The field of teaching and education is more than just teaching. Principals of schools, researchers, and instructional coordinators play crucial roles in schools and other educational organizations. No matter what their position, educators are responsible for ensuring the highest quality of education for students.
Educational and teaching programs encompass the entire spectrum of education. Certain programs focus on teaching in classrooms at various levels of education, including elementary, middle, or high school. Some programs focus on the research or administrative aspects of education, for example, education leadership, curriculum, and instruction.
This article explains the difference between education and teaching degrees. Learn more about the various fields of study, along with the benefits of professional studies and job opportunities following the completion of your degree.
Fields of Study in Teaching and Education
The field of education includes a variety of focus areas. This list lists five of the most well-known careers available to students who have completed their education.
1. School Counseling
School counselors help students deal with academic and social issues. High school counselors help students prepare them for careers or college. They can assist schools in developing strategies to meet students’ educational and social requirements.
Students seeking degrees complete a specialization in psychology. They study counseling techniques and the development of children and adolescents. Students also develop the ability to effectively communicate with parents and students.
The majority of graduates go on to become school counselors. The positions usually require an advanced degree as well as the state’s license.
2. Educational Leadership
Educational leadership is focused on the administrative aspects of education. Students learn to run schools and other educational organizations. The classes cover subjects like policies and laws governing education, along with strategic planning and the development of curriculum. Educational leadership courses may include business-oriented approaches to education. Students who are interested in pursuing degrees may be taught about budgeting for school and finance.
As compared to other education majors, Educational leadership is focused less on classroom teaching and instruction strategies. Students acquire broader management and administrative skills that allow them to manage school operations from K-12.
Educational leadership programs usually help candidates get jobs as school administrators. Students may also be able to pursue positions with school districts or other educational institutions.
3. Special Education
Special education is a way of satisfying the needs of children who have developmental disabilities. Special educators typically assist students with physical, mental, and emotional challenges that hinder their ability to learn.
The special education program focuses on strategies and techniques for teaching to assist students with special needs. Students who pursue a degree study different kinds of learning disabilities and suitable methods of teaching to meet a variety of requirements.
Graduates of special education often are employed as teachers of special education in the K-12 school system. The advanced education they receive can enable them to transition into administration positions in the development of more general policies in special education for school districts and schools.
4. Curriculum and Instruction
Curriculum and instruction concentrate on general approaches to education, including the way that schools teach their students. These programs use the latest educational research to create teaching methods and guidelines for the curriculum. Schools typically offer these programs for graduate students and are geared towards skilled teachers as well as other educators.
Programs for curriculum and instruction focus on the theories of learning and explore various methods to engage diverse kinds of students. Students who are seeking degrees may also study specializations in areas like education, research, and learning technology techniques. Students often go on to pursue jobs in the field of education administration, as well as in collaboration with school districts and districts to create instructional strategies.
5. Elementary Education
Elementary education centers on methods of teaching and learning for students in the younger age group, usually grades K-6. As opposed to high and middle education, elementary education is focused on a broad range of subject areas like reading, math,th alonh social science. Elementary education helps students develop the fundamental social skills that will be useful in school and in life.
Elementary education classes concentrate on specific subjects as well as general teaching techniques. Students gain expertise and knowledge in the management of classrooms, along with curriculum development and the development of children. They are often employed as primary school educators. If they have advanced degrees, they could be instructors or curriculum specialists.
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Benefits of Earning a Degree in Teaching and Education
A program in education and teaching has numerous advantages both academically and professionally. This section outlines some of the best advantages of pursuing a teaching degree.
1. Increased Career Options
A teaching and education degree enables students for specialized jobs in the field of education. The majority of high-paying jobs in education require at a minimum a bachelor’s degree. Some jobs that require more advanced degrees may require a doctorate. Candidates are often able to get licensure or certification through their education. This can lead to increased job opportunities.
2. Increased Salary Potential
In addition to a broader range of job opportunities, A degree in teaching typically will result in higher salaries. Graduates with a bachelor’s degree earn a median weekly income of $1,305, as opposed d the $781 salary for high school students, as pethe r BLS. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Master’s degree holders have a median weekly income of $1,545.
3. Specialized Skills
The degrees in education and teaching provide higher-level knowledge and skills for teachers. Students learn about the history and philosophy behind education, developing a greater knowledge of its function and role in society. They also learn skills for the management of the classroom, as well as lesson planning and assessment of students.
4. Classroom Experience
Most education and teaching programs require an internship. Candidates typically teach student exercises in a classroom or in a different school setting. Thecanto experience hands-on learning under the guidance of a professional educator. This helps them make connections between the theory of education and practical experience.
