(U-WIRE) DAVIS, Calif. – Graduating seniors may have many aspirations: Traveling the world, becoming a CEO, psychoanalyzing hundreds of patients, or perhaps fulfilling that childhood dream of becoming a ballerina or an astronaut.

However, according to CareerBuilder.com, students might consider staying in the classroom for a while. The Web site has dubbed predicted teaching to be one of the most promising careers for graduates this year.

Since the University of California-Davis has its own credential program through the School of Education, students might want to think twice before saying goodbye to the campus. Due to a high demand for new teachers, ample opportunities for advancement and the anticipated retirement of baby boomers, California needs more teachers than ever.

Teaching is notorious for its relatively low salaries, but with each year a teacher spends in the classroom, the salary increases. Additionally, any candidate with an education beyond a bachelor’s degree earns more money per year.

Starting salaries are often between $30,000 and $50,000 depending on the area and cost of living. According to Marti Hanna, coordinator for liberal arts at the Internship and Career Center, it is not unheard of for a teacher to earn up to $70,000 annually after several years.

Eventually, a teacher can obtain a promotion to principal or administrator and at such a position, a six-figure salary is possible.

While teachers may not experience immediate financial satisfaction, they often experience personal satisfaction. The notion of inspiring and enlightening younger generations is often what draws students to teaching.

“Most students that I talk to that go into teaching were touched by a teacher in earlier years and want to give back,” said Kathi Shull, coordinator of graduate student and postdoctoral career services. “It is a wonderful way to influence a child’s life.”

Teachers are also able to live a more varied lifestyle, according to Shull. Teachers are active in the classroom for nine months out of the year, but come summer, teachers are free to explore other interests or further their own education.

Before becoming a teacher, however, a student needs a teaching credential in most districts. The UC-Davis School of Education offers a credential program, and it is growing rapidly in response to the demand for more teachers.

In years past, enrollment in the program has hovered around 60 to 70 units, but 163 students completed the program this past school year, according to Shull.

“The teachers we turn out from UCD’s credential program are usually very superior and have no problem getting jobs,” said Donna Justice, director of communication for the School of Education.

In fact, Shull said there is a 90 percent placement rate for students who complete the credential program. UC-Davis’ program maintains strong relationships with several school districts throughout California.

Graduates of the UC-Davis credential program obtain a teaching credential and a master’s degree, according to Justice. Many other programs offer just the teaching credential.

Hanna noted that teachers are needed most in the areas of math, science and special education. Shull added that teachers with bilingual education skills are in high demand as well with the growing number of bilingual students.

“They need fresh blood in the school districts,” Shull said. “There’s a real emphasis on education in California and the younger, fresher minds are more receptive to it.”

Copyright ©2006 The California Aggie via CSTV U-Wire