Interview with an Education Expert: Answering Students' Questions About Education Trends

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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Teaching is a rewarding profession, as educators help mold the future movers and shakers of societies. According to recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), there are around 4.2 million elementary and secondary school teachers and 1.5 million postsecondary faculty members. The numbers continue to grow.  

With teachers being part of a good portion of their lives, a lot of students are naturally curious about their jobs. I had my own questions as a student back then, and I regularly encountered inquiries about the teaching profession from interested students as a seasoned career planner.   

As such, I decided to create a guide that tackles the most common student questions about the teaching profession. We invited a panel of seasoned professionals to shed light on them and share their experiences, beliefs, and opinions on various aspects of the profession.

Experts We Interviewed

• Alan J. Singer, Ph.D.: Professor of Teaching, Learning and Technology, Hofstra University
• David Berliner, Ph.D.: Regents Professor Emeritus and Research Professor, Arizona State University
• Carrie B. Kisker, Ph.D.: President, Kisker Education Consulting
• Nooshan Ashtari, Ph.D.: Professor of Education, University of Southern California

1. What key skills and competencies are essential for success in today's education field, and how can students develop them?
2. What are some of the most promising career paths for graduates with an education degree, and how can students best prepare for these roles?
3. How is technology transforming the education landscape, and what should education students focus on to stay ahead in this evolving environment?
4. How important are internships and other practical experiences for education students, and what should they look for in a good internship opportunity?
5. What advice do you have for new educators entering the profession?
6. What resources (such as galleries, workshops, or community groups) should education students take advantage of to enhance their learning and exposure?
7. How can an affordable online master's in public policy empower educators?
8. Can short-term certificate programs boost teaching careers?
9. How can educators effectively manage stress and prevent burnout?
10. Can professional certifications enhance career advancement in education?
11. Is an affordable online degree a viable option for aspiring educators?
12. Do education degrees pave the way for fast careers?
13. What emerging alternative career paths can educators pursue?
14. What are the common specializations in education?
15. How does a student choose the best education program?
16. How much do college teachers earn?

What key skills and competencies are essential for success in today's education field, and how can students develop them?

For students enrolled in affordable online teaching degree programs to excel in the field after they graduate, they need to develop a diverse set of competencies and apply them to various kinds of learners and teaching environments, Our experts bear a practical approach to teacher education.  

• Dr. Singer: "Teacher education programs are more like an internship than an academic discipline. You learn to teach by teaching. University classes where students work on acquiring a range of skills and predispositions should be coordinated with field experiences where pre-service teachers test out their ideas and develop their skills through practice. In university classes, students discuss goals, standards, approaches to creating classroom communities, fostering relationships, organizational techniques, questioning, planning, motivating, age-appropriateness, diversity, equity, and inclusion, but these are better understood because of field experiences. They are then reflected on in conversations with cooperating teachers, field supervisors, and peers, in university classes. An important part of teacher education and of teaching is learning to work cooperatively and to accept and respond to feedback. In secondary education, basic content area competencies are considered a prerequisite. Deeper content understanding requires a teacher’s lifetime investment in their own learning."
• Dr. Berliner: "Commitment, commitment, commitment. Caring that we have a great public system and then trying to make it work as well as it can."
• Dr. Kisker: "The competencies I believe to be essential for success in higher education graduate programs are: a basic understanding of and ability to engage in basic quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research, and a demonstrated ability to translate empirical research findings into implications for practice. . . . A broad understanding of the scope and history of the American higher education system, including community colleges, broadly accessible institutions, research universities (both public and privately funded), liberal arts colleges, for-profit institutions, and everything in between. . . . An understanding of the major issues affecting colleges and college students today. These include threats from outside academe—attacks on tenure, academic freedom, and efforts to ensure that institutions are inclusive and equitable—as well as the decades-long trend toward state disinvestment in public institutions, the challenges and opportunities of shared governance, and heightened issues related to students’ mental health and basic needs insecurities. . . . Finally, anyone going into academe needs to understand that all schools, colleges, and universities have a mission to operate for the public good, to prepare students for success in the workforce and ALSO for participation in an engaged democracy. All of these skills and competencies can and should be taught in graduate schools of education, in both master’s-level and doctoral programs. The best programs emphasize all four and provide opportunities for students to practice the skills in real-world settings and with people from many different backgrounds and experiences."
• Dr. Ashtari: "I would say openness to differences, adaptability, communication skills, and critical thinking as some of the most essential skills and competencies. We all have different backgrounds and points of view based on our previous experiences and it is very easy to think of our own way of thinking as the only way when in reality the field of education has been developed throughout the world by many different people from all walks of life."

