A teaching degree opens doors to many careers beyond traditional classroom teaching. Teachers develop skills in communication, leadership, and organization that employers value in various fields.
Jobs With a Teaching Degree
1) Elementary School Classroom Teacher
Elementary teachers work with children typically from kindergarten through fifth grade. They teach multiple subjects like math, reading, science, and social studies to the same group of students throughout the school day.
Job Duties:
- Plan and deliver lessons across subject areas
- Monitor student progress and provide feedback
- Communicate with parents about student development
- Create a positive classroom environment
The average salary ranges from $45,000 to $65,000 depending on location and experience.
A typical day starts around 7:30 AM with preparation before students arrive. Teachers spend most of the day leading lessons, supervising activities, and managing classroom behavior. After-school hours involve grading, planning, and meetings.
Becoming an elementary teacher requires a bachelor’s degree in education and a teaching license. Most states need student teaching experience and passing scores on certification tests.
2) Middle and High School Subject Teachers
Secondary teachers specialize in specific subjects like English, math, science, or history. They typically teach multiple classes of different students throughout the day.
Job Duties:
- Develop curriculum in their subject area
- Prepare students for standardized tests
- Manage varied class personalities across periods
- Provide subject-specific guidance and support
Secondary teachers earn between $47,000 and $70,000 annually based on experience, location, and subject area. Math and science teachers sometimes command higher salaries due to demand.
Daily schedules revolve around class periods, with teachers moving between classes or welcoming different groups of students. Planning periods allow for grading and preparation.
Requirements include a bachelor’s degree in education or their subject area plus teacher certification. Some positions may prefer or require a master’s degree in the subject area.
3) Special Education Teacher
Special education teachers work with students who have physical, emotional, mental, or learning disabilities. They adapt curriculum and teaching methods to meet individual needs.
Job Duties:
- Create and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
- Collaborate with other educators and specialists
- Teach academic and life skills
- Track and document student progress
Salaries typically range from $50,000 to $68,000. Special education teachers often earn slightly more than general education counterparts due to additional credentials.
A typical day involves working with students in small groups or one-on-one settings. They attend numerous meetings with parents, administrators, and other education professionals.
Becoming a special education teacher requires a bachelor’s degree in special education or a related field. You’ll need specialized certification and training in special education laws and practices.
4) Early Childhood Education Teacher
Early childhood educators work with children from birth through age eight in preschools, kindergartens, and early elementary settings.
Job Duties:
- Design age-appropriate activities for young learners
- Foster social, emotional, and cognitive development
- Create playful learning environments
- Observe and document developmental milestones
Pay ranges from $30,000 in private preschools to $55,000 in public school settings. Many factors affect salary including education level and program type.
Days include leading circle time, supervising play-based learning, reading stories, and facilitating hands-on activities. Teachers balance structured learning with free exploration time.
You can become an early childhood teacher with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. Public schools typically require a bachelor’s degree and teaching license, while some private preschools accept associate degrees or child development credentials.
5) School Principal
School principals serve as the chief administrators of schools. They manage daily operations and set educational standards for their institutions.
Principals typically:
- Oversee school budgets and resources
- Evaluate teacher performance
- Create safe learning environments
- Develop school improvement plans
- Communicate with parents and community members
A principal’s day might include observing classrooms, meeting with staff, handling discipline issues, and reviewing school data. They often arrive early and stay late for school events.
Most principals earn between $98,000 and $112,000 annually, depending on school size and location.
Becoming a principal usually requires:
- A master’s degree in educational leadership or administration
- Teaching experience (typically 3-5 years)
- State administrator license or certification
- Leadership training programs
6) Assistant Principal
Assistant principals work closely with principals to manage school operations. They often handle specific areas like student discipline, attendance, or curriculum.
Key responsibilities include:
- Managing student behavior and attendance
- Scheduling classes and events
- Supervising teachers and staff
- Coordinating testing and assessments
- Helping with teacher evaluations
A typical day might involve student meetings, observing classes, coordinating bus duties, and handling parent communications.
Assistant principals generally earn $75,000 to $95,000 per year.
The path to becoming an assistant principal typically includes:
- A master’s degree in education or administration
- Several years of teaching experience
- Administrative certification
- Strong leadership and communication skills
7) Instructional Coordinator
Instructional coordinators focus on improving curriculum and teaching methods within schools or districts.
Their main duties include:
- Analyzing student achievement data
- Recommending textbooks and materials
- Training teachers on new methods
- Developing curriculum standards
- Staying updated on educational research
A typical day might involve observing teachers, reviewing curricular materials, conducting training sessions, and meeting with administrators.
