top of page
br_CP-logo-rocket-iso.png

Education & Training

education.png
The Education and Training cluster is all about helping people learn and grow. People in this field teach students in schools, train workers at companies, and help people of all ages learn new skills. They work in settings ranging from preschools to colleges, as well as in businesses and community centers.
 
Some people in this field teach kids in classrooms. Others help adults learn job skills. Some work with computers to create online learning games. Others assist students who require additional support or have learning difficulties. Many education workers also help families and communities by teaching essential life skills.
 
Why This Field Is Growing:
​
  • Many older teachers are retiring, so schools need new teachers
  • More companies want to train their workers with new skills
  • Online learning is becoming more popular and needs teachers
  • Early childhood education is growing because more families need preschool
  • Special education services are expanding to help more students
 
Cool Technology in Education:
​
  • Virtual reality headsets that let students visit ancient Egypt or the ocean floor
  • Smart boards that respond to touch and make lessons interactive
  • Educational apps and games that make learning fun
  • Video conferencing tools that connect classrooms around the world
  • AI tutoring programs that give students personalized help
 
In Virginia, this cluster employs over 350,000 people! Jobs for teachers, school counselors, and training specialists are expected to grow steadily in the coming years.
​
Teacher
Early Childhood Education 
Principal  
Elementary School Teacher

​​

What They Do: Elementary school teachers help kids in grades K-5 learn basic skills like reading, math, science, and social studies. They make learning fun and help each student succeed. Every day is different when you're helping kids discover new things!

​

Daily Tasks:

​

  • Plan fun lessons that help students learn core subjects

  • Teach lessons to the whole class or small groups of students

  • Help students who are having trouble with their work

  • Grade homework and tests to see how students are doing

  • Talk with parents about how their child is doing in school

  • Create bulletin boards and displays to make the classroom exciting

  • Supervise students during lunch and recess

  • Use computers and tablets to make lessons more interesting

 

What's Cool About This Job: You get to see kids learn and grow every day. You help shape young minds and watch students get excited about learning new things. Plus, you get summers off!

​

School Counselor

​

What They Do: School counselors help students with problems and guide them toward success. They help kids manage their emotions, make informed decisions, and plan for their future. They're like helpful friends who know how to solve problems and make school better for everyone.

​

Daily Tasks:

​

  • Talk with students who are having problems or feeling upset

  • Help students figure out which classes to take

  • Teach lessons about making good choices and being kind

  • Meet with parents and teachers to help students succeed

  • Help students who are being bullied or having trouble with friends

  • Plan fun activities that bring students together

  • Help older students think about what they want to do after graduation

  • Keep students' private information safe and confidential

​

What's Cool About This Job: You get to help students through tough times and celebrate their successes. You make a real difference in kids' lives and help them become confident and happy individuals.

​

Corporate Trainer

​

What They Do: Corporate trainers teach adults new skills at their jobs. They might teach people how to use new computer programs, work more effectively as a team, or develop leadership skills. They make learning enjoyable for adults and help companies operate more effectively.

​

Daily Tasks:

​

  • Create training materials like presentations and handouts

  • Lead workshops and classes for groups of employees

  • Teach people how to use new technology or equipment

  • Help workers learn better ways to do their jobs

  • Travel to different offices to provide training

  • Use videos, games, and activities to make learning engaging

  • Test employees to make sure they know the new skills

  • Work with managers to figure out what training is needed

​

What's Cool About This Job: You get to travel to different places and meet new people. You help adults learn exciting new skills that make their jobs easier and more fun. Plus, you often get to use the latest technology!

​

Start in Middle School:

​

  • Take classes in reading, writing, and speaking

  • Join clubs where you can help teach others

  • Volunteer to tutor younger students

  • Try the Virginia Education Wizard career assessment

  • Help with school activities and events

  • Practice presenting in front of your class

​

Continue in High School:

​

  • Join the Future Educators Association or teaching clubs

  • Take child development or psychology classes

  • Volunteer at elementary schools or daycares

  • Get part-time jobs working with kids (like babysitting)

  • Take courses in the subjects you might want to teach

  • Help coach younger students in sports or activities

  • Get certified in CPR and first aid

  • Job shadow teachers and school counselors

  • Participate in mentoring programs

  • Take dual enrollment classes in education or psychology

  • Attend educational summer camps at Virginia colleges

​

Technical Training (1-2 years):

​

Jobs: Child Care Workers, Camp Counselors, Teacher's Assistants Average Salary: $28,000 - $35,000

​

Community College (2 years):

​

Jobs: Preschool Teachers, Daycare Teachers, Child Care Supervisors, Educational Assistants Average Salary: $35,000 - $45,000

​

Four-Year College:

​

Jobs: Elementary Teachers, Middle School Teachers, High School Teachers, Corporate Trainers Average Salary: $50,000 - $65,000

​

Advanced Degrees:

​

Jobs: School Counselors, School Principals, College Professors, Training Directors Average Salary: $60,000 - $85,000+

​

Try It Out!

​

  • Tutor younger students or help them with homework

  • Volunteer at local elementary schools, daycares, or summer camps

  • Shadow teachers, school counselors, or corporate trainers

  • Join your school's peer tutoring program or education club

  • Help organize school events or teach younger kids a skill you know

  • Volunteer at your local library's reading programs

  • Create educational videos or presentations for class projects

  • Assist coaches with youth sports teams

​

Fun Fact: Did you know that Virginia is home to some of the oldest educational institutions in America? The College of William & Mary, founded in 1693, is the second-oldest in the United States, and Virginia has over 1,800 public schools serving more than 1.3 million students!

​

Young Teacher
Teacher Assisting a Student
bottom of page