As our resource persons have stated, it takes a lot of practice, experience, adaptability, research, cooperative activities, and receiving feedback for an aspirant to hone skills that matter. For educators to be effective in the long run, they have to be lifelong learners of their craft.   

A recent study by University College London shows that the job skills that most frequently appear in teaching job advertisements are social skills (25%), cognitive skills (19%), and exemplary character (16%). The chart below provides more details on the skills employers are looking for in teachers.

What are some of the most promising career paths for graduates with an education degree, and how can students best prepare for these roles?

While it is true that an online elementary education degree and other related degrees lead to myriad scholastic jobs, the heart of the discipline is to impart knowledge and help develop learners' skills. Teaching is the core skill that will afford teacher education program graduates access to their primary careers. 

• Dr. Singer: "You enroll in a teacher education program because you want to be a teacher. Once teachers have acquired significant classroom experience, many, but not all, consider educational career options. These include administration on a department, school, or district level, student guidance, curriculum development, working in a university-based teacher education program as a faculty member or adjunct, researching and writing about education for journals or newspapers."
• Dr. Berliner: "Politics—local at first then state and then national. Educational work prepares you to understand budgets and the constitution—required for political careers."
• Dr. Kisker: "Most higher education Ph.D. programs today prepare students primarily for faculty positions in higher education, but many other career paths are also available, including program officers at foundations funding education initiatives, education policy work, education consulting (either with larger organizations or on one’s own), research scientist positions, and so on. Unfortunately, many education Ph.D.s feel unprepared for careers other than as faculty members; more intentional opportunities to learn about various career paths would be useful. E.D. programs, on the other hand, often serve to enable career mobility for those who already work as faculty or administrators in our institutions of higher education; the most effective work intentionally to expose students to relevant data and opportunities to connect research to practice."
• Dr. Ashtari: "Graduates with an education degree can pursue a variety of career paths from becoming teachers and educational consultants, to curriculum developers and educational technology specialists among others. However, one issue that has been worrying me immensely has been the fact that more workplaces in the US are opting to hire multiple part-time employees without offering them any job security and basic human needs such as health insurance or retirement plans to save more money for them and put the employees in terrible work conditions. I hope that all of us will continue advocating for ourselves more and limiting the number of unstable positions employers can have so that the quality of work and human connections are not at risk the way that they have been in the past several years."

Education graduates, given the diversity of the curricula they completed, have plenty of career options within and outside of the academe. While many take on the teaching mantle, some can leverage their education to enter a different field like politics, as suggested by Dr. Berliner. 

So, where exactly do these professionals work? According to 2024 data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 41% of postsecondary teachers in the country are employed by private colleges and universities, 39% are employed by state colleges and universities, 10% by local junior colleges, 6% by state junior colleges. 

The chart below shows the highest-paying employers of postsecondary instructors. 

How is technology transforming the education landscape, and what should education students focus on to stay ahead in this evolving environment?

Learning management systems, software solutions, AI, and other technology are gradually revolutionizing the way instruction is imparted to learners. Plenty of dated norms are bound to be digitalized. Our expert stresses the importance of making adjustments to suit modern standards. 

• Dr. Singer: "As a teacher, you can’t stay ahead of technological change, but you must be willing to adapt. I started as a teacher before there were personal computers, copying machines, cellphones, and the Internet. I learned to use these things to support my teaching and student learning by working with colleagues and most importantly, by learning from my students who were much more technologically adaptable [sic] than I was. As a teacher, you must be open to using technological advances in your classroom while recognizing that all new technology might not support student learning."
• Dr. Berliner: "It's not students who we need to worry about—it's teachers. The 20-40 year gap between them and the youth they teach is the problem. Students will find their way on their own—teachers need to have lots of in-service [sic] ed."
• Dr. Ashtari: "I have been working in the EdTech industry in addition to academia for the past two decades. One thing that I always advocate for is always putting humans and human connection first even when it comes to technology. At the end of the day all the technological tools we have been developing should have the purpose of helping us and not devaluing us. In that sense I always encourage education students to practice critical thinking even when it comes to integrating technology into the classrooms. There is a quote that has been attributed to multiple sources such as Socrates. Sathya Sai Baba, and Mary Ann Pietzker that says, “Before you speak, ask yourself: Is it kind? Is it necessary? Is it true? Does it improve the silence?” I think we should ask ourselves similar questions when we think about the use of technology; Is it necessary? Is it true and kind in terms of deepening human connection? Does it improve the instruction? If the answer is no, then maybe other forms of instruction and improving human connection and knowledge in class should be prioritized. Technology can be helpful, but overreliance on technology just because the EdTech industry is more well-funded and advertised than the educational systems and the power of true great teachers/professors can lead us to the path that we are currently seeing many educators leaving classrooms behind due to the lack of decent work conditions and treatment."