Instructional coordinators typically earn $66,000 to $87,000 annually.
To become an instructional coordinator, you might need:
- A master’s degree in curriculum and instruction or related field
- Teaching experience
- Specialized knowledge in particular subject areas
- Strong analytical skills
8) School Counselor
School counselors help students with academic planning, social development, and emotional challenges. They work with students individually and in groups to address personal issues that might affect academic performance.
Job duties include:
- Creating comprehensive guidance programs
- Conducting individual and group counseling sessions
- Assisting with college applications and career planning
- Collaborating with teachers and parents on behavior management strategies
The typical salary ranges from $58,000 to $75,000 annually, depending on location and experience.
A typical day might involve meeting with students, consulting with teachers, documenting interventions, and facilitating small groups.
To become a school counselor, you need:
- Master’s degree in school counseling
- State licensure or certification
- 1-2 years of supervised experience
- Teaching experience (preferred in some states)
9) School Psychologist
School psychologists assess learning difficulties and behavioral problems while supporting students’ mental health needs. They serve as vital links between educational and psychological services.
Their responsibilities include:
- Conducting psychological and academic assessments
- Designing behavior intervention plans
- Counseling students in crisis
- Consulting with teachers on classroom management techniques
School psychologists typically earn $68,000 to $85,000 per year.
A day in this role might include testing students, writing reports, attending meetings, and providing counseling services.
Becoming a school psychologist requires:
- Specialist-level degree (Ed.S.) or doctorate in school psychology
- 1,200+ hours of supervised internship
- State certification or licensure
- Ongoing professional development
10) Academic Advisor
Academic advisors guide students through educational planning, course selection, and degree requirements. They help students navigate academic policies and connect them with campus resources.
Key responsibilities include:
- Meeting with students to plan academic schedules
- Monitoring academic progress
- Connecting students with tutoring or other support services
- Advising on major selection and career paths
Typical salaries range from $42,000 to $60,000 annually.
An advisor’s day typically involves student appointments, maintaining student records, communicating with faculty, and preparing for registration periods.
To pursue this career, you might need:
- Bachelor’s degree (minimum)
- Master’s degree in education, counseling, or related field (preferred)
- Strong knowledge of academic programs and requirements
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
11) University Professors
University professors teach courses, conduct research, and publish scholarly work in their field. They develop curriculum, mentor students, and serve on academic committees.
Professors typically need a PhD in their subject area, though some positions accept candidates with master’s degrees and significant experience. The path usually requires 4-10 years of education beyond a bachelor’s degree.
Their daily activities include:
- Preparing and delivering lectures
- Grading assignments and exams
- Meeting with students during office hours
- Conducting research and writing papers
Salaries range from $60,000 to $180,000 depending on the institution, field, and seniority level. Community college professors might earn less, while those at prestigious universities or in high-demand fields like engineering can earn more.
12) College Lecturer
College lecturers focus primarily on teaching rather than research. They might teach multiple courses each semester across different student levels.
Most lecturer positions require at least a master’s degree in the relevant field. Some specialized technical subjects might accept candidates with bachelor’s degrees and significant professional experience.
Day-to-day responsibilities include:
- Creating lesson plans and course materials
- Delivering engaging lectures
- Providing feedback on student work
- Holding regular office hours
The average salary for college lecturers ranges from $45,000 to $90,000 annually. Many start in part-time or adjunct roles before securing full-time positions.
13) Admissions Counselor
Admissions counselors help prospective students navigate the college application process. They evaluate applications, conduct interviews, and represent their institution at recruitment events.
A bachelor’s degree in education, communications, or a related field is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills and knowledge of higher education systems are valuable assets.
Daily tasks often include:
- Reviewing student applications and transcripts
- Conducting information sessions for prospective students
- Traveling to high schools for recruitment events
- Maintaining communication with applicants
Salaries generally range from $35,000 to $65,000 depending on the institution and experience level. This role can be an excellent entry point for those interested in higher education administration.
14) English Teacher
English teachers help students develop reading, writing, and communication skills. They typically work in middle schools, high schools, or colleges.
Daily responsibilities include:
- Planning and delivering lessons on literature, grammar, and writing
- Grading essays and other assignments
- Creating engaging classroom discussions about texts
- Meeting with students who need extra help
English teachers might earn between $45,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience and location. Their day often starts with class preparation, followed by teaching multiple periods, and ends with grading and planning.
