Teaching Careers

A bachelor’s in education leading to teacher licensure prepares graduates to work at a public K-12 school. These degree-seekers specialize in either primary or secondary education.

Substitute teaching allows individuals interested in education jobs to explore the field without returning to school. However, becoming a licensed educator involves completing an approved teacher-preparation program.

The answer depends on the degree. All states require licensed educators to possess a bachelor’s degree. Colleges offer teaching positions to professionals with a master’s or doctorate.

The answer depends on the individual. A teaching career appeals to individuals accustomed to juggling multiple responsibilities, collaborating with peers, and meeting their students’ unique needs.

Also known as elementary education, primary education refers to K-6 education. The specialization appeals to students wanting to work with young children. Learning outcomes include the ability to introduce learners to all core academic areas and recognize learning disabilities.

Typical courses include advanced issues in child development and learning, curriculum study in early childhood education, and promoting young children’s social and emotional development. Graduation requirements may involve field experiences in addition to student teaching.

Learners specializing in secondary education prepare for a career educating students in grades 7-12. The specialization features much of the same core curriculum as primary education. However, secondary education degree-seekers take additional courses in adolescents’ physical and mental development. Graduation requirements include taking courses such as content reading and literacy, introduction to special education, and integration of educational technology.

A secondary education concentration may feature an academic focus area, such as social studies, foreign language, or mathematics. This additional training prepares students to pass one or more licensure exams.

Degree-seekers at the bachelor’s level earn a degree in primary or secondary education with a concentration in special education. Master’s programs may focus on special education exclusively, especially those designed for experienced and licensed educators.

No matter the degree, courses may include special education’s legal aspects, inclusive strategies for students with disabilities, and assessment for special education teachers. Graduates use their training to work with learners with physical and mental disabilities, making public school education more equitable.

Typical graduation requirements for an associate in education include coursework in classroom management, teaching diverse populations, and technology in education. Students also take courses in core academic subjects, such as mathematics and English.

An associate in education does not prepare graduates for a teaching career requiring licensure. However, alumni go on to work as a teacher assistant, nanny, or preschool teacher. These and other opportunities introduce workers to the education field, inspiring some professionals to pursue a bachelor’s.

Bachelor’s in education programs may offer a licensure and a nonlicensure track. The latter features courses in children’s literature, foundations in teaching, and educational psychology. Job opportunities for graduates without a license include charter school teacher, education publisher, and instructional designer.

Degree-seekers working toward licensure and a position in public school education take similar courses. However, graduation requirements include student teaching and passing one or more licensure examinations. Learners attain in-demand critical thinking, communication, and organizational skills.

Many master’s in education programs appeal to licensed educators desiring an administrative position, such as vice principal or principal. Universities may offer concentrations in educational leadership, instructional design, and curriculum and instruction.

Other master’s in education programs enroll nontraditional students with a bachelor’s degree in a subject other than education. These licensure programs require the same student teaching experience as many bachelor’s in education degrees. Graduates apply for an initial teaching license.

A doctorate in education helps experienced K-12 educators qualify for a teaching position at a college or university. Other potential teaching careers include school superintendent, college president, and executive director. These job opportunities may require a doctorate and significant experience in the education field.

Coursework at the doctoral level varies by concentration. Learners concentrating in community college leadership take courses in leading the future of education, critical issues in community college education, and transformational leadership for institutional effectiveness.