Program Spotlight: Education Degrees and Careers

1) What Does a Career in Education Entail?

2) Preparing for a Career in Education: On-campus and Online Education Degree Programs

3) Education Career Paths: Putting Your Degree Training to Work

4) Where Is the Education Field Going?

5) Salary Information for Education Professionals

6) Strengths of Education Professionals

7) Certification and Licensure

1) What Does a Career in Education Entail?

If you're interested in embarking on a rewarding, lasting career, the field of education has a lot to offer. The education industry employs a wide variety of people, from biology professors to kindergarten teachers, administrators, and custodians. Teaching is the most obvious education career path, but teachers comprise only half of all education professionals. It takes dedication from administrators, instructional coordinators, librarians, and many others to keep our education system running. Different positions require varying levels of education, and education degrees online are a convenient way for working students to make the transition.

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2) Preparing for a Career in Education: On-Campus and Online Education Degree Programs

Depending on your career goals, you may decide to pursue a teaching certificate, bachelor's degree in education, master's degree in education, or Ph.D. Generally, the minimum requirements for a classroom teacher are a bachelor's degree coupled with a teaching certificate, earned before taking a state licensing exam. Those working to become school administrators or directors usually pursue a master's degree or PhD in an education field.

The following degree types can lead to a career in education. Within each degree, a variety of program areas exist:

• Teacher Certification: A teaching certificate is required to become a licensed teacher, and there are many programs designed to certify students who already have a bachelor's degree. These programs are often the quickest way for a college graduate to transition into teaching, and many states have their own certification programs run through the Department of Education.
• Associate Degree: For some teaching posts, only an associate degree in education is required. An associate degree generally takes between 1 and 2 years to complete, and a variety of on-campus and online degree programs exist.
• Bachelor's Degree: A bachelor's degree is required for most teaching posts. Many schools offer programs that combine a bachelor's degree in education with certification requirements, allowing students to qualify for licensing upon graduation. Students interested in teaching a particular subject, such as mathematics, often major in that subject area and fulfill licensing requirements afterward.
• Master's Degree: Master's degree programs in education generally take 1-2 years to complete (beyond a bachelor's degree) and prepare college graduates for a variety of education careers. Those wishing to become teachers may earn a master's degree in elementary or secondary education, while others interested in school administration, curriculum, or assessment earn master's degrees in those areas. While a master's degree is not always required, it is preferred and usually leads to a higher salary.
• Educational Specialist Degree: An educational specialist degree is an advanced teaching degree for those who already hold a master's degree. Considered an intermediate step between a master's and PhD, this degree prepares educators for advanced teacher certification and generally takes a year to earn.
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): A PhD is the terminal degree for most fields of study. A PhD generally takes at least 5 years to complete (after an undergraduate degree) and requires students to pass a comprehensive exam and write a thesis based on original research. Those with PhDs in education are qualified to teach education classes at universities or hold high-ranking positions within school boards and administrations. PhD graduates in other subjects qualify to teach those subjects at the university level.

Within the field of education, there are several programs of study available for each degree type listed above. For example, you might earn an associate's degree in early childhood education, or a master's degree in secondary education. Below are some common areas of study for education professionals.

• Early Childhood Education: Early childhood education (ECE) focuses on the development and learning styles of preschool-aged children. In some states, an associate's degree in ECE is sufficient to become a licensed preschool teacher.
• General Education: Those looking to become teachers of multiple subjects, usually in elementary or middle schools, often pursue a degree in general education. This course of study prepares educators for an elementary or generalist teaching credential.
• Secondary Education: A degree program in secondary education prepares future educators to teach at the high school level. Usually high school teachers concentrate on one subject, so they often earn a bachelor's degree in that subject before pursuing a master's degree and credential in secondary education.
• Special Education: Special education refers to the education of students with disabilities ranging from mild learning or behavioral disorders to severe mental retardation and autism. Many states require a master's degree in special education prior to licensing.
• Curriculum Design: Curriculum design involves selecting material to teach, planning lessons, and using technology and assessment skills to reach students with different learning styles. Students pursuing degrees in curriculum design may put their skills to work in their own classroom or oversee curriculum planning for a school or district.
• Assessment and Evaluation: Students of educational assessment and evaluation learn how to design courses effectively and test students on material. Often, professionals with degrees in assessment and evaluation work in school administration and course design to ensure classes are teaching material well.
• Education Administration: Education administration programs focus on the principles of school leadership, curriculum design, and supervision theories to train future school leaders. Often this degree is pursued by education professionals looking to transition into school administration.

Many of the above areas of study are offered through online degree programs, making education career training possible regardless of your location or schedule.

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3) Education Career Paths: Putting Your Degree Training to Work

Because the field of education is so broad, there are a variety of career paths available. Chances are, if you're interested in education, there's a niche that's right for you.