15) ESL Instructor
ESL (English as a Second Language) instructors work with non-native English speakers to develop language proficiency. They serve in K-12 schools, community colleges, universities, and private language schools.
Their job duties include:
- Assessing students’ current language abilities
- Teaching vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar
- Developing culturally sensitive learning materials
- Helping students navigate cultural differences
ESL teachers typically earn $40,000-$65,000 yearly. A typical day might involve working with small groups, one-on-one tutoring, and coordinating with mainstream teachers about student progress.
16) Corporate Trainer
Corporate trainers help employees develop professional skills through workshops, seminars, and training programs. They create learning materials tailored to company needs and deliver content in engaging ways.
Job Duties:
- Design training modules for various skill sets
- Assess employee learning needs
- Conduct in-person and virtual training sessions
- Evaluate training effectiveness
- Update materials based on industry changes
Corporate trainers typically earn $55,000-$75,000 annually, with experienced trainers at large companies making over $100,000.
A typical day might include morning preparation, conducting 2-3 training sessions, meeting with department heads about upcoming needs, and developing new materials.
Becoming a corporate trainer usually requires a bachelor’s degree in education or related field, plus 2-3 years of experience. Some positions value certifications like Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP).
17) Curriculum Developer
Curriculum developers design educational programs and materials for schools, online platforms, or educational companies. They research educational standards and create content that meets learning objectives.
Job Duties:
- Research educational standards and best practices
- Create lesson plans, activities, and assessments
- Collaborate with subject matter experts
- Test and revise curriculum materials
- Stay current on educational trends
The average salary ranges from $60,000-$80,000, depending on experience and employer type.
Daily work often involves writing content in the morning, team meetings midday, and research or revision work in afternoons. Many curriculum developers work remotely or on hybrid schedules.
This role typically requires a teaching degree plus 3-5 years of classroom experience. Some positions may request a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction or educational technology.
18) Education Consultant
Education consultants provide expert advice to schools, districts, or educational organizations. They analyze existing programs, recommend improvements, and help implement new educational approaches.
Job Duties:
- Evaluate current educational programs
- Recommend evidence-based improvements
- Lead professional development for teachers
- Help schools implement new technologies
- Develop strategic plans for educational improvement
Consultants earn between $70,000-$120,000 annually, with experienced consultants often charging $1,000-$2,500 per day.
A typical workday might include site visits to schools, data analysis, report writing, and client meetings. Travel is common, with many consultants working with multiple clients simultaneously.
Becoming an education consultant typically requires a master’s degree in education plus 5+ years of teaching or administrative experience. Specialized knowledge in areas like special education, technology integration, or literacy instruction can increase marketability.
19) Museum Educator
Museum educators create and deliver educational programs for museum visitors of all ages. They design interactive exhibits, lead tours, and develop learning materials that complement museum collections.
Job duties include:
- Planning and conducting workshops for school groups
- Creating age-appropriate learning activities
- Collaborating with curators to develop educational content
- Evaluating program effectiveness
A typical day might involve giving morning tours to school groups, updating activity materials, and planning new programs for upcoming exhibits.
The average salary ranges from $38,000 to $55,000 annually. Most positions require a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field, plus some teaching experience. Some museums look for candidates with knowledge in their specific subject area (art, science, history).
20) Education Policy Analyst
Education policy analysts research, analyze, and help develop policies that affect educational systems. They work for government agencies, think tanks, advocacy groups, or educational organizations.
These professionals:
- Collect and analyze education data
- Write reports and policy recommendations
- Meet with stakeholders to discuss educational issues
- Monitor the implementation of education policies
Analysts typically earn between $60,000 and $85,000 per year. The role requires strong research and analytical skills.
Most positions need at least a master’s degree in education policy, public policy, or a related field. Experience as a teacher can be valuable, providing practical insights into how policies affect classrooms.
21) Online Course Instructor
Online course instructors develop and teach digital learning experiences for students of all ages. They work for virtual schools, universities, corporate training departments, or as independent educators.
Key responsibilities include:
- Creating engaging digital content and learning materials
- Facilitating online discussions and providing feedback
- Assessing student progress and adapting instruction
- Managing virtual classroom platforms
Online instructors often earn $40,000 to $75,000 annually, depending on their employer and course load. Many work flexible hours, which allows for work-life balance.
To become an online instructor, you’ll need a teaching degree and classroom experience in most cases. Additional certification in online teaching methods or educational technology can boost job prospects.