income typically varies based on the level of education taught and the length of the teaching program. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), for instance, the average annual salary in May 2021 for adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers was $59,720. The lowest 10% earned about $35,000 while the highest 10% earned more than $96,000.
What Is the Projected Job Growth?
Varies
The job outlook for traveling teachers differs based on factors like area of expertise, amount of education received, and the location of the teaching program. According to the BLS, despite a slight decline in employment of adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers, about 4,700 new openings are projected each year on average from 2021 to 2031.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Traveling Teacher Need?
Teachers who travel for their work should become well rounded in a number of skills that will serve them both inside and outside the classroom. Such skills usually include:
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Cultural sensitivity
- Communication
- Classroom and group management
- Organizational skills
- Patience and empathy
- Problem-solving abilities
- Cultural competence
- Technical skills
- Collaboration
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