Find Education Programs Now
Education
Pursuing an education degree opens up various career paths, including teaching and administrative roles. Each college offers specialized educational focuses, catering to those who prefer direct student interaction or those interested in developing and implementing school or district-wide educational strategies. Teaching positions are consistently available, and the evolving educational landscape ensures the field remains dynamic. It’s important to note that only a few states permit fully licensed teachers from other states to teach without additional requirements. In most cases, teachers entering a new state must complete extra assessments or coursework before assuming a teaching role.
Early Childhood Education (Pre-K School Teacher)
Early childhood education (ECE) is a crucial phase in child development spanning from birth to around age 8 or typically 3rd grade. A Master of Science in Early Childhood Education equips aspiring teachers and ECE professionals with comprehensive training, blending coursework, field experiences, and hands-on practice like student teaching. Candidates can pursue up to three certificate programs, enabling them to apply for teaching roles up to 2nd grade, 6th grade, or special education up to 6th grade. State requirements vary, so it’s important for students to research the specific criteria for the state in which they plan to work.
Role & Responsibility
- Teach young learners foundational skills like recognizing colors, shapes, numbers, and letters
- Engage with children individually or in groups, adapting to their needs and the subject matter
- Design and implement a curriculum that addresses various aspects of child development
- Coordinate activities that encourage learning, exploration, and skill development
- Create schedules and routines to balance physical activity and rest for children
- Observe and identify emotional or developmental challenges in each child and communicate with parents
- Maintain records of children’s progress, routines, and interests while updating parents about their child’s growth
|
2022 Median Pay | $35,330 per year / $16.99 per hour |
|
Work Experience in Related Occupation | None |
|
Number of Jobs, 2022 | 512,300 |
|
Job Outlook, 2022-32 | 3% (As fast as average) |
|
Employment Change 2022-32 | 17,200 |
Based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.
How to become
Education and training prerequisites differ depending on the setting and state regulations. Generally, preschool teachers require at least an associate’s degree.
Elementary Education
An Education Bachelor’s Degree readies aspiring teachers for roles in kindergarten through 5th or 6th grade, depending on school and state certification rules. This degree can also lead to opportunities in school administration, instructional coaching, or education consulting.
Role & Responsibility
- Develop lesson plans for teaching various subjects like reading, science, and math.
- Teach students social interaction skills.
- Observe students to assess their strengths, weaknesses, and abilities.
- Conduct lessons for a whole class or smaller groups.
- Grade assignments and assessments.
- Communicate with parents or guardians about students’ progress.
- Provide individual support to students facing specific learning difficulties.
- Prepare students for state-mandated standardized tests.
- Establish and maintain classroom rules to promote proper behavior.
- Supervise students during activities outside the classroom, such as lunchtime or recess.
|
|
2022 Median Pay | $61,620 per year |
|
|
Work Experience in Related Occupation | None |
|
|
Number of Jobs, 2022 | 1,548,400 |
|
|
Job Outlook, 2022-32 | 1% (Little or no change) |
|
|
Employment Change 2022-32 | 10,700 |
Based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.
How to become
Kindergarten and elementary school teachers typically need to hold a bachelor’s degree. Moreover, public school workers must obtain a state-issued certification or license.
Special Education
The Bachelor of Science / Master of Science in Special Education is a comprehensive five-year program designed to equip students with the skills to teach children with disabilities. In their senior year, students engage in graduate courses and gain practical experience through student teaching and internships in their fifth and final year. After completing the program, graduates must obtain state certification before pursuing teaching positions in inclusive classrooms.
Role & Responsibility
- Assess students’ abilities and identify their educational requirements
- Modify general lessons to suit individual student needs
- Create personalized Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for each student
- Design activities tailored to the unique abilities of each student
- Teach and guide students in group settings, small groups, and individual sessions
- Implement IEPs, evaluate student performance, and monitor their advancement
- Revise IEPs during the school year to reflect student progress and goals
- Engage in discussions about student progress with parents, fellow teachers, counselors, and administrators
- Supervise and guide teacher assistants working with students with disabilities
- Facilitate the transition of students between grades and from school to post-school life
|
|
2022 Median Pay | $62,950 per year |
|
|
Work Experience in Related Occupation | None |
|
|
Number of Jobs, 2022 | 498,400 |
|
|
Job Outlook, 2022-32 | 0% (Little or no change) |
|
|
Employment Change 2022-32 | 2,200 |
Based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.
How to become
Special education teachers working in public schools are typically mandated to possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and an official certification or license issued by the state. In private schools, teachers generally need a bachelor’s degree, although licensure or certification may not be mandatory.
Educational Technology
Educational technology, often referred to as EduTech or EdTech, merges educational concepts and practical applications with hardware and software technology tools to enhance learning experiences. It encompasses various approaches such as e-learning, mobile learning, computer-based training (CBT), learning management systems (LMS), and multimedia learning. Present-day EduTech initiatives encompass tools like interactive whiteboards, virtual reality headsets, and 3D printing. You can find educational technology or instructional technology degree programs offered online or on-campus at colleges nationwide.
Role & Responsibility
- Develop lesson plans and assignments
- Teach students the process of acquiring specific skills
- Illustrate the practical application of classroom learning with hands-on tasks
- Lead and oversee the correct and safe use of tools and equipment
- Track students’ advancement, delegate tasks and assess assignments
- Engage in conversations about students’ development with parents, students, and counselors
- Create and uphold classroom rules and safety protocols
|
|
2022 Median Pay | $61,450 per year |
|
|
Work Experience in Related Occupation | None |
|
|
Number of Jobs, 2022 | 212,100 |
|
|
Job Outlook, 2022-32 | 0% (Little or no change) |
|
|
Employment Change 2022-32 | -800 |
Based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.
How to become
Career and technical education teachers generally need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and relevant work experience in the field they instruct. Some public schools might necessitate a state-issued teaching certification or license as well.
Educational Leadership (Elementary, Middle School, High School Principal)
Individuals who opt for a Master of Science in Educational Leadership will gain a comprehensive grasp of school administration and supervision to stay current with effective practices in educational settings. Many programs encompass both theoretical knowledge and practical experience through internships to ensure a well-rounded education. After completion, graduates must fulfill any additional requirements specified by their state and successfully pass an exam before they can seek employment in the field.
Role & Responsibility
- Supervising school activities and staff, which includes teachers and support personnel
- Creating and managing class schedules
- Designing, implementing, and maintaining curriculum standards
- Providing guidance and handling disciplinary matters involving students
- Observing teachers and evaluating their performance
- Conducting meetings with parents and teachers to discuss student progress and behavior
- Assessing and generating reports on test scores and other student achievement data
- Organizing professional development programs and workshops for the staff
- Overseeing the school’s budget, procuring school supplies, and arranging maintenance
- Establishing and coordinating security protocols for students, staff, and visitors
|
|
2022 Median Pay | $101,320 per year |
|
|
Work Experience in Related Occupation | 5 years or more |
|
|
Number of Jobs, 2022 | 300,400 |
|
|
Job Outlook, 2022-32 | 1% (Little or no change) |
|
|
Employment Change 2022-32 | 3,300 |
Based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.
How to become
You can find associate’s degree programs in electrical or electronic engineering technology at community colleges and vocational-technical schools. These programs, often accredited by ABET or other reputable organizations, usually cover topics like algebra, programming languages, physics, and circuitry. Depending on the specific job responsibilities and industry, some employers might prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree. However, for certain positions, candidates with a high school diploma or certifications from organizations such as the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET), ETA International, and the International Society of Automation can also qualify.