Questions and Answers about Teaching Careers
by Clare Kaufman
Career School Directory Columnist
January 03, 2008
From Baby Einstein to bilingual classrooms to No Child Left Behind, child cognitive development is leading the national debate on education policy. Susanne Schwarz came to the field via a combined bachelor's degree in comparative education and child development. Today, she brings her unique perspective and passion for alternative education to her job as head of a Montessori school.
CSD: What led you to pursue a degree in education?
I did things in reverse: I got a job teaching at Montessori, realized what I wanted to do, and then got the education. My bachelor's degree was called 'interdisciplinary.' I studied international education and child development, combining classes in anthropology, psychology, and sociology. The college let me do that because I had a specific focus. I was interested in education reform.
CSD: Montessori provides an alternative approach to early childhood education, doesn't it?
Yes. The education is experiential, self-directed…individualized. Every child has a curriculum tailored to their interests and needs. The curriculum is developmentally based according to age, and that's where my early child development education comes in.
CSD: Did your bachelor's degree help you advance into a leadership role?
In order to get my job [as a Montessori school director], you need Montessori training, but you can have a wide range of university education. Montessori hires people with a variety of backgrounds.
CSD: What do you do as head of a Montessori school?
I run the school. Since it's a private school, I take care of all the things that a regular business owner would oversee: hiring and firing teachers, inventory, billing, and budgeting. I also oversee the curriculum and sit in on classes to make sure the teachers stay true to Montessori's educational philosophy.
CSD: How does your degree come into play on the job?
My education definitely pertains on a regular basis to what I do in my job. Since I specifically knew what I wanted to do in college, I was able to choose courses that were directly relevant.
CSD: Any advice for students interested in an education administration career?
I think it's important that they have some sort of experience in the classroom as a teacher. I would also suggest getting some sort of business or management training.
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About the Author
Clare Kaufman is a freelance writer specializing in education and career advice. She has a graduate degree in English.
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