Dr. Ashtari makes a strong point in saying that institutions should discern what and how much value a tech solution brings to the table before fully investing since part of the funds can also be used to enrich non-digital learning and teaching experiences. But there are pieces of educational technology that can truly make a difference.   

A technological solution that educators have been eyeing in particular is artificial intelligence. With the increase in use cases of AI chatbots and software in the past few years, 56% of educators expect schools to leverage the technology more in the next year.

This trend is expected to resurface should another technological solution disrupt operations in various industries, somewhat akin to how some of the cheapest online cyber security degree programs cover new tech solutions.   

How important are internships and other practical experiences for education students, and what should they look for in a good internship opportunity?

Hands-on experiences and internships enable students enrolled in affordable online educational leadership programs and other teaching degrees to learn and get familiarized with the actual work routines of educators. Through familiarity and constant practice, they can make a relatively smooth transition to the professional realm. Dr. Singer goes deeper into this.   

• Dr. Singer: "These are the keys to becoming a successful beginning teacher. I encourage placements that align with class instruction and try to place pre-service teachers where possible with program alumni. I also encourage placements in a variety of schools with diverse student populations. Students don’t know where they will get their initial teaching position, so diverse placements better prepare them for different eventualities." 
• Dr. Berliner: "They need not one teacher but 3-4 to study one month or more with,… and they need debriefing after every month of observation. And the settings should be schools for the wealthy and schools for the poor and for immigrants. And they need to discuss how to turn the latter into something like the former. What can they do to make the schools more like each other?"
• Dr. Kisker: "Internships and practical experiences are exceptionally important for students at all levels, but especially in the undergraduate years, as they may give students a glimpse of life as an education professional before committing to 2-4 years of graduate study. Even when internships are not available, opportunities to engage in role-play, speak with college faculty and leaders, or otherwise explore the practical aspects of what one is studying are helpful ways of preparing for a career in education."
• Dr. Ashtari: "Internships and practical experiences are extremely important for education students as they need to gain as much real-world and hands-on experiences as possible before they can teach real students or work in other areas of education. They can also use such opportunities for networking and skill development to get to know other professionals and the variety of responsibilities and challenges they might be faced with as they begin their jobs."

Internships and hands-on experiences in education degrees, as underscored by our panel, are highly effective because they offer practical activities that bridge the gap between theory and practice. They allow aspiring educators to develop essential teaching skills, receive mentorship, and gain insights into classroom management and student engagement, ultimately enhancing their preparedness and confidence for their future careers.

As Dr. Kisker mentioned, these experiences can also help students ascertain if the field they have chosen to study is what they truly want to pursue as a career. After all, they offer a comprehensive preview of what it is like to become an actual educator.  

Students are advised to prioritize programs and institutions that put a premium on teacher placements. After all. learning principles and theories can only do so much without putting their applications into action. They can also pursue high-caliber, cheap online graduate courses for teachers to enhance their competencies. 

What advice do you have for new educators entering the profession?

To guide students in their journey to become effective teachers, we sought the advice of our seasoned guest on how graduates can start their careers.  

