Guide to College Majors in K-12 Education

Good teaching is one-fourth preparation and three-fourths theater.
--Gail Godwin

What is K-12 education?

Most people with a degree in education teach kindergarten through twelfth grade, also known as K-12 education. Your particular degree designation corresponds to the subject and/or grade level of students you intend to teach. Schools typically divide grade levels into four areas: early childhood, elementary school, middle grades, and high school.

A college degree in K-12 education prepares you to teach students in kindergarten through high school, while a graduate degree in this field provides continuing education for the classroom teacher in his primary subject area or grade level. A graduate degree, along with experience as a classroom teacher, opens the door to a career in administration and teacher education.

K-12 teachers use a variety of methods and materials to communicate ideas. They work well with diverse groups of students and provide education in core subjects, discipline, and guidance. Most K-12 educators enjoy an autonomous work environment. All states require public school teachers to have a bachelor's degree and a teacher's license. Private school teachers may not be required to have a teacher's license, but they usually must have a bachelor's degree or higher in order to be considered for a position.

The outlook for a career in the field of K-12 education is favorable. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects excellent career opportunities to become available for K-12 educators over the next 10 years, especially as Baby Boomer teachers retire. In some areas, competition for qualified teachers has led to signing bonuses and increased salaries.

K-12 Education Degree Programs

On-campus and online schools offer many degrees and certifications to K-12 educators. The type of degree you pursue depends on your current level of education and experience, as well as your desired career. Online degrees in K-12 education have become more common in the field; they are particularly useful for career changers, who want to move into teaching without losing income while attending school full-time.

Associate's Degrees in K-12 Education

An associate's degree in K-12 education typically offers courses that will prepare you for a career as a teacher assistant. You can choose from a variety of associate's degrees, depending on the grade level of students you wish to work with. For instance, if you would like to work with children in grades K- 3, you may choose to pursue an associate's degree in early childhood education. Online associate's degrees are primarily available in the areas of child development, day care work and early childhood education.

Bachelor's Degrees in K-12 Education

Bachelor's degrees in K-12 education are usually specific to the grade level and/or subject you wish to teach. A bachelor's degree in early childhood education typically prepares you to teach grades K-3, while a bachelor's degree in elementary education will usually prepare you to teach grades 1-6. If you are considering a career teaching middle grades or high school, you will likely choose a degree that offers courses in your primary subject area in addition to teacher training courses. For instance, if you wish to teach math to high school students, you would get your bachelor's degree in mathematics education. Your primary courses would be in mathematics, but you also would take courses preparing you to teach.

All states require a bachelor's degree to obtain your teacher's license, and the degree takes about four years to complete. Private schools typically require a bachelor's degree, but can sometimes make exceptions for teachers with extraordinary life experience. The courses offered for a bachelor's degree vary depending on the grade level and subject area of focus. You can typically expect all degree programs to require courses in child development and teaching methods. Online bachelor's degrees are available in topics like math or science for middle and high school students, but in order to earn your teacher's license, you must fulfill in-person student teaching requirements as well.

Post-Baccalaureate Degrees in K-12 Education

Many schools now offer advanced teacher certification programs to bachelor's degree holders with no teacher education training. These programs usually provide the training and education necessary to apply for teacher licensure. Courses are similar to those in a bachelor's degree teacher training program.

Some post-baccalaureate programs emphasize a particular subject area, such as science or mathematics, in addition to the teacher training courses. This degree should not be confused with a master's degree. It is supplementary to a bachelor's and not considered a graduate degree.

Master's Degrees in K-12 Education

There are many different Master of Education degree programs available to a teacher in grades K-12. The degree programs vary, but they usually focus on expanding the teacher's knowledge of the grade level or content area in which they teach. Concentrations are available in a wide range of topics, including advanced classroom instruction, elementary reading and literacy, middle level education, etc. Nearly all of these master's programs are also available online, reflecting the trend of working adult students who want to change or advance their careers without losing income or tenure.

A bachelor's degree is a prerequisite for entering a master's degree program. Master's degrees typically take two years to complete. Most master's degree recipients earn a higher salary and enjoy expanded career options.

Doctorate Degrees in K-12 Education

PhD programs specific to K-12 education are rare, as doctoral degrees tend to focus on research and theory, while K-12 education degrees are generally practitioner-oriented. But they do exist; for the K-12 teacher, a PhD in the field of education usually focuses on expanding knowledge of classroom instruction in the teacher's grade level or subject area. A PhD student in K-12 education often has a specialization, such as advanced classroom instruction or early childhood education. Many K-12 teachers complete their PhDs to prepare them for positions in education administration, though some may only desire to become better teachers.

PhD programs often take six years or more to complete. Courses vary depending on the specialization, but common courses address educational issues and research in the field of K-12 education.

What can you do with a K-12 Education Degree?

Career Outlook for Aspiring Teachers

Teacher Assistant

A teacher assistant's primary job is to support the classroom teacher. Teacher assistants aid in instruction, and they often handle the administrative tasks in the classroom, such as taking attendance, grading papers, and recording grades. They may also help students on an individual basis, or in small groups.

Teacher assistants work at every grade level, and in every subject. Many teacher assistants assist with special education students. They take care of any physical needs the student may have, and they provide one-on-one assistance with students' class work. Most teacher assistants work part-time hours, which explains why so few schools offer them medical benefits. Schools often require teacher assistants to have some career training or an associate's degree. Requirements vary by state and school district.

Kindergarten or Elementary School Teacher

Most kindergarten or elementary school teachers oversee one classroom of students per day and are responsible for teaching them skills in social studies, science, math, and language arts. Other teachers focus on a specific subject area, such as art or music. These teachers may work with many different groups of students during the day.

In both cases, elementary and kindergarten teachers educate and enrich their students. They work with pupils from all backgrounds, and they teach using a variety of methods. Kindergarten and elementary school teachers record students' progress through exams and grade reports, while providing guidance and discipline when needed. To succeed in their roles, they must also work well with staff members and parents.

A public school teacher is required to have a bachelor's degree and be licensed to teach in the state they are employed. Private school teachers are usually required to hold a bachelor's degree and teacher's license, though not always.

Middle School and High School Teachers

Middle school and secondary school (high school) teachers typically specialize in one subject. They focus on a limited topic, such as math or science, in which they instruct several classes of students per day. Middle and secondary school teachers must be experts in their subject, able to impart that knowledge to their students using a variety of methods. Duties are similar to those of kindergarten and elementary school teachers, including administering examinations, recording grades, and working with other teachers and parents.

As with kindergarten and elementary school teachers, schools require job candidates to hold a bachelor's degree, as well as licensure in their state.

College Professors

Though a professional with a degree in K-12 education will typically teach students in those grades, some educators advance to a career in postsecondary education, usually instructing other aspiring K-12 teachers. Postsecondary schools include all schools beyond high school, especially colleges and universities. An experienced K-12 teacher with a master's degree or higher may choose to become a teacher educator, preparing undergraduate students for careers as teachers.

College professors often enjoy flexible schedules, but many also teach night or weekend classes. They must stay current in their field by participating in continuing education programs and by maintaining licensure. Educators in the postsecondary setting work the traditional ten-month school schedule, with two months off in the summer. They often use these months to teach extra courses, to research, to publish or to simply enjoy some well-deserved vacation.

Education Administration

Education administrators oversee the day-to-day organization of educational institutions, ranging from childcare centers to universities. Administrators typically start their careers as teachers, often in the field of K-12 education. They advance to positions in administration through a combination of education and experience as an educator.

Most administrators of colleges and universities have doctorates, though a master's degree may be sufficient in secondary schools, elementary schools and child care centers. A college or university administrator usually has experience as a professor, and then advances to department chair, dean, or president.

Educational administrators manage staff and students in addition to the daily operations of their facility. They work with members of the community, including parents of students and school board or trustee members. Though the school may follow the traditional ten-month schedule, administrators work year round. Their attendance is often required at nighttime meetings and fundraisers.

Salary Expectations for Careers in K-12 Education

Teacher assistants (most working part-time) reported a median annual income of $19,410 in 2004. In that same year, teachers in grades K-12 reported a median salary of $40,000 to $45,000. A beginning teacher with a bachelor's degree starts her career with an annual salary around $30,704. The average for all teachers in grades K-12 was $44,367.

Most schools still operate on a ten-month schedule with two months off during the summer. These two months provide teachers and teacher assistants with a unique opportunity to make extra money by tutoring, assisting with a sport or extracurricular activity, or taking a part-time job. Teachers may also boost their earnings by continuing their education. Many school systems provide salary increases for earning a graduate degree.

Educators in postsecondary schools reported incomes of $36,000 to $72,000. Salaries vary according to position, with the lower salary typically going to adjunct instructors, and the higher salaries to professors with PhDs. Education administrators in the elementary and secondary grades reported a median annual income of $74,190. The income of administrators in postsecondary settings varies with the position. Income for top leadership positions can range from $79,000 to $120,000.

Certification and Licensure

Before applying for a position in the public school system, you must obtain a teacher's license specifying the age group and the subject area you wish to teach. You must have a bachelor's degree to qualify for a teacher's license and complete a teacher-training program approved by the state in which you seek the license. As part of the teacher-training program, you must complete some supervised practice teaching. Though most bachelor's degrees in education contain the teacher-training program as part of their curriculum, some do not.

In addition to your bachelor's degree and completion of a teacher-training program, you must pass a competency test. Different states used different tests, with the Praxis Series popping up more frequently in many parts of the country. The Praxis Series tests general pedagogy and principles of learning and teaching, as well as knowledge of the specific subject areas and grade levels you will teach.

Once you have earned a teacher's license, you must renew it every few years. Though requirements vary by state, licenses are usually renewed by taking recertification courses. Recertification courses are usually offered during the summer and provide the teacher with continuing education and current information in their field. This ensures that teachers remain up-to-date on trends and advances in the field of education.

National accreditation is also available to teachers through the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards. This certification requires teachers to submit a portfolio of their classroom work before taking an additional exam. Unlike a state-awarded teacher's license, all 50 states recognize this national certification. Teachers earning a national certification often receive benefits such as higher salary or tuition reimbursement for continuing education.

Other Associations and Certification Bodies

American Association of School Administrators (AASA)
American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education(AACTE)
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)
American Federation of Teachers (AFT)
Coalition for Education in the Life Sciences (CELS)
The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
The International Reading Association
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
National Association of Elementary School Principals (NASSP)
National Council of Teachers of English
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
National Education Association (NEA)
National School Boards Association (NSBA)
Phi Delta Kappa International (PDK)
Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education (SITE)

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