• Preschool Teacher: Preschool teachers work with 2 to 5-year-old children to foster social, mental, and physical development. Courses in early childhood education are generally required for licensing, though some states do not require preschool teachers to hold a bachelor's degree.
• Elementary Teacher: Elementary teachers, also called teaching generalists, teach multiple subjects to children in kindergarten through 6th grade. Today, these teachers may work in traditional and online elementary schools where they usually work with one group of children all year. These teachers teach children basics in math, language, science, and social studies. Elementary teachers usually have a bachelor's degree and generalist teaching credential.
• Secondary Teacher: Secondary teachers teach at the middle school and high school levels and generally focus on one subject. Most states require secondary teachers to have a bachelor's degree and a single subject teaching credential.
• Postsecondary Teacher: Teachers at the postsecondary level, often called faculty or professors, teach at junior colleges, 4-year colleges, and universities. Professors at 4-year colleges and universities generally have PhDs, while a master's degree is often sufficient for junior college positions. In addition to teaching courses, postsecondary teachers are expected to advise students and perform research in their field.
• Special Education Teacher: Special education teachers adjust traditional course material to cater to students with disabilities. Disabilities range from minor behavioral problems to severe mental retardation, so special education teachers must be flexible and able to work with a variety of students. Often, special education teachers must earn a master's degree before being licensed.
• School Administrator: School administrators keep a school running by providing day-to-day management, establishing policies and goals, and developing curriculum and assessment tools. Administrators are also responsible for hiring and training teachers. Upper-level administrators, such as assistant principals, principals, and school directors, often hold Master's degree or PhDs in an education field.
• School Counselor: School counselors work with students on a variety of issues, from college planning to personal and social problems. Licensed counselors usually hold a master's degree in elementary or secondary counseling, though some states accept bachelor's degrees combined with counseling courses.
• Instructional Coordinator: Instructional coordinators research new teaching methods, recommend changes to curricula, and provide teacher training within schools and school districts. These coordinators are usually experts in curriculum design, assessment, and teaching methods.
• Librarian: Librarians keep a school's library running by organizing books, managing staff, and helping students with research. Librarians in elementary and secondary schools often have a master's degree in education or library science.
• Teacher Assistant: Teacher assistants, or teacher aides, work part time with teachers to help them prepare lessons and manage the classroom. Working as an assistant is an excellent learning opportunity for prospective teachers and can often be done while studying for a teaching credential.

The diversity of education careers available means there are many ways to make a difference. If you don't yet have the level of education required for your desired career, consider the many online education degree programs that make transition possible.

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4) Where Is the Education Field Going?

Education will always be in demand, especially as the population continues to grow and more and more people pursue degrees. According to a 2010 report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the education industry as a whole is expected to grow by 12 percent between 2008 and 2018. This growth rate is slightly higher than the national average, and the following education fields are expected to grow even faster in the same period:

• Postsecondary Teachers: 15 percent expected growth
• Preschool Teachers: 19 percent
• Elementary School Teachers: 16 percent
• Middle School Teachers: 15 percent
• Special Education Teachers in Preschools through Elementary Schools: 20 percent
• Special Education Teachers in Middle Schools: 18 percent
• Instructional coordinators: 23 percent

Because education professionals are needed everywhere, a career in education can offer a rewarding, stable career wherever you live.

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5) Salary Information for Education Professionals

Teachers aren't known for raking in money, but education professionals' salaries can increase with time and additional degree training. Below are median incomes for several education professions in 2010, according to the BLS. Postsecondary earnings vary by subject, but are normally above $60,000 per year. Also, special education teachers earn slightly more on average than standard teachers at the same level.

• Kindergarten Teachers: $48,800
• Elementary School Teachers: $51,660
• Secondary School Teachers: $53,230
• Instructional Coordinators: $58,830
• Elementary and Secondary School Librarians:$54,500
• Educational Administrators, Elementary and Secondary School: $86,970

As these figures suggest, it is possible to earn a good living working in education. Many on-campus and online education degree programs offer affordable, flexible classes that allow working professionals to transition into education.

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6) Strengths of Education Professionals

Education professionals are dedicated to students, interested in the pursuit of knowledge, and ready to take action and promote change. In addition to mastery of the subjects taught, successful teachers and education professionals possess the following skills:

• Leadership: Teachers must feel comfortable taking control of a classroom, while administrators and curriculum planners must lead the way for new initiatives.
• Computer fluency: Education professionals rely on technology to aid in both teaching and communication within the school.
• Patience: Not every student will understand a lesson the first time through, so patience is a key trait for teachers, especially at the preschool and elementary level.
• Cooperation: Education professionals must be able to work together to improve curriculum and move their organizations forward. A team-player attitude is essential.
• Perseverance: The education system faces frustrations in the form of budget cuts and unmotivated students, but education professionals must know how to persevere and not lose hope in a student or goal.

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7) Certification and Licensure

All states require public school teachers to be licensed, and requirements vary by state. Generally, candidates for licensing must have a bachelor's degree, certification from an approved teacher education program, and experience teaching under supervision. Candidates must also demonstrate proficiency in their given subjects through testing and, in some cases, teaching demonstrations. In most states, continuing education is required to renew a teaching license. Some states also require teachers to earn a master's degree in education within a given period after they begin teaching.

Preschool teachers undergo slightly different licensing requirements, which also vary by state. Some states only require an associate's degree in early childhood education, while others require a bachelor's degree or certification from an approved program. The Child Development Associate credential is the most common form of certification and involves a mix of classroom and experiential learning.

Licensure and a teaching certificate are not strictly required by private schools, but many schools prefer to hire credentialed teachers.

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