5. Networking Opportunities
Educational and teaching programs link students who are seeking degrees with others in the field of education. Students are able to network and develop professional connections. Graduates can also share their expertise and join professional associations and get connected to career opportunities.
Career Outlook for Teachers and Educators
Graduates of teaching and education have a wide range of options in the field of education. Check out the following list of other most common jobs for educators with descriptions of the jobs and pay data.
Instructional Coordinator
They oversee guidelines for curriculum and standards of education for school districts and schools. They can develop new curricula, study the performance of students, and assess the quality of textbooks and other educational materials. Instructional coordinators can also instruct teachers on the new curriculum standards.
They typically require a master’s degree in education or curriculum development, or a related discipline. They might also require an education administration license or teaching. Instructional coordinators earn an average salary of $637,000. The BLS predicts that the demand for workers will increase by 7.7% between 2021 and 2030, roughly equal to the average for all jobs in the country.
Kindergarten and Elementary School Teacher
Teachers instruct students in elementary school in academic basics. They usually create lesson plans, instruct students, and mark assignments. Elementary teachers also evaluate their students’ learning progress and communicate with parents. As compared to other educators, elementary school teachers could be more involved in helping students develop social skills.
Teachers must have at least the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree. They must also have teacher licensure or certification in order to teach in public schools. Elementary and kindergarten teachers earn a median annual pay of $61,350. The BLS estimates that the number of jobs available for teachers in this field to increase by 4% between 2021 to 2031.
Middle School Teacher
Teachers instruct students in grades 6-8. They usually focus on a particular subject that includes science, math, or the language arts. Teachers create lesson plans and then teach lessons for students.
Middle school teachers must have at minimum a bachelor’s degree. They usually focus on the subject they are planning to teach. Ut, a lot of middle school teachers also hold master’s degrees in teaching. Teachers in middle schools also require accreditation or licensure. They earn a median pay of $61,320. The BLS predicts that the number of jobs available for teachers to increase by 4% from 2021 to 2031.
High School Teacher
They teach students from grades 9-12. Similar to middle school teachers, they typically focus on a single specific area of study. High school teachers design lesson plans, guide students, and mark assignments.
The educators must hold at least the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree, as well as state licensure or certification. They typically have an academic degree in their particular field, like the sciences or history. A master’s degree can increase their earnings. Teachers at high schools have a median annual income of $61,820. The BLS estimates that the number of jobs available for teachers to grow by percent between2021-2031.
Special Education Teacher
They teach students with physical, mental, or learning disabilities. They analyze the needs of their students and develop efficient lesson plans that meet various learning styles. Special education teachers assist students of all levels.
The educators must hold at minimum an undergraduate degree. A majority of employers will prefer applicants who have an academic degree that is specifically focused on special education. Similar to other educators, these teachers require licensure or certification. Special education teachers make a median salary of $61,820. The BLS predicts that the number of jobs for these teachers to increase between bbetween2021 and 2031.
Postsecondary Teachers
Teachers instruct students in community and college. Compared to K-12 teachers, they instruct advanced subjects in more specific fields. Teachers in colleges typically devote a lot of time to me doing research in their respective fields.
Teachers at postsecondary institutions typically need a doctorate. Employers may, ay however, take a master’s diploma for certain jobs. As with other educators, postsecondary teachers don’t necessarily require certification or licensure. Teachers earn a median income of $79,640. The BLS estimates that jobs for postsecondary teachers will increase tby12% between 2021 and 2030. This is higher than the average for all occupations.
Elementary, Middle, and High School Principal
School principals are responsible for the main academic and administrative operations of K-12 schools. They usually supervise staff, establish curriculum standards, and develop school budgets. Principals can also supervise the hiring of teachers and teacher training.
School principals usually require a master’s degree in education management or leadership. They might also require some teaching experience. The majority of states require school administrators to be licensed as school administrators. Some states offer other certification options for those who do not have a master’s degree in leadership for education. Principals of schools make a median annual pay of $98,420. The BLS estimates that the number of jobs for these professionals to rise 5percent between 2021 and 2031.
Earning a Teacher License
Education licensure requirements differ by state. However, it is the norm that all U.S. states require teachers to have at least a bachelor’s degree. Teachers may have degrees in education or in the area they intend to teach. Candidates must also complete the required teacher training hours in the course of their degree or teacher certification program.
In addition to the education requirement, teachers must pass the certification exam, which tests their understanding of teaching practices and rules. Many states will require that teachers pass an exam for general knowledge and an exam specific to the field they are planning to teach. In Praxis Tests, prepare teachers for certification in several states.
The majority of states also require teachers who are licensed to take part in continuing education as well as other professional development opportunities. Certain state laws require that teachers complete an advanced degree once they have received their initial certification. Teach.org offers information about each state’s licensing requirements and the requirements for continuing education.