Teaching & Education

Working as a teacher demands a certain type of personality. You need to be patient, personable, and willing to commit to long hours, even when that means preparing a lesson in your own time outside of school hours. But becoming qualified in the fields of teaching and education almost guarantees you lifelong job security, because let’s face it; we’re always going to need skilled teachers.

That said, according to the Economic Policy Institute, institutions across the U.S. continue to struggle to find highly skilled, qualified teachers. This is due to a combination of existing teachers retiring and fewer students entering teacher training programs. However, as you’ll see further down the page, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates job growth in most fields relevant to teaching and education.

There also appears to be some misconception that teachers’ salaries are low. However, in 2018, the BLS highlighted a median annual salary of $61,660 for high school teachers, nearly $60,000 for middle school teachers, and nearly $80,000 for postsecondary educators. Principals earned nearly $100,000, and those working in training and development could see their salaries go even higher.

So, now that we’ve shattered those misconceptions, it’s time to dive into the subjects of teaching and education, and the kinds of degrees that are available for budding teachers, trainers, and leaders in these fields.

What Levels of Degrees Are There in Teaching and Education?

Depending on your career aspirations, there are a number of programs available that can take anywhere from two to four years, or longer. Below, we’ve outlined what you can expect from each level of study—associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees—and the kind of careers that will be open to you as a graduate.

Certificates in Teaching and Education

The majority of certificate programs in teaching and education are available at the graduate level. In most cases, these certificates are offered by private organizations, or directly from the schools themselves. The main benefit of these qualifications is that they focus on specialized areas of teaching, such as leadership, curriculum design, educational technology, and more. You should see these programs as a way of furthering your knowledge and abilities, and less as a means of entry into the profession of teaching.

Associate’s Degrees in Teaching and Education

For an associate’s degree in teaching and education, you’ll normally have to complete around 60 credits during your studies. Typically lasting for around two years, these programs usually focus on a general overview of the principles of education, different learning theories, how to manage your classroom, and the psychology of childhood through adolescence.

These shorter degree programs don’t usually award any kind of teaching certification or licensure, as associate’s degree graduates won’t be eligible for such qualifications. That said, this level of study is sufficient for anyone wanting to find employment as a private school teacher, homeschool teacher, teaching assistant, or substitute. If you want to work in public schools, then you’d be better off studying for a bachelor’s degree.

Bachelor’s Degrees in Teaching and Education

Bachelor’s degrees are the most popular choice for aspiring teachers. Typically lasting for four years full-time and comprising 120 college credits, you’ll normally pick a specialization—or focus area—which could be elementary or early childhood education, middle school education, or special education. Within these focus areas, you might also specialize further in a particular subject, like the sciences, English, or mathematics.

Upon graduation from a bachelor’s degree in teaching and education, you’ll typically be eligible to qualify for state licensure as a teacher. You may progress onto a role such as K-12 teacher, special education teacher, or find work in developing curricula. Many online education degrees can be quite affordable as well.

Master’s Degrees in Teaching and Education

For those who have already completed a bachelor’s degree, master’s degrees usually comprise around 30 credits and last from 1 to 2 years. Again, you’ll have the option of further specializing in key areas, such as curriculum design, leadership, or teaching. In the fields of teaching and education, master’s degrees often carry more weight in terms of career advancement than in many other industries.

More senior roles such as the school principal will often be closed to graduates who have not yet completed at least a master’s level of postgraduate education. Other roles for master’s graduates could include curriculum designer, policy analyst, or district superintendent. Finally, it’s worth mentioning that a master’s degree in teaching can be an effective route for switching from an alternative career to the field of teaching.

Doctoral Degrees in Teaching and Education

Doctoral programs of study can lead to either a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) or doctor of education (Ed.D.). The former type of program is suited to students wanting to pursue a career in academia, while the latter is ideal for those wanting to work in educational leadership.

Curriculum structure tends to vary between the two types of doctoral. With an Ed.D. program, you’ll have a lot of practice-based coursework, which incorporates research and the development of new processes and strategies within an educational institution. A Ph.D. program will typically focus more on teaching techniques at the postsecondary level.

Types of Degrees in Teaching and Education

Below, we’ve listed some of the most common and popular types of degrees you’ll find in the fields of teaching and education.

Early Childhood Education

Early childhood education, or ECE, is a broad term for any kind of program that focuses on the development of children until around the age of eight. When you graduate from one of these programs, you’ll have learned the knowledge and skills needed to teach and support children in one of the most rapid periods of development anybody will face in their lives. You’ll build the groundwork needed for your students to develop strong academic and social skills that will influence and support their personal and professional development for years to come.

Educational and Instructional Technology

The face of teaching has changed massively in the last couple of decades, with technology demanding that teachers become adaptable in methods of instruction. These types of degree programs help prepare you to best leverage technology within the classroom. Courses could include integration of technology into teaching, remote distance learning techniques and technologies, and computer-assisted instruction. As a graduate, you’ll be a leader in the use of technology in the classroom, with some institutions offering further specializations.

Elementary Education

Elementary education degree programs prepare teachers who will work with kindergarten children through fifth grade (K-5). These programs are offered both at the undergraduate and graduate level for those who are not yet qualified teachers, or those looking to specialize in elementary education, but who hold an unrelated bachelor’s degree. Within these curriculums, there tends to be a strong focus on child psychology and development. These courses are coupled with teacher education, in addition to practical training on how to work with people like parents, caregivers, and other key support staff.

Health Education

When you think of teaching and education, health education might not be a subject that immediately comes to mind. Rather than working with students in a classroom, you might be supporting individuals, organizations, or entire communities to live healthier lives. Some schools and other institutions do employ on-site health educators, who help students to be more health-conscious at a time when they might be living alone for the first time in their lives.

Special Education

Special education teachers require a degree in special education, or a general teaching degree where your specialization has allowed you to focus on this key area. As a special education teacher, you’d be supporting students with behavioral, learning, and physical disabilities, providing them with essential additional support. You might be working out how to adapt a curriculum or lesson plan to suit a student’s individual needs, or changing your classroom to be a more inclusive environment.

What Are the Admission Requirements for a Degree in Teaching and Education?

Some schools have a minimum GPA requirement for admission into a teaching program. In many cases, this requirement stipulates a minimum GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale), though there are institutions that have more lenient or more strict requirements. Additionally, you might be expected to submit anywhere from one to three letters of recommendation, in addition to your resume and, potentially, a personal essay. If your career goal is to become a career and technical education teacher, then you will likely also be expected to evidence practical work experience in that field.

The good news for those looking to switch from an unrelated field to a career in teaching is that you don’t need to go back to the beginning, so to speak. You can study for a master’s degree in the field that you wish to teach, which will be sufficient for most employers. However, if you want to work in a more specialized field, such as special needs teaching, you should consult a career coach, or speak to the admissions office at the university you wish to attend, for more advice.

What Can I Do with a Degree in Teaching and Education?

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to teaching degree programs. For example, you could become a special education teacher without taking a special education degree program, providing your teaching degree allowed you to specialize in this subject area. You could transition to teaching from another career by taking a master’s level qualification. The careers available are fairly flexible. Below, we’ve provided some examples of the types of careers you could find after graduation from a teaching and education degree.

Career and Technical Education Teacher

Career and technical education teachers specialize in a key subject area, such as auto repair and carpentry. For entry into such a teaching program, you’ll not only need a relevant bachelor’s degree as a minimum, but also work experience in the field you wish to teach. Like any teacher, you’ll create lesson plans and coursework, in addition to teaching students about your subject. But you’ll also need to demonstrate hands-on skills and champion health and safety around dangerous equipment.

Child Care Worker

While the role of child care worker might sound more relevant to graduates of a social work program, many employers look for those with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. You’ll be helping to dress, feed, and entertain the children under your care, but you’ll also likely participate in setting schedules and routines, creating learning curriculums, and recording a child’s progress and interests. Thus, graduates from a teaching degree program are highly desirable for this role.

Elementary, Middle, and High School Principal

A principal can usually be found in every elementary, middle, and high school. They’re responsible for overseeing the operations of the school and all activities that take place within. As a principal, you’d be in charge of managing your staff, coordinating curriculums, and disciplining students who have repeatedly flouted the school’s policies. You’ll also need to be highly personable, as you’ll often meet with parents and teachers to discuss a range of matters relating to your many students.

High School Teacher

High school teachers can have a great challenge on their hands; you’re expected to prepare students for life after high school, whether that be work or further study, all while dealing with one of the most challenging age groups. In addition to preparing and delivering lesson plans and assessing student ability, you may need to focus on individual students who are struggling, or supervising students in detention. You’ll need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, in addition to state licensure if you want to work in a public school.

Instructional Coordinator

Instructional coordinators aren’t necessarily always involved in teaching. You’ll be responsible for developing and implementing curriculum, with feedback from student testing, school staff, and advancements in the field of teaching. You’ll be a trainer and mentor for other teachers, helping them to hone their teaching abilities. Usually, you’ll be expected to have a master’s degree, in addition to relevant work experience within school administration or teaching.

Kindergarten and Elementary School Teacher

Kindergarten and elementary school teachers bridge the gap between preschool and middle school. You’ll focus on proficiency in basic subjects, including mathematics and English. In addition to teaching, you’ll need to prepare students for the start of standardized testing, which is mandated by the state. For entry into such a role, you’ll need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, plus state licensure if you’ll be teaching in a public school.

Middle School Teacher

Middle school teachers typically work with students from sixth through to eighth grade, building on the skills learned in elementary school. Responsibilities are mostly the same here, with lesson plan creation and implementation, student assessment, group and individual progress monitoring, and behavior management. Again, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree and state licensure if you want to teach in a public school.

Postsecondary Teacher

This lucrative career involves teaching in colleges and universities beyond the high school level. As such, you’ll typically need a Ph.D. or Ed.D. to secure a role. In addition to the usual responsibilities of creating a curriculum and lesson plans, and instructing students on a group or one-to-one basis, you’ll also advise students on which classes they should take to achieve their goals. You’ll also be expected to keep up to date on the latest advancements in your field, as teaching at a postsecondary level can be much more challenging and intensive.

Preschool Teacher

As a preschool teacher, you’ll be looking after young students under the age of 5, prior to starting kindergarten. Education for this age group mostly revolves around basic social, language, and motor skills, including identification of colors and shapes, numbers, and letters. You’ll learn about educational methods specific to this age group, including incorporating learning with play, storytelling, and word games. Education requirements vary, but some schools will accept teachers with an associate’s degree.

Special Education Teacher

In public schools, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree at a minimum as well as state licensure to work as a special needs teacher. Within private schools, you may be able to find work without licensure, providing you have a degree. As a special needs teacher, you’ll work mostly with students who have physical, behavioral, and/or mental disabilities. You’ll assess students’ for their abilities and to determine their learning needs, then adapt your curriculum and lesson plan to suit. You’ll develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for each student you teach, planning activities that cater to their specific needs.

Teacher Assistant

Teacher assistants typically need to have completed at least two years’ worth of college course credits, making this a common role for those with an associate’s degree. You won’t have licensure yourself, but you’ll work with a licensed teacher, helping to focus more attention where it’s needed in the classroom. You might be assisting with recordkeeping and classroom management, working one-on-one or as part of group activities with the students, or preparing equipment and classroom resources to facilitate the teacher’s lesson plan.

Training and Development Manager

As a training and development manager, you’ll spend your time planning and coordinating professional development programs within an organization. This might see you assessing new employees’ to determine their skills and training needs, creating and overseeing training budgets, creating training plans and reviewing training suppliers, and imparting your training knowledge onto other members of staff. This lucrative role may require either a bachelor’s or master’s degree, depending on the organization you’re working for.

How Much Can I Earn with a Degree in Teaching and Education?

To give you a good idea of the kinds of salaries that are attainable with a degree in teaching and education, we’ve researched the expected average salaries for the above roles. This is data that has come directly from government sources, including the BLS and Occupational Information Network (O*NET). With a couple of exceptions, these are all careers that are expected to see varying growth in demand over the next decade.

Teaching and Education

	Median Salary (2019)	Projected Growth (2018–2028)
Adult Literacy and High School Equivalency Diploma Teacher	$26.13 hourly / $54,350 annually	Decline (-10%) 7,000 fewer openings
Career and Technical Education Teacher	$58,110 annually	Little or no change (-1%) 1,800 fewer openings
Child Care Worker	$11.65 hourly / $24,230 annually	Slower than average (2%) 27,700 new openings
Elementary, Middle, and High School Principal	$96,400 annually	Average (4%) 11,200 new openings
High School Teacher	$61,660 annually	Average (4%) 38,200 new openings
Instructional Coordinator	$66,290 annually	Average (6%) 11,500 new openings
Kindergarten and Elementary School Teacher	$59,420 annually	Slower than average (3%) 53,100 new openings
Middle School Teacher	$59,660 annually	Slower than average (3%) 21,400 new openings
Postsecondary Teacher	$79,540 annually	Much faster than average (11%) 155,000 new openings
Preschool Teacher	$30,520 annually	Faster than average (7%) 36,900 new openings
Special Education Teacher	$61,030 annually	Slower than average (3%) 13,600 new openings
Teacher Assistant	$27,920 annually	Average (4%) 55,400 new openings
Training and Development Manager	$54.50 hourly / $113,350 annually	Faster than average (8%) 3,100 new openings

Can I Get an Online Degree in Teaching and Education?

While many colleges and universities offer distance learning, whether or not you’re able to complete your course fully online depends on your chosen major. Much like health care, teaching and education degrees can often require you to complete a certain number of hours of practical, real-world experience as part of your curriculum.

Should this be the case, then there will be at least some degree of work that must be completed at an approved site. For online learners, institutions will often arrange to place you at a site within your local community, especially if you’re an out-of-state student. However, this isn’t always the case and you should be sure to double-check whether there’s such a requirement before you apply for a program.

Otherwise, the rest of your coursework can easily be completed online. You’ll have access to an LMS (learning management system) that allows you to log into the platform remotely to complete assignments or participate in synchronous learning sessions. Remote learning can be an effective way of keeping costs down, as you won’t have to pay for room and board, and you’ll usually enjoy a flat tuition rate regardless of residency.

The Best Colleges for Degrees in Teaching and Education

Now you have a general idea of the types of degrees available in the fields of teaching and education, in addition to the kinds of roles that you can find as a newly qualified graduate. Below, we’ve collected a list of rankings for the best programs and institutions within specific majors.