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.
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.
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