Careers in Education - Fourth Edition, by Roy A. Edelfelt & Alan J. Reiman,I thought the first chapter summarized the purpose of American education perfectly:Universal and free public education to age eighteen is a foundation of American democracy. An informed, literate, and compassionate citizenry is essential to maintaining and improving the condition of the American people and to assisting other nations in raising their stanrdards of living.It also includes a a brief history of teaching in America (colonial period, nineteenth century, twentieth century). This book is designed to help people explore professions in education by providing information, opinions, and other sources of data that will promote a deliberate process of weighing and choosing.* teaching (K-12, higher education, adult/continuing education)* special services (reading, special education, physical education, nursing, psychology)* administration or supervision (principals, superintendents, college administrators, research)Institutions and agencies offering education include the followingPreschoolsPublic and private K-12 schoolsVocational-technical schoolsTwo- and four-year colleges and universitiesGraduate and professional schoolsInstitutesBusiness and industryFederal government colleges, academies, and universitiesMilitary schoolsAdult and continuing education programsArts and crafts schoolsI really enjoyed the chapter on teaching, research and administration in higher education. That is my intended field. It lists firsthand accounts, preparation, career patterns, salary and fringe benefits, and how to find employment. It also includes a directory (appendix) of education organizations in the United States.

read more: Review: Careers in Education (2004)