CEO Says San Francisco's EdTech Industry Is Growing
The EdTech industry in San Francisco and the rest of the country is now valued at $8.38 billion. That's according to a recent report from the Education Technology Industry Network (ETIN) of the Software and Information Industry Association (SIIA). One Bay Area EdTEch CEO is leading the way to provide students access and instruction that is customized just for them. Elaine Sigal is the founder and CEO of MindLaunch, an online tutoring and educational advising company named a top 10 online tutoring company in 2013.
What is your background and education?
"I have a B.A. in English, Speech and Theater, and Education, a master's degree in English and 40+ years in education. I have taught all grades from 5th – university. I have owned a brick and mortar tutoring company, an adult communication company, was a No Child Left Behind provider, started a summer school for credit recovery, ran several enrichment programs and ran an adult school."
What is your outlook on the education industry in San Francisco for jobs?
"Education in San Francisco is growing. EdTech has produced a boom that is creating jobs in many areas of education. Companies are springing up that need educators to help determine the efficacy of the products they're creating. Also, as more and more baby boomer teachers are retiring, teaching jobs are becoming more and more available. With STEM becoming more integrated and critical in today's education, specialized teachers are in greater demand."
What career advice can you offer to students interested in a career in education?
"As a real teacher, I firmly believe that those who teach our students should be licensed, and not just 'teach' because they want to do so. I suggest that students who want a career, a vocation, in teaching should get a license to make them much more marketable. I also encourage those interested in education to find a mentor, an experienced teacher who is willing to answer questions, guide them, and learn from them. Whether tutoring, teaching in a classroom, working at an EdTech startup, becoming a university adjunct, or getting involved in education related areas, being a licensed teacher will only help in finding and landing a job."
Randy Yagi is a freelance writer covering all things San Francisco. In 2012, he was awarded a Media Fellowship from Stanford University. His work can be found on Examiner.com Examiner.com.