Graduate Degrees in Education
Now is the best time to go back to school for a chance to teach. Earning a graduate degree in any educational field will give you the opportunity to start your teaching career in a number of subjects and grade levels. From a master’s degree to a doctoral degree, you are certain to find a subject that fits your interests. Online colleges offer a myriad of educational topics you can major in, including curriculum and instruction, adult and higher education, special education, languages, library and resource management and many more. Some of the various degrees offered are Master of Arts in Education, Master of Arts in Education/Administration and Supervision and Doctor of Education in Higher Education and Organizational Change.
The best jobs for graduates in education are obviously teaching jobs. Depending on the area of study and school level, graduates can go on to become teachers, administrators or counselors at their future school. Any of the master’s degrees in education prepare you for teacher licensure in specific fields. Through coursework, student teaching and educational research, students will gain the skills and knowledge to become effective educators. It is important that each student check with his or her state Department of Education or school district to determine credential requirements. If you are eligible and you have obtained your teaching license, then you can go forth in teaching at a preschool, elementary, middle and high school. Teachers in these stages of education foster the intellectual and social development of children, as well as play a key part in the future prospects of their students. Teachers act as facilitators and messengers by using classroom lessons to help students learn and apply concepts in a variety of subjects, like English, science, math and social studies. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual earnings of kindergarten, elementary, middle and secondary school teachers ranged from $43,580 to $48,690 in 2006. Teachers’ salaries depend greatly on the school district and school they work at. Having a master’s degree gives teachers a pay raise, and they may be eligible to teach at four-year colleges or universities. If you are interested in this route of education, you should inquire at the postsecondary school to see if this option is available. A good place to look for higher education teaching positions and other faculty jobs, is The Chronicle of Higher Education. This Web publication is a reliable source of news, information and job postings for college and university professors and faculty members. Here, you’ll find advice columns and job databases to assist you in your quest to become a professor or work at a higher education institution.
For teachers of all kinds, the job outlook is expected to be rather positive. With more students attending college today, professors will continue to be in demand. Job prospects are expected to be better for licensed teachers in more high-demand subjects, such as math, science and bilingual education. In addition, there will be more job opportunities in less desirable urban or rural school districts.
