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Survey says one-third of Americans show interest in becoming teachers

DAVENPORT, Iowa – August 14, 2014 —  Kaplan University, a leader in higher education innovation, announces the launch of Virtual Advisor, an online tool to help college graduates chart the best path to convert their experience and degree into a career opportunity in teaching or other aspects of the education field.

Virtual Advisor serves as a guide for people who have already earned a bachelor’s degree but need additional training to enter the teaching profession. By answering a series of questions and considering different scenarios, Virtual Advisor users are guided to potential career paths in education based on their experience and interests. These career paths range from teaching in K-12 classrooms, to educational psychology, to college and university administration careers. Ultimately, Virtual Advisor can help identify the appropriate Kaplan Graduate Education program for those interested in education careers based on their experience and professional goals.

“Whether you are a recent college graduate, want to change your career or are in the encore phase of your work life, Virtual Advisor will help guide you to find a new journey in education,” said Lynn Massenzio, Interim Dean of Kaplan University’s School of Graduate Education. “There is ample opportunity for people to find a career path in education that they are passionate about.”

Results from a December 2013 survey conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Kaplan University’s School of Graduate Education found that 32 percent of Americans have considered a career in teaching. Results also show that parents feel they have a particular affinity for teaching: Of those survey respondents who were parents, 60 percent believe they would make good teachers.

Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates opportunities are there for those who decide to pursue careers in teaching. More than half a million new K-12 and post secondary teaching jobs are projected to be created by the year 2022. These jobs are on top of the current opportunities already on the market. In addition, this data indicates there will be approximately 90,800 new education-related jobs outside of the classroom, ranging from administration to counseling positions.

For more information on Virtual Advisor and additional resources being offered to encourage careers in education, visit Kaplan’s School of Graduate Education.

About Kaplan University

Kaplan University offers a different school of thought for higher education. It strives to help adult students unlock their talent by providing a practical, student-centered education that prepares them for careers in some of the fastest-growing industries. The University, which has its main campus in Davenport, Iowa, and its headquarters in Chicago, is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (www.ncahlc.org) and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Kaplan University serves approximately 44,500 online and campus-based students. The University has 13 campuses in Iowa, Indiana, Nebraska, Maryland, Maine, and Wisconsin, and Kaplan University Learning Centers in Maryland and Missouri.

Kaplan University is part of Kaplan Higher Education LLC and Kaplan, Inc., a leading international provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. Kaplan’s higher education institutions serves approximately 60,000 students online and through 56 campus-based schools across the United States and offer a spectrum of academic opportunities, from certificates and diplomas to graduate and professional degrees, including a juris doctor degree. Kaplan serves students of all ages through a wide array of offerings including higher education, test preparation, professional training and programs for kids in grades K-12. Kaplan, Inc. is a subsidiary of Graham Holdings Company and its largest division. For more information, visit www.kaplanuniversity.edu.