Online K-12 Education Degree Programs

With soaring enrollments and a wave of upcoming retirements, teachers can expect strong career opportunities in the coming years. K-12 teaching is already a rewarding profession--few roles are more important than helping young minds develop. Teachers mentor students and coordinate classroom activities. They teach valuable life skills, impart knowledge, and prepare students for future careers. Teachers are among the most influential members of society, educating tomorrow's citizens and leaders.

Educational Requirements for K-12 Teaching

The standard qualification for a K-12 teaching career is a bachelor's degree and completion of a teacher training program. Most states will accept a bachelor's degree in any field, provided that the applicant completes a one-year teacher training program to build applied classroom teaching skills. States have different teacher licensure requirements; most require an exam in addition to the degree requirements, and some expect teachers to obtain a master's degree in education within the first few years on the job.

The Bachelor's Degree in K-12 Teaching

This degree typically combines both elements of the education requirement--general education and applied teacher training. K-12 bachelor's degrees are widely available online, and include both general K-12 teacher training and subject-specific degrees.

Bachelor's degrees in K-12 Teaching include:

• Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
• Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education
• Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, K-8
• Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics Education
• Bachelor of Arts in Social Science Education
• Bachelor of Arts in Science Education

These programs are designed to prepare students for a career in public school teaching. In addition to core liberal arts and sciences courses, the K-12 teaching curriculum includes courses in educational psychology, curriculum development, classroom management, pedagogical strategies, and more. The programs culminate in a teaching practicum, where students have an opportunity to gain classroom experience under the supervision of a teacher. Teachers may also veer into certain specializations as more and more non-traditional venues of learning, such as online elementary schools, are beginning to emerge.

The Two-year Master's Degree in K-12 Teaching

This advanced degree allows teachers to expand their teaching skills and take advantage of broader career opportunities. Teachers who earn master's degrees typically qualify for higher salaries as a result. Many teachers take advantage of online programs to complete their master's degree while they work. Master's degree programs offer more specialized training in K-12 education topics such as:

• Curriculum development
• Pedagogical research and theory
• Assessment and evaluation
• Federal standards and regulations
• Instructional strategies

In addition, graduate students complete a thesis or capstone project on a special topic in K-12 education.

A master's degree in K-12 teaching not only increases career opportunities and salaries in teaching, but also qualifies teachers for administrative and educational consulting positions. Graduates move into positions as curriculum developers, instructional coordinators, educational technology consultants, program directors, and even principals.

Together with the inherent job satisfaction of teaching young minds, K-12 teachers enjoy a comfortable living. K-12 teachers earned median salaries in 2007 ranging from $47,750 at the kindergarten level to $52,450 for high school teaching positions. Teachers can also count on generous benefits, including considerable time off during the summer break. A K-12 Teaching degree can prepare you to take your place at the head of the classroom.

• Education