Media Arts Teacher

Description: Teachers play an important role in fostering the intellectual and social development of children during their formative years. Whether in elementary or high schools or in private or public schools, teachers provide the tools and the environment for their students to develop into responsible adults.

Knowledge Required: Fine arts, English, education, psychology, communication, media

Skills: With new online tools and resources, it is important for teachers to have strong computer skills.

Career Path: The traditional route to becoming a public school teacher involves completing a bachelor's degree from a teacher education program and then obtaining a license. However, most States now offer alternative routes to licensure those who have a college degree in other fields.

Best Cities for this job: Although teachers are needed in all cities, jobs prospects are best in less desirable urban or rural school districts.

Median Annual Income: National: $55,150 CA: $63,160

Future Growth: The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment of kindergarten, elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers to grow by 13 percent between 2008 and 2018.

From the field: “My favorite part is watching the kids have fun and taking something you taught them and really running with it.” Tony Corbin, Mission Bay High School