Study Education: A worthwhile, rewarding & lifelong career

Teaching is often considered one of the world’s most noble professions. It’s one that requires a deep-seated desire to help others as they navigate their path through life and a commitment to maintaining the highest possible pedagogical standards.

The close relationship teachers develop with students, regardless of age or situation, makes for a highly-rewarding workplace environment. And seeing people flourish where they once have struggled thanks to your talent and commitment is a really beautiful thing!

You will have had that one inspirational teacher who changed the way you saw a certain subject; the one that opened your eyes and made you passionate about learning new things and discovering your talents.

What sets these teachers apart from the average is a solid groundwork in the fundamentals of education and a passion to innovate the classroom of the future.

Not only do you need a solid foundation of knowledge, but also an appreciation that teaching is a lifelong learning profession and requires involvement in the newest research and practices as it evolves.

The next generation of innovators and pioneers in education understand this mentality and so continue to challenge themselves throughout their career, always striving for the best for their students.

The best teachers are always wanting to do and find out more about their own craft, pushing out the boundaries of their learning and teaching.

These people lay the academic groundwork for continuous and practical change in practices and understanding that goes on to drive the direction of educational reform.

The first step on this pathway is a great university that shares your passion for teaching and strives to stay at the forefront of education through pioneering research and analysis; a place that finds balance between research theory and practical solutions, while also offering opportunities for continued learning later in your career.

It is through institutions like these that education is reformed and societal issues tackled.

Here are 4 schools creating innovators of education…

FACULTY OF EDUCATION, UNIVERSITY OF TAMPERE – FINLAND

Taking a wide-ranging and global approach to education, the Faculty of Education at the University of Tampere prepares students to be inspirational teachers and educators in the context of our modern and ever-changing world.

With a deep understanding of the cultural and societal factors that tie in with education, the Faculty has developed a forward-thinking research and learning community that places itself firmly at the forefront of education advancement.

The focuses on this relatively new discipline, equipping students with essential skills required to nurture cognitive expertise needed to understand and evaluate media and their contents.

The highly-relevant and pertinent subject matter is informed by pioneering research being carried out by the Faculty of Communication Sciences and in collaboration with the Faculty of Education, meaning students have the benefit of world-class expertise from both study fields.

Recognising that the art of educating others is a lifelong learning experience, the is designed for qualified teachers who want to stay at the peak of their profession.

Integrating the most essential research in curriculum studies, educational psychology, inclusive education, and pedagogical leadership to provide tools for the development of school education, the course develops the educational leaders of the future and inspires those who want to ensure their students are always getting the best possible education practice.

FACULTY OF EDUCATIONAL SCIENCES, UNIVERSITY OF OSLO – NORWAY

The Faculty of Educational Sciences at the University of Oslo understands the importance of being a leader in educational development.

To ensure it’s not just teaching educational reform, but driving it, the Faculty places an importance on educational research, covering a substantial part of the broader field of educational science.

The Faculty is split into three departments – the Faculty of Education, the Department of Special Needs Education, and the Department of Teacher Education and School Research – and so is able to cover many aspects of educational learning.

The Faculty also has the Centre for Professional learning in Teacher education, generating new knowledge about teaching and learning, and ensuring a research-based and integrated teacher education. The Centre’s work has been recognised by the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education, who awarded it the title of Centre of Excellence in Education.

As the largest educational research institution in Norway, and one of Europe’s leading faculties in the field, this is a great place to get your international education. With many courses taught in English, it’s an accessible learning experience with an international reputation.

LEIDEN INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION AND CHILD STUDIES, LEIDEN UNIVERSITY – NETHERLANDS

The Leiden Institute of Education and Child Studies wants to create change in some of society’s most pressing issues, seeing education as vital tool with which this can be achieved.

The high-quality research the institute conducts addresses major social issues and informs its Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD programmes.

Social issues that are currently being investigated include child abuse, the quality of day care, children’s reading problems, and the early diagnosis of children with severe mental and physical handicaps. The Institute’s faculty co-operate with a host of other institutes, believing that an interdisciplinary approach is fundamental to our general understanding.

Main themes that run through their research and teaching are Child and Family, Child and Educational Settings, and Child Welfare Services.

While the Bachelors courses are taught in Dutch, the Masters and PhD candidates courses are offered both in Dutch and English.

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International

Liked this? Then you’ll love these….

The postgraduate advantage: Why global employers prefer the MA graduate

University of the West of Scotland: A powerhouse for graduate studies in education