Earnings Potential According to the U.S. Department Bureau of Labor Statistics, the approximate salary of all public elementary and secondary school teachers in the 2004-05 school year was $47,602. Educational administrators, i.e. hgih school principals, earned an average of $92,965 yearly between 2006-2007.
Education Degree Facts at a Glance Education degree programs vary in many ways and offer several specializations. Becoming an educator requires not only a degree with a focus in a specialized area, it also requires a license in the state that you plan to teach. Education degree programs are available in a variety of formats. Different specialization programs exist in each field. Early childhood is one specialization that applies to teaching children between ages two and five. Elementary level education degree programs pertain to educating children between kindergarten and fifth grade. Depending on each school district's policy, some schools require teachers to teach only one subject. Education degree programs also exist in the specialty of middle school age children. At this point some subject specific or combinations of subjects may be specialized in. Another focus of specialization is teaching at the high school level, which tends to specialize in specific areas such as math, science, and art.
Earnings Potential Special education taechers who worked primarily in preschool, kindergarten, and elementary schools earned a median annual income of $46,360 in 2006; middle school special education teachers earned $47,650 and secondary special education teachers earned $48,330, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Special Education Facts at a Glance Special education is a branch of the education degree that allows for prospective teachers to gain knowledge about teaching in general while focusing more concentrated hours on special needs students. In the current educational environment, special education students can often be taught in the mainstream classroom and/or in a separate special education class. Therefore, it is essential for a special education teacher to be able to govern a mainstream classroom while integrating special needs students, as well as being able to govern a classroom full of special needs students.
Examples/Details of Work The demand for special education teachers is increasing, and focusing on special education makes prospective teachers extremely marketable. Special education teachres can work at the preschool, kindergarten, elementary, middle school, or high school levels. Related occupations include school psychologists, social workers, and speech pathologists.
Earnings Potential Individuals who earn degrees in physical health education can expect to earn a median annual salary of approximately $26,950 if they enter the coaching field, according to the National Bureau of Labor Statistics. Those who enter teaching professions can expect to earn a median annual salary of about $45,000. Physical Health Education at a Glance Physical health majors are ideal for individuals who enjoy teaching and influencing children's lives. Teachers in the physical health subject are responsible for educating children on their own physical well being, as well as physical education classes or coaching. Physical health majors learn how to instruct physical health classes and the science of physical health itself.
Examples/Details of Work Physical Health and Education degree holders often choose not only to teach Phys-Ed classes, but also to coach students in sports. This requires additional commitment to attend practices, off-season camps and games. Coaches have additional responsibilities of handling sports support or booster groups, parents who might have strong opinions about coaching styles or their use of certain players. In some cases there is added pressure from administrators and the media.
Teaching careers in the United States are fulfilling and in high demand. Similar to nursing, social work and massage therapy, teacher licensure is required in order to embark on a teaching career.
Teacher licensure varies from state to state. Each state has created its own standards and requirements to obtain teacher licensure and has allotted certain groups to be able to administer the necessary education, materials and tests required. When an educator holds teacher licensure in one state, they may be required to reapply or submit to additional exam requirements if they were to move another state.
The typical mainstream form of obtaining teacher licensure is through a university program. Through a traditional four-year program, universities offer training for teachers that gives thorough background on classroom management, lesson planning, teaching strategies and assessing student progress. In some cases universities also teach candidates how to prepare for the test that will be required to obtain teacher licensure. Material covered includes knowledge needed for the test itself as well as how the test is presented. Other programs are available through alternative certification plans which provide a condensed version of the necessary material for teacher licensure that does not require a four year degree plan.
Currently, the No Child Left Behind Act, referred to as "Nickelby," requires that applicants who are trying to start a career in the teaching field obtain the appropriate teacher licensure. The candidate must be deemed as "highly qualified" which requires a license or that the candidate be in the process of getting one through a state accepted program.
In today's academic landscape, flexibility is key. The hectic lifestyle of the modern student requires highly personalized options and choices. Luckily, you now have a myriad of options available – you can seek a degree completely online, take classes at your local campus, or develop a combination of both online and offline study. The pursuit of higher education has never been easier, and the vast majority of schools offering online degree programs also offer a complementary Campus Program, or a hybrid program designed to perfectly match your needs. Whatever your course of study, we can help you find the most ustomized solution to fit your busy schedule. Find the program that best suits your individual tastes, and be on your way to a degree sooner rather than later.
Earnings Potential Individuals with a degree in K-12 education have great earnings potential, for such a degree provides the ability to teach at various levels. According to the National Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2006 the median annual earnings of kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high school teachers ranged from $43,580 to $48,690.
K-12 Education Degree at a Glance K-12 teachers must have a general knowledge of what children must know at each level of education. Having this knowledge helps K-12 education majors decide where they would like to focus their talents. At the middle and high school level of teaching, educators are typically required to focus on a specific subject, such as math, science, English or elective topics such as drama, music or art.
Examples/Details of Work Recipients of a degree in K-12 education can work as a teacher in an elementary, middle, or high school.
Obtainable Degrees Bachelor's and Master's degrees are required to become teachers at the K-12 level. Doctorate's can be received in specific subject areas.
Earnings Potential According to the U.S. Department Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual earnings of all higher education teachers were $56,120 in 2006.
Higher Education Degree Higher education is subject specific, allowing professors to concentrate advanced degree studies on a specialty that they are willing to teach. Instructors at higher education levels present material at several levels. To ensure their students' success, instructors in higher education are required give direct information and grade students on their ability to remember it correctly. Further classes at the higher education level test students' ability to absorb information conveyed by an instructor and demonstrate their ability to use it in practice.
Earnings Potential According to the U.S. Department Bureau of Labor Statistics, the middle 50% of adult literacy and remedial eduaction teachers earned between $32,660 and $57,310 in 2006.
Adult Education Facts at a Glance When most people think of education, their focus is on the education of children from kindergarten through high school. In some cases one might even think of higher education or college and university level. The higher education environment taps into a field called adult education. This field of education can be done at the vocational and university levels or within the corporate environment. A strong sense of patience and desire to educate others are very important traits of adult educators. A commitment to continually learning creates a more positive environment. Also, being able to motivate students and demonstrate the thorough knowledge of the covered material is essential.
Examples/Details of Work Possibilities in adult education exist from vocational or corporate training programs through university level education. Adult education offers many possibilities for those in the workforce to advance and pass on their experience by giving on-the job training to newer, less-experienced colleagues.
Earnings Potential Individuals with a degree in educational technology can earn from a wide range of annual salaries depending upon which career path they choose. Salaries can range from approximately $46,520 to upwards of six figures annually.
Educational Technology Degree at a Glance Technology has been integrated into education as quickly as it has been developed over the years. Educational technology was as basic as reel-to-reel films 20 years ago, and has advanced to laptops being issued to students, lessons being presented on PowerPoint, and distance education and online learning. Students who have a strong ability with computers and technology or teachers who are looking to advance in their careers or gain more marketability would be successful with a degree in educational technology.
Examples/Details of Work Individuals can use a degree in educational technology to supplement their teaching career at any academic level. Many college professors use educational technology in their lectures. Educational technology can also be used for corporate training.
Obtainable Degrees Associate's and bachelor's degrees in educational technology are available. Bachelor's degree programs in educations with a concentrain in educational technology are available. Master's degrees in the online education format are also available.
Distance education provides the convenience of earning education credits for degrees while attending classes either at a remote location or through Internet access. Distance education offers an alternative to traditional college courses that are usually more time consuming and restrictive when it comes to scheduling.
The benefits of distance education revolve around its convenience. Professionals who are trying to further their career take advantage of the ability to work on their own time and schedule. People who cannot find their desired degree plan at a local college or university find distance education to be very valuable in helping them pursue their goals.
Distance education is beneficial and helpful to a great deal of people. While it provides constant contact with an instructor and small class ratios, it promotes interaction between students that may not take place in a typical college setting. Distance education provides the opportunity for students to gain multiple perspectives on the topics that are studied.
While distance education provides many benefits and programs of study, there is an equal part of dedication required by students utilizing these programs. Distance education relies on the student logging in to keep up with assignments, attend classes that might be held in remote locations which is a non-traditional environment as opposed to living in a dorm on campus. Students are required to devote themselves to a certain amount of self paced or self motivated learning. In order for distance education to be successful, students must be as dedicated to their programs as the programs are to their success.
When considering distance education, prospective students must make sure to research each school that offers their degree plan to see which will best fit their needs. Distance education is for those who are dedicated and disciplined to adapt to the environment. For those who research well and apply themselves fully, distance education can be the key to further success.
Earnings Potential Teachers regularly partake in curriculum design; in 2006, median annual earnings of teachers ranged from $43,580 to $48,690.
Curriculum Design Facts at a Glance Curriculum designers determine what will be taught, in what way and when in the realm of education. Experienced teachers are typically chosen for curriculum design because of their experience in the classroom and with the standards set to maximize student success. Curriculum design requires strong interpersonal, organizational skills, resourcefulness and administrative skills.
Examples/Details of Work Curriculum design is seen most often in school settings but is also prevalent in organizational development where continuous training takes place. In both settings, curriculum sets forth an amount of information a group must know in a given period of time. Curriculum designers then set the goals for and review the capability of educators to meet the goals of teaching that curriculum. Curriculum design involves choosing materials that will be used to teach the material; therefore designers do have to have the ability to choose what might work best in each situation.
Obtainable Degrees While curriculum design does not require a specific degree, most educators obtain master's degrees or a doctorate.
