Education

Education is a great way to have impact on many people and affect real change. A constant on-your-feet area, working in education is both challenging and immensely rewarding. Interested? Check out one of the many areas you can get involved throughout this page.

DEVELOP YOUR INTEREST

Get involved academically

Using one's particular strengths and interests may guide the direction in which to teach. This is a demanding field but knowing the impact you're having makes it worthwhile. Colorado College works with students in a variety of ways to reach this goal:

  • Education major
  • Education minor
  • Master's in Teaching program
  • Numerous tutoring clubs and organizations (see below)
  • Classes in teaching ESL

Please note that you do not have to be an education major to teach. Schools and organizations look for teachers from all disciplines.

Join a CC club/organization

    There are many ways to gain experience on campus. Tutoring for departments, the QRC, the writing center, the career center are only some examples. Outdoor Education has more ways to get involved than you can imagine - anything from being an NSO leader to the bike co-op. Thinking about working in higher ed? Well, the campus is at your disposal. Think about what area you are interested in learning more about and I'll bet there's a job on campus. Fundraising, admission, event planning, alumni relations, mentoring - the list is endless!

    Check out these specific tutoring clubs and organizations

    • AMA, CCLIM, Colorado College Science Outreach, Cool Science, CREATE, Early Scholars Tutoring, Enseña, North Boys Enrichment Program, Sunrise Movement, Tesla Mentors, Volunteer Action to name a few
    • Work study positions
    • Outdoor education training and trip opportunities

    DEVELOP YOUR SKILL SET

    Here's the great thing about skills needed in education - you're already doing this at CC! All the skills listed below are skills that you are likely doing in your own class, clubs and activities. Feel like you need a little more help with one? Lean into it. Find a way to learn that skill either on campus, during an internship or tutoring in a classroom.

    • Critical thinking: teachers need to consider the best interests of the students while also working within their institution's goals and standards. Don't forget about the parents/guardians! They are important too!
    • Patience: students bring to a classroom a variety of cultural backgrounds, learning styles and intellectual abilities. Educators need to be patient and help maintain a balance between their own expectations and the students' unique abilities.
    • Communication: communication is key in any job but especially in education. Teachers need to be able to work with students, parents/guardians, colleagues and administration. This includes verbal and written communication and being able to code switch easily. Don't forget about body language - read it and display it!
    • Organization: this is pretty important to operate a smooth lesson plan. Are all the right materials at your fingertips? Is the technology working? Do students have what they need in order to be successful?
    • Imaginative thinking: we all don't learn the same way! It's important to be creative to make sure success is had for every student. This could mean including art, music, body movement, social media, etc.
    • Leadership: this is important both inside and outside the classroom. Students oftentimes look up to their teachers; colleagues depend on one another. If advancement in a career is important, take on those other duties as assigned. That pays off in the long run!
    • Teamwork: even though teachers are often on their own in a class, depending on colleagues is important. Brainstorm ideas. Swap materials. Share lesson plans. Be the person that people can count on.
    • Time management: days can be quick in an education setting. Work smarter, not harder! What are the best ways you manage your time? Some use timers and alarms, lists, calendars, white boards - your own style is important so it works for you and your students.
    • Technology: embrace the tech! From lesson plans to inputting grades to content management systems, life can be so easy if you learn the programs. We are in a technological world. Employers, students and families will expect tech to be in the classroom. Be creative with it!
    • Conflict resolution: this is true in any job, but being able to mediate conflict when working with younger students is important. Conflict is inevitable so don't shy away from it. Listen to others and find a compromise. This will not only help your students but it will help with your colleagues as well.
    Report an issue - Last updated: 04/20/2023