• Dr. Singer: "At the end of student teaching, you are a certified beginner. It takes three to five years of intensive work to become an effective teacher. If you like the challenge of teaching, every year is new and exciting as you experiment with different approaches and materials. If you don’t like teaching, do yourself and [your] students a favor and leave the profession."
• Dr. Berliner: Demand time, at least once per month to be in other teachers' [sic] classrooms with similar kids and a similar grade level. Their observations should be of experienced highly rated teachers with 10 years or so of experience."
• Dr. Kisker: "I am not a teacher so I cannot comment specifically on teaching, but my advice to any new educator is this: Try to focus both on the intricacies of the culture, challenges, and opportunities at your institution, but keep in the periphery of your mind the greater context in which our higher education system operates. Each institution has its own unique history, strengths, and threats, but as much as possible, try to learn from the experiences of others. Share what has worked and what hasn’t at statewide or national conferences. Try to remain connected to research, if only for the purpose of improving your own practice. And for the researchers out there, remember that the purpose of your scholarship is ultimately to affect policy or practice, so spend as much time discussing the implications of your work as you do its limitations methodological fine points."
• Dr. Ashtari: "Teaching can be demanding and it’s important to maintain a healthy work-life balance, so I usually tell new educators entering the profession to take care of themselves so that they can take care of their students and colleagues in the long run as well. I recently wrote a short piece on A Hippocratic Oath for Teachers that I developed based on the Hippocratic Oath taken by new physicians in various countries around the world. I think medical and educational areas of expertise have some similarities in common in terms of the core of them being about how we should truly care about each other and help each other heal and grow. Here are some of the main concepts of that oath that I usually remind myself and my students/teacher candidates about: respect the hard-won scientific gains of those teachers/researchers before you and share such knowledge with others, there is [an] art to teaching as well as science and that warmth, empathy and understanding are also equally important, do not be ashamed to say “I don’t know” and ask colleagues and your community for help when needed, respect the privacy of your students and personal information they might share with you, and learn and grow with them as you improve your teaching skills as teaching is never a one-way street."

Our panel emphasizes the importance of expanding one's knowledge, from the intricacies of teaching and its core values to its culture and the varying methods of applied teaching. In addition, as stated by Dr. Ashtari, having genuine warmth, empathy, and understanding helps since learners will willingly connect with them and absorb the lessons being discussed.   

Moreover, to improve their chances of accessing high-paying opportunities, students can pursue certifications like those handed out by organizations like the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and state government agencies. They can also advance their education and eventually obtain doctorate degrees. For instance, they can enroll in affordable master's degrees in elementary education online and specialize in teaching young students.  

What resources (such as galleries, workshops, or community groups) should education students take advantage of to enhance their learning and exposure?

Students must leverage every relevant resource at their disposal to hone their craft. in doing so, they expand the teaching applications they know of and can later master. Our expert points out the specifics. 

• Dr. Singer: "All of these [galleries, workshops, and community groups] because learning does not only occur in a classroom setting. Students should join local, regional, state, and national professional organizations. Membership and participation enhance professional development and provide access to various institutions and experiences."
• Dr. Berliner: "Any of Jonathan Kozols. Berliner and Biddle’s 'Manufactured Crisis.' Berliner and Hermanns’ edited book on education and democracy (TCPress)."
• Dr. Kisker: "At the risk of sounding like a shameless self-promoter, I’d recommend my two textbooks for anyone in a higher education program, and especially for those interested in community colleges. They are "Emergence and Growth of the Contemporary System (3rd ed.)" and "The American Community College (7th ed.)" Other great resources [are] "Diversity and Inclusion on Campus: Supporting Students of Color in Higher Education (Core Concepts in Higher Education, 2nd Ed.). and "Teaching College: The Ultimate Guide to Lecturing, Presenting, and Engaging Students." 
• Dr. Ashtari: "In my area of expertise, I am a huge fan of Professor Stephen Krashen and Professor Noam Chomsky (I have had the honor of a lifetime to work, write, and present with them, you can watch a keynote speech we gave here and you can also find some of my research and publications here). Some of the 50+ years of research and publications of these extraordinary scholars have been included on their websites for free and I recommend anyone to learn about the beauty and depth of their work more."

Dr. Singer makes a great point here. Joining local, regional, state, and national professional organizations is important for education students because these outfits grant access to valuable opportunities for networking, professional development, and staying updated on educational trends and policies.

These organizations also enable students to take advantage of available resources, mentorship, and advocacy platforms, which can enhance career prospects and support continuous growth and improvement.

Meanwhile, the other members of the panel offered publications that can surely expand the horizons of education students.

How can an affordable online master's in public policy empower educators?

Advanced knowledge in public policy equips educators with the ability to influence systemic changes and advocate for more effective educational practices. By understanding policy frameworks, teaching professionals can play a proactive role in shaping curriculum, resource allocation, and school governance. Further studies provide insight into legislative processes and the socioeconomic factors that impact educational settings, thereby enhancing strategic decision-making. For professionals looking to broaden their influence beyond the classroom, pursuing an affordable online master's in public policy offers a pathway to merge pedagogical expertise with policy advocacy, ultimately fostering a more equitable and progressive learning environment.

