There are many paths to joining the education workforce. The best path for you will depend on a variety of factors including your educational background, location, interests, and your motivation to make a difference in education. To become licensed as a teacher, learners must study pedagogy, methodology, and techniques to provide them with a comprehensive knowledge of teaching. Most education programs incorporate classes on the philosophy of education, psychology of learning, and technology in the classroom into their courses of study.

Finding time to fit in all of this learning can be difficult, particularly if you are working part- or full-time. Online degree programs can be a great way to advance one’s education without sacrificing income or having to relocate. Whether you are an aspiring teacher seeking the credentials to start your career or an educator trying to make the leap into administration to enact change, Teach.com has the resources to assist you in achieving your goals.

Ready to Further your Career? Explore your Online Degree Options

Online Degree Options

Depending on how far you want to take your career in education, there are a variety of degree options that can help you. For those looking to make a difference in the classroom and positively affect students’ lives, a Master of Art in Teaching (MAT), Master of Science in Teaching, or a Master of Education (ME) might be a study option. For those looking to address change at a higher level or contribute to education administration, a Doctorate in Education might be the right fit. These degrees can be completed online, providing a convenient option for full-time employees who cannot take time away from work to attend school.

Learn a little more about each degree option below:

The classroom experience is the greatest differentiating factor between an online degree and an in-person one. Many people might assume that an online degree is an impersonal approach to education, featuring less interaction with peers and professors, but this is not always the case. In many ways, a high-quality online experience can feel a lot like a traditional one. Some elements of an online education experience include virtual live classes using a webcam, a learning management system for discussions and assignment access, interactive course content designed by university faculty, and access to tech support to assist learners.

Some key components to look for when selecting an online degree program that works for you are:

Many careers fall within the education field. Besides obvious paths like teachers and school administrators, those with an interest in making a difference in education can also become library and media specialists, school counselors, speech pathologists, and many other things. The job market for each of these career paths varies, but there are many careers in the education sector — everybody needs an education.

Below are snapshots of possible careers in education:

Careers in teaching

Teacher salaries can vary widely depending on subject area, education level, and school setting, but are typically dependent on years of experience. Here are a few examples of the median annual wage for teachers in a variety of settings as of 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

• Kindergarten and elementary school teacher: $61,620
• Secondary school teacher: $62,360
• Middle school teacher: $61,810
• Special education teacher: $62,950

Learn more about becoming a teacher and degree options for teachers.

Find out how to earn your teacher certification and become a teacher in your state by selecting your state from the list below and exploring what it takes to become an educator. Each state has a wide variety of teaching statistics and information on roles, salaries, career trajectory, and state-specific requirements. Find your state and learn more about what it takes to become a teacher: