Wondering if education is the right career path for you? Looking to experience teaching before deciding on majoring in it? Already planning on studying education but do not have a lot of related experience?
Volunteering, student employment, and substituting are ways to experience a taste of education prior to earning a teaching certificate. These opportunities could also be resume building experiences that will give you necessary skills to teach and set you apart in your job hunt post-graduation.
Volunteer
Volunteering in schools or related child and youth programs offers a firsthand look at children’s behavior and the behavior management techniques crucial for educators.
For students located on the Pullman campus, the Center for Civic Engagement has compiled a list of current volunteer opportunities around the Palouse that could be of interest to you!
Student Employment
Paid positions in childcare centers, schools, and city recreation departments also allow students to work part-time with children. While any student employment position can help you build transferable skills, roles specifically in education can provide deeper insights into a teaching career–while earning a little extra money.
Check out the following websites/postings or reach out to studentjobs@wsu.edu for help finding specific offerings:
Moscow School District – Careers
Coaching Opportunities – Moscow High School
Elementary Paraprofessional – Moscow School District
Being a Substitute Teacher
All school districts rely on substitute teachers in order to run properly. In the state of Washington, substitute teachers (in most cases) must have a bachelor’s degree and a teaching certification through an accredited school. In Idaho, however, these rules are not as strict. A student can be in their 3rd year of college and become a substitute teacher in the Moscow School District.
If you are approaching the end of your time at WSU and can arrange your schedule so that you have a day or two off per week, substituting could be a great option. It is contract work–you can choose when to work based on the absences that need to be filled. Schools, classrooms, subjects, and grade levels can all vary! Subbing will allow you to experience the classroom environment and implement pedagogy you have learned in your education courses all the while executing another’s lesson plans.
Overall, the chances you need to explore becoming an educator are widely available! Ask professors and other community members if they know of opportunities and equip yourself for a successful teaching career.
