Best Jobs for Education Majors

Embarking on a career in education opens up a world of opportunities beyond the traditional teaching roles. Education majors are equipped with skills in communication, critical thinking, and leadership, making them valuable in various positions within and outside the traditional educational settings. This blog explores the top ten jobs for education majors, highlighting the diverse career paths available to those passionate about making a difference through education.

Early Childhood Educator

• Average Salary: $30,210 per year
• Job Description: Early childhood educators play a crucial role in the developmental stage of children from birth to age 5. They work in various settings such as day care centers, preschools, and head start programs.
• Responsibilities: Creating a stimulating learning environment, developing lesson plans, monitoring children’s progress, and ensuring their safety and well-being.
• Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field, along with state certification or licensure and possibly a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.

Elementary School Teacher

• Average Salary: $61,350 per year
• Job Description: Elementary school teachers are responsible for educating children in grades K-5 or K-6, covering basic subjects like reading, writing, math, science, and social studies.
• Responsibilities: Developing lesson plans, instructing students, assessing their progress, and communicating with parents.
• Required Education: A bachelor’s degree in education or a related field and state certification or licensure.

Middle School Teacher

• Average Salary: $61,320 per year
• Job Description: Middle school teachers educate students in grades 6-8, often specializing in a subject such as math, science, English, or social studies.
• Responsibilities: Creating engaging lesson plans, instructing and assessing students, and maintaining a positive learning environment.
• Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in education or the specific subject area, along with state certification or licensure.

High School Teacher

• Average Salary: $61,820 per year
• Job Description: High school teachers work with students in grades 9-12, specializing in subjects like English, math, science, or social studies, and preparing students for life after graduation.
• Responsibilities: Developing curriculum, teaching specific subjects, assessing student understanding, and supporting students’ academic and emotional needs.
• Required Education: A bachelor’s degree in education or in a specific subject area, with state certification or licensure.

Tutor