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K-12 Education


Teachers in K-12 education play a key role in helping students develop critical academic and social skills. K-12 education jobs range from kindergarten teachers who may help children learn to tie their shoes and function independently to teachers working for online high schools, helping students make college choices or tackle complex algebra problems.

Teachers in K-12 education need to be able to teach multiple subjects, from math to reading to art, and use hands-on teaching in the classroom to keep students engaged.

Education and Career Opportunities in K-12 Education

K-12 education degree programs are typically bachelor's degree programs, although many teachers go on to earn a master's degree. Teachers interested in teaching younger children may earn a bachelor's degree in elementary education while teachers at the middle or high-school level are more likely to specialize in a particular topic such as math or social studies. These teachers may earn a bachelor's degree in their field in addition to a teaching certificate. Public school K-12 education jobs require licensure and all general education teachers must have a bachelor's degree.

Some teachers may advance into positions in education administration such as principal or vice principal. Typically, K-12 education jobs in administration require a master's degree in education or a related field. Median annual salaries for K-12 education jobs range from $50,510 for elementary school teachers to $52,200 for secondary school teachers, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports. Administrators at the elementary and secondary level had median wages of $85,220 in 2009.

Employment is expected to grow as fast as average for all occupations. Job growth is driven largely by student enrollment, which is growing more slowly than in the past. Demand for teachers in special education, English as a second language, and upper match and science should be the strongest in coming years.



University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.

  • M.A. in Education/Elementary Teacher Education
  • A.A. in Elementary Education
  • B.S. in Education / Elementary Education
  • M.A. in Education/Secondary Teacher Education
  • M.A. in Education/Early Childhood Ed.
Ashford University
Ashford University

Balance your job with online coursework as you earn your Bachelor's or Master's degree. You'll find Ashford University®, founded in 1918, is an ideal choice for you whether you're a working adult or haven't yet completed your degree.



  • BA/Organizational Management - Elementary Education
  • MA/Education - Early Childhood Education
  • AA/Early Childhood Education
  • BA/Early Childhood Education
  • MA/Education - Child Development
Liberty University
Liberty University We keep our tuition affordable because it is an integral part of the overall mission for our university. The vision of our Chancellor, Jerry Falwell Jr., is to keep Liberty's Distance Learning Program affordable so as many individuals as possible can experience a Christ-centered education and become equipped for excellence, professionally as well as spiritually.

  • MA in Teaching - Elementary Education
  • M.Ed. Teaching and Learning - Elementary Education
  • M.Ed Teaching and Learning-Middle Grades
  • MA in Teaching - Secondary Education
  • M.Ed. - Program Specialist in Early Childhood Specialist
Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University Don't Miss a Day of Your Future! Grand Canyon University is offering Bachelor and Master degrees through our College of Education, Ken Blanchard College of Business, College of Nursing & Health Sciences, College of Liberal Arts, and College of Entrepreneurship. Classes start soon!

  • M.Ed.: Curriculum and Instruction: Reading - Elementary Education (No IR, No Cert.)
  • BS Elementary Ed - English Emphasis (Eligible for IR/Cred)
  • M.Ed. Elementary Ed (Not Eligible for IR/Non-Credential)
  • M.Ed. Elementary Ed (Eligible for IR/Credential)
  • M.Ed. Secondary Ed (Not Eligible for IR/Non-Credential)
Jones International University
Jones International University Earn a high quality degree in Business, IT, Education, or Communications. Jones International University® offers self-paced bachelor's and master's degrees tailored to your needs.

  • M.Ed. in Elementary Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment: Teacher Licensure
  • MEd in Elementary Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment
  • M.Ed. in Secondary Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment
  • M.Ed. in Secondary Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment: Teacher Licensure
  • M.Ed. in K-12 Instructional Technology
Walden University
Walden University Balance your personal and professional commitments while earning a respected Ph.D., master's degree, or bachelor's degree online at Walden University. Programs offered in management, education, psychology and health and human services.

  • M.S.Ed - Elementary Reading and Mathematics (Grades K-6)
  • M.S.Ed - Elementary Reading and Literacy (Grades preK-6)
  • M.S.Ed - Middle Level Education (Grades 5-8)
  • Ph.D. in Education - Mixed-Model - Early Childhood and Primary Education
  • M.S. in Early Childhood Studies - Teaching Adults in the Early Childhood Field
Post University
Post University

Getting your Online degree does not have to be impersonal. At Post University Online, you will engage in meaningful career-oriented programs with like-minded students and receive personal attention from our dedicated faculty within a caring and supportive learning environment. Earn your bachelor's degree, associate's degree, or certificate in one of the many programs offered by Post University entirely online.



  • B.S. in Child Studies
  • Early Childhood Education Administration
  • Early Childhood Education
  • A.S. in Early Childhood Education
Kaplan University
Kaplan University Advance your career and get the distinct competitive advantage you need with an online degree from Kaplan University. And do it without missing a day of work.

  • MS in Education - Educational Psychology
  • MA in Teaching (for Aspiring Teachers Grades 5-12)
  • MS in Education (for Existing Teachers Grades K-12)
  • BS in Psychology - Child Development
  • MS in Education - Instructional Technology (K-12)
Concordia University Online
Concordia University Online Take your career to the next level with a degree from Concordia University. Earn your associate, bachelor's, or master's degree from one of our four colleges: education; health and human services; theology, arts, and sciences; and management.

  • M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction: Curriculum & Instruction: Early Childhood Education
  • M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction: Mathematics (K-8)
  • M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction: Career and Technical Education (CTE)
  • M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction: Environmental Education
  • M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction: Methods & Curriculum
Northcentral University
Northcentral University At Northcentral University, we teach individuals, not just classes. Our unique, proven online educational experience is designed to help you achieve your goals using your own style of learning.

  • Early Childhood Education - PhD in Education
  • Early Childhood Education - Doctor of Education
  • Early Childhood Education - Master of Education
  • General Education - Master of Education
  • General Education - Doctor of Education