Teaching and education – degrees, certifications and careers

Teachers play a crucial role in children’s lives, helping them navigate the educational and interpersonal challenges of each grade level. The best educators aim not only to instruct but also engage and inspire. The positive influence of a cherished teacher can reverberate for decades. In fact, according to a 2012 survey, 98% of Americans believe a good teacher can alter the course of a student’s life.

Why teach?

Teaching is a rewarding and in-demand profession, but some may be discouraged by the relatively low pay. Teachers earn approximately $9,000 less per year than the average bachelor’s degree holder, mainly as a result of issues such as government underfunding. However, the work teachers do is uniquely important and fulfilling.

Types of teachers

Students at every age level have different educational needs, requiring specialized teachers. The main types of teachers are:

• early childhood
• elementary
• middle school and high school
• special education
• specialist

Levels of education degrees

The different levels of education degrees are pursued for specific purposes.

• An associate degree in education is the path to early education, teaching assistant, and tutoring roles.
• A bachelor’s degree in education is the main route to becoming a teacher or the initial step towards teaching administration.
• A master’s degree in education can qualify you for leadership and administrative roles. If you have a bachelor’s in a field other than education but wish to pursue teaching, a master’s in education with an embedded teacher prep program is a good choice.
• Doctoral degrees in education are pursued by those interested in teaching at the postsecondary level or advanced educational research.

Types of education degrees

There is a variety of teaching and education degrees available. Your degree choice will depend on your specific interests and career aspirations.

Certifications needed to work in education

Aspiring teachers, educational administrators, and superintendents are required to pass additional certification to be considered for employment. Teachers can become certified immediately upon completing their undergraduate program, but leadership roles may require several years of teaching experience first.

Teaching certification

To become a certified elementary or secondary school teacher, you will need to complete teacher prep in addition to your undergraduate or master’s program. Teacher prep mandates supervised classroom teaching experience. Only after completing teacher prep are you eligible to take the state licensing or certification exam. Some students opt for alternative teaching certification to fulfill their state’s teaching requirements.

School administrators and superintendents follow a similar procedure but both roles require a master’s in education. School superintendents additionally need supervisory experience and principal certification.

Job outlook for teachers

The teaching profession has one of the lowest unemployment rates of all jobs. This could be why education is one of the most popular graduate-level programs of study in the U.S. today.

Teachers at the kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high school levels can expect a growth rate of 7–8% in the next decade. Depending on your state, some teachers are in more demand than others, which can be a factor in job security and salaries.

Should I be teacher?

Teaching at the preschool, elementary, and secondary levels can be rewarding and offers an excellent job outlook. As a teacher, you are in a unique position to equip a future generation with knowledge and noncognitive skills like integrity and motivation. Are you up to the challenge? If so, visit our career pages to learn more.