Can short-term certificate programs boost teaching careers?

Short-term certificate programs offer educators a streamlined pathway to acquire specialized skills and swiftly adapt to evolving educational demands. These programs can serve as a practical complement to traditional degrees by providing focused training in areas such as educational technology, classroom management, or curriculum design. In a competitive job market, such credentials may enhance employability and provide a stepping stone toward higher-paying roles. For detailed insights, consider exploring 6-month certificate programs that pay well.

How can educators effectively manage stress and prevent burnout?

In today's demanding academic environment, educators must adopt proactive strategies to manage stress and avoid burnout. Recognizing early warning signs—such as chronic fatigue, diminished job satisfaction, and reduced classroom engagement—allows teachers to seek timely support. Implementing structured routines, engaging in mindfulness practices, and fostering collaborative networks with peers can significantly mitigate professional stress. Furthermore, pursuing targeted skill enhancement through focused learning opportunities, such as 3-month certificate programs that pay well, offers educators a means to diversify their expertise and rejuvenate their passion for teaching. Regularly reviewing and refining work-life balance strategies is essential for sustained well-being and long-term career resilience.

Can professional certifications enhance career advancement in education?

Professional certifications offer educators a strategic advantage by validating specialized skills and demonstrating a commitment to excellence. Targeted programs can bridge gaps between traditional academic training and the competencies required in today’s dynamic learning environments. Pursuing certifications that pay well not only differentiates professionals in a competitive market but also supports continuous development in emerging areas such as educational technology and innovative teaching methodologies. This approach can lead to improved career prospects and a stronger professional portfolio without redundant overlap with existing academic credentials.

Is an affordable online degree a viable option for aspiring educators?

Affordable online degree programs offer a cost-effective pathway for individuals seeking to enter the education field while managing financial constraints. These programs are structured to maintain academic rigor and transferability, ensuring that graduates gain industry-relevant skills without the burden of exorbitant tuition fees. Prospective educators are encouraged to evaluate factors such as accreditation, curriculum quality, and post-graduation employment outcomes. For instance, starting with a cheapest associate's degree online can provide essential foundational coursework that supports future academic and career advancements.

Do education degrees pave the way for fast careers?

In today’s evolving landscape, education degrees are expanding beyond traditional classroom roles. Graduates who integrate modern digital tools with core teaching competencies are finding opportunities in emerging sectors such as online education, instructional design, and administrative innovation. This targeted approach, combined with continuous professional development, positions educators to transition into dynamic roles that demand both pedagogical mastery and technological proficiency. Strategic career planning and the pursuit of supplementary certifications further enhance prospects in fast careers.

What emerging alternative career paths can educators pursue?

Expanding from traditional teaching roles, education graduates are increasingly exploring opportunities in EdTech implementation, curriculum consulting, corporate training, and educational policy advisory roles. These positions enable professionals to apply their instructional expertise in settings that focus on technology-driven learning, strategic planning, and research-based practices. Such career transitions may offer enhanced earning potential and diversified skill utilization; for example, reviewing highest paying bachelor degrees can provide insights into fields where academic credentials are leveraged for lucrative roles.

What are the common specializations in education?

Teacher education programs have a wide range of areas since any discipline can be formally taught in physical and digital classrooms. With this, graduate teaching programs typically offer multiple concentrations or specializations. Here are some of the most common ones: 

Based on Age Group

• Early Childhood Education: Focuses on the holistic development of young children. 
• Elementary Education: Covers a broad range of subjects for students in grades K-5 or K-6. 
• Middle School Education: Often includes core subjects like math, science, English, and social studies. 
• Secondary Education: Focuses on subject areas like English, math, science, history, or foreign languages.

Based on Subject Area

• Math Education: Specializing in teaching mathematics at various levels. 
• Science Education: Focusing on teaching biology, chemistry, physics, or earth science. 
• English Language Arts (ELA): Specializing in teaching reading, writing, and literature. 
• Social Studies Education: Covering history, geography, civics, and economics. 
• Foreign Language Education: Teaching languages like Spanish, French, German, or Mandarin.

Based on Student Needs

• Special Education: Working with students with disabilities. 
• English as a Second Language (ESL) or English Language Learners (ELL): Supporting students learning English as a second language. 
• Gifted Education: Providing specialized instruction for gifted students. 
• Bilingual Education: Teaching in two languages to support language development.

Other Specializations

• Educational Leadership and Administration: Preparing for roles like principal, superintendent, or curriculum director. 
• Counseling and School Psychology: Providing mental health and academic support to students. 
• Curriculum and Instruction: Focusing on developing and implementing effective teaching strategies. 
• Technology Integration: Integrating technology into the classroom.

How does a student choose the best education program?

Many postsecondary institutions offer education and teaching degrees, so for students to find a program that completely suits their needs, they need to focus on certain factors like accreditation, specializations offered, and program format. Those working with tight budgets should also look into financial aid options. 

Let us delve into the major considerations: 

• Accreditation and Program Quality: Prioritize programs accredited by recognized education bodies like the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation or regional accrediting agencies to ensure they meet established quality standards. Evaluate a program's reputation by considering faculty qualifications, alumni success, and overall standing within the field. 
• Specialization and Curriculum Alignment: Select a program that offers specializations and courses closely matching your career goals and interests. A strong curriculum should balance theoretical knowledge with practical experience, providing ample opportunities for professional growth. 
• Financial Considerations: Carefully assess tuition, fees, and living expenses associated with the program. Students should also explore financial aid options, scholarships, and grants to make their education affordable and minimize student loan debt. 
• Program Format and Location: Students should choose an educational format (on-campus, online, or hybrid) that best suits their learning style, schedule, and personal circumstances. Consider the program's location in relation to potential student teaching placements and desired job markets.

How much do college teachers earn?

According to 2024 data from the BLS, school principals are the highest earners among teachers, with a median annual salary of $103,460. Postsecondary and special education teachers follow, making $84,380 and $65,910 annually, respectively. The chart below provides more details on the earnings of different teacher positions. 

Meanwhile, the employers who provide postsecondary teachers with the highest median annual salaries are private colleges and universities ($88,090), local junior colleges ($86,650), state colleges and universities ($84,490), and state junior colleges ($64,950). 

Teaching is a Process of Lifelong Learning

Teaching is a profession that requires serious dedication and a commitment to lifelong learning to effectively impart knowledge to successive generations of students. Aspiring education students, besides developing the skills to foster knowledge retention, should exhibit a genuine fondness for teaching to truly engage students with different backgrounds.

Our invited experts also stress the importance of adaptability, practical experiences, and knowledge expansion especially regarding technology, to suit the ever-evolving standards of the practice. These insights offer an ideal approach for aspiring educators to apply once they enter the professional realm.     

More Information About The Experts We Interviewed:

Alan J. Singer, Ph.D.

Dr. Singer is a Professor of Teaching, Learning and Technology and director of social studies education programs at Hofstra University. He is a former editor of Social Science Docket and has authored numerous publications, including Teaching Climate History, Teaching Global History, and New York and Slavery: Time to Teach the Truth. Dr. Singer specializes in social studies, United States history, and the history of slavery and the role of New York. 

David Berliner, Ph.D.

Dr. Berliner is a distinguished educator and researcher renowned for his contributions to educational leadership and policy. As a Regents Professor Emeritus at Arizona State University, he has held influential positions at top universities and lectured globally. A member of the National Academy of Education and former president of both the American Educational Research Association and the APA's Division of Educational Psychology, Dr. Berliner's research has earned widespread recognition. His prolific career includes over 200 publications, such as the groundbreaking "The Manufactured Crisis." Continuously advocating for public education, Dr. Berliner remains a prominent figure in educational psychology and policy.

Carrie B. Kisker

Dr. Ashtari is an expert in technology and education, focusing on Virtual Reality, Artificial Intelligence, and heritage language development. With over 20 years of experience in teaching languages and conducting research across various countries, she has also worked as a consultant for major EdTech companies, contributing to the development of innovative educational tools. Her research interests include psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics, and second language acquisition. Dr. Ashtari is a sought-after keynote speaker and is currently working on heritage language acquisition books for immigrants. She teaches a range of language education courses at USC.

References: 

1. BLS (2024, April 17). Postsecondary teachers. BLS
2. Henseke, G. & Yang, S. (2022, August 16). Thinking of becoming a teacher? These are the top skills employers are looking for. University College London
3. Klein, A. (2024, February 29). Will AI use in schools increase next year? 56 percent of educators say yes. EducationWeek
4. NCES (2024, May). Characteristics of postsecondary faculty. NCES
5. NCES (2023). Teacher characteristics and trends. NCES