There are many paths to joining the education workforce. The best path for you will depend on several factors, including your educational background, location, interests, and motivation to make a difference in education. To become licensed as teachers, learners must study pedagogy, methodology, and techniques to gain a comprehensive understanding of teaching. Most education programs include courses on the philosophy of education, the psychology of learning, and technology in the classroom.

Finding time to fit in all this learning can be challenging, especially if you are working part-time or full-time. Online degree programs can be a great way to advance one’s education without sacrificing income or relocating. 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. Beyond traditional roles such as teachers and school administrators, those interested in making a difference in education can also pursue careers as library and media specialists, school counselors, speech pathologists, and more. The job market for each of these career paths varies, but there are many roles in the education sector—everyone 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 May 2024 data, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

• Kindergarten and elementary school teacher: $62,340
• Secondary school teacher: $64,580
• Middle school teacher: $62,970
• Special education teacher: $64,270

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: