A student is sitting in front of a group of young children reading a book. The young students are all sitting on the floor listening.

The field of education includes teaching, administrative, and coaching positions in public schools and charter schools, independent schools, higher education, summer camps, and adult education. It can also include educational policy, research and consulting; educational non-profits and organizations related to access and social justice; and educational publishing and technology (EdTech), as well as a myriad of careers such as museum education, health education, environmental education, and training in businesses and organizations. 

The Big Picture

Middlebury alums are college professors, elementary school teachers, high school counselors and speech pathologists, deans, admissions counselors, directors and program coordinators at educational non-profits, educational consultants, editors at university presses, teachers at gap-year and semester programs, environmental educators, nutritionists, museum educators, international educators, product managers in EdTech and more.

And Middlebury students have taken part in thousands of different types of educational internships from Breakthrough Collaborative to the Department of Education, to CitySquash. 

What You Can Expect

You could be drawn to work in education if any of the following are true: 

  • You want to make a difference in people’s lives… 
  • You love to share information with others… 
  • You have a passion for a particular subject area… 
  • You want to influence the next generation… 
  • You love kids… 
  • You love researching, writing, and creating knowledge… 
  • You believe deeply that everyone has a right to be successful… 
  • You want to influence educational policy… 
  • You love sports… 
  • You want to connect people to their environment… 
  • You are good at mentoring others… 
  • You want to teach in another country… 

Areas of Focus

Education Administration

Graduates can pursue roles in education administration at various levels, such as becoming a school principal, assistant principal, or district superintendent. These positions involve overseeing school operations, curriculum development, staff management, and student services. 

Education Policy

Graduates can work in education policy organizations, government agencies, or advocacy groups, where they can contribute to shaping education policies, conducting research, and advocating for educational reforms at the local, state, or national level.

Curriculum Development

Graduates can join educational publishing companies, educational technology firms, or school districts as curriculum developers. They work on designing, evaluating, and implementing instructional materials, programs, and assessments to enhance student learning. 

Educational Technology

With the increasing integration of technology in education, graduates can pursue careers in educational technology (sometimes called edtech), including instructional design, e-learning development, educational software development, or educational technology consulting. They can contribute to creating and implementing innovative technological solutions in classrooms and educational settings. 

School Counseling

Graduates can become school counselors, providing academic, career, and personal counseling to students. They assist with academic planning, college applications, and social-emotional development, supporting students in their personal and educational growth. 

Higher Education

Graduates can explore careers in higher education institutions, working as admissions officers, academic advisors, student affairs professionals, or faculty members. These roles involve supporting students in their academic journey, coordinating programs, and conducting research. 

Education Consulting

Graduates can work as education consultants, providing expertise and guidance to schools, districts, or educational organizations. They may focus on areas such as curriculum design, assessment strategies, school improvement initiatives, or educational technology integration. 

Adult Education

Graduates can pursue careers in adult education programs, community colleges, or vocational training centers. They can teach adult learners, design training programs, or coordinate workforce development initiatives. 

Nonprofit and NGO Work

Graduates can join nonprofit organizations or non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that focus on educational initiatives. These organizations may work in areas such as education access, literacy, education for underprivileged communities, or international education development. 

Educational Research

Graduates interested in research can pursue careers in educational research institutions, think tanks, or academic institutions. They can conduct research on various educational topics, contribute to policy discussions, and publish findings to advance the field of education. 


Top Resources

Public School Teaching & Administration 

Teaching or working at a public school allows you to live anywhere in the U.S. and it helps you be part of the community while giving back and making a difference in children’s lives. Although all 50 states and the District of Columbia require teacher licensure, their rules vary by state. Teaching at a public school right after college may require provisional certification.  Here are some resources to get you started.


Stories from the Field

To learn more about potential career roles, see the following resources in which alums share their career experiences.

MiddConnect

Need career advice? MiddConnect is your gateway to connecting with Middlebury’s global network of alumni and parent volunteers. Search an extensive database using filters like employer, job role, location, or major to find people who align with your career interests.

Use MiddConnect to:

  • Set up 1:1 conversations with alumni and parents.
  • Explore career paths and industries.
  • Network for advice when applying for roles.

MiddConnect is part of the Midd2Midd platform, which fosters mentoring, networking, and engagement within the Middlebury community worldwide. Whether you’re seeking a mentor, exploring career options, or sharing your expertise with others, MiddConnect helps you build meaningful connections across the Middlebury community.

futureforward

Watch alumni and parent leaders discuss their industries, share current trends, and provide actionable steps to help you break into those fields.

MIDDVantage

Explore virtual career exploration episodes featuring Middlebury alumni and guests offering insights into various career paths and industries.

Live from DC

Watch live webinars featuring experts in policy-driven career fields, discussing how current events shape opportunities and challenges.

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Alumni Spotlight 3/3/25: Adam Rosenberg ’87, BSE ’92

Adam has built a career in education, spanning roles from English teacher to superintendent. Now an independent educational consultant, Adam draws on decades of leadership experience to guide schools through transformative change. His career highlights include leading school improvement initiatives, fostering innovative teaching practices, and mentoring educators. Passionate about lifelong learning, Adam is on Midd2Midd offering to support Middlebury students through career exploration, interview preparation, and work-life alignment.

Interested in learning more? Connect with Adam on Midd2Midd.

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Alumni Spotlight 2/24/25: Warren Isaak Reid ’94

Championing Diversity in Education for 30+ Years

For over three decades, Warren Isaak Reid ’94 has dedicated his career to increasing diversity in education. As the Founder and CEO of NEMNET, a national diversity recruitment and consulting firm, Warren has helped over 350 schools and institutions recruit and retain educators of color, fostering more inclusive learning environments across the country.

At Middlebury, Warren studied Political Science, played football and track, and led efforts to promote diversity, including drafting the R.E.I.D. Bill to ensure racial and ethnic inclusion in student government. His passion for education led him to Harvard Graduate School of Education, where he earned a master’s in Administration, Planning, and Social Policy.

After working in education administration at Pomfret School and Yale University, Warren fully committed to growing NEMNET, which now serves over 2,000 educators annually. His work continues to shape how schools approach hiring, staff diversity, and professional development.

Interested in learning more? 

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Alumni Spotlight 2/14/25: Katie Sparkes ’09

Katie Sparkes ’09 has built a career at the intersection of education, writing, and nonprofit leadership. After graduating from Middlebury with a degree in History, Education Studies, and Spanish, Katie started on her career journey as a Teach For America corps member, teaching middle school writing in New York City. Since then, she has taken on roles as an educator, instructional coach, and department chair, all while pursuing her interest in empowering students and advancing educational equity.

Currently, Katie works as a fundraising and development consultant with Radical Partners, where she identifies funding opportunities to support leadership development and community engagement initiatives. In addition, she contributes as a freelance writer and editor for organizations like CommonLit, IXL Learning, and NeighborSchools, helping to create impactful educational content.

Katie’s work reflects her dedication to education, social impact, and personal growth. Whether coaching lacrosse teams, leading wellness programs, or refining grant applications, Katie demonstrates a strong commitment to making a difference.

Fun Fact: While at Middlebury, Katie studied abroad in Ecuador and played on the Women’s Varsity Lacrosse team.

Connect with Katie on Midd2Midd. She is available to help students explore their potential career path and talk about working in primary/secondary education!

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Alumni Spotlight 1/27/25: Maya Doig-Acuña ’16

Bridging History, Memory, and Community

Maya Doig-Acuña ’16 has dedicated her academic and professional career to uncovering the rich narratives of Afro-diaspora, feminist studies, and Black geographies. Currently pursuing a PhD in African & African American Studies with a focus on History at Harvard University (graduating in 2025), Maya’s research examines 20th-century Caribbean migration, memory, and community formation in Central America—particularly Panama—and Brooklyn, New York, where she was born and raised.

Her journey began here at Middlebury, where she graduated with highest honors in American Studies. As a student, Maya cultivated her passion for storytelling and cultural heritage through roles such as Writing Tutor and Independent Research Fellow.

Professionally, Maya’s expertise extends beyond academia. She has served as a Smithsonian-ACHP Cultural Heritage Fellow, a Project Coordinator and Contributing Writer at The Futuro Media Group, and an editorial intern at organizations like Penguin Random House and Charlotte Sheedy Literary Agency. Her published work appears in Southern Cultures Journal, Guernica Magazine, and Remezcla.

Connect with Maya on Midd2Midd. She is available to help students explore graduate/professional school, choosing a major and projects, and navigating life at Middlebury!

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Alumni Spotlight 1/20/25: Amari Simpson ’16

From Middlebury to EdM to PhD—A Journey of Impact and Leadership

Amari Simpson ’16 (Psychology, Global Health, Education Studies) embodies the transformative power of a liberal arts education. During his time at Middlebury, Amari was deeply engaged in exploring what makes a “good life” through thought-provoking seminars and global experiences. These questions fueled his passion for education, equity, and leadership, leading him to pursue advanced degrees at Boston University (EdM in Curriculum and Teaching, 2018) and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (PhD in Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership, 2022).

As a Middlebury student, Amari’s sophomore seminar challenged him to think critically about the value of his education and how it shaped his identity and ambitions. Studying abroad further deepened his appreciation for the unique accountability and empowerment fostered at Middlebury. He often reflects on the community of alumni who paved the way and those who continue to shape the world in meaningful ways.

Today, Amari serves as Director of Equity and Diversity at Colgate University, where he inspires students to navigate their educational journeys and define their own paths to success. Through his work, he highlights the importance of understanding diverse perspectives and creating spaces for belonging and growth.

“You aren’t alone—there are people before you who pursued your major, and there will be people after you. You have the fail-safe of this community.”

Want to learn from Amari? He’s on Midd2Midd and available to help students explore career path exploration, general coaching, grad/professional school advising, navigating life at Midd, networking, and more!

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Alumni Spotlight 1/13/25: Alice Tower Knapp ’81

Meet Alice—a Hall of Fame athlete and author, who has made remarkable contributions both on and off the slopes. A three-time First-Team All-American in Nordic skiing at Middlebury, Alice was part of two National Championship teams and later joined the U.S. National Development Ski Team. Beyond her competitive career, she has dedicated her life to teaching, coaching, and officiating in Anchorage, Alaska, where she grew up.

Recently, Alice published On Track! The Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage, a comprehensive history of the club that transformed Anchorage into a premier Nordic skiing destination. 

Want to learn from Alice? She’s on Midd2Midd and available to help students explore career paths in education and sports, leisure, & travel.

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Alumni Spotlight 1/6/25: Alicia Mathewson ’92

Meet Alicia Mathewson—a Middlebury alumna whose career blends creativity, education, and well-being. As a music teacher at Inly School and a transformational life coach, Alicia has over 25 years of experience in teaching and the arts.

She’s also a singer/songwriter, sound healer, and meditation leader with music streamed in over 130 countries. Want to learn from Alicia? She’s on Midd2Midd and eager to help students explore career paths, balance priorities, and uncover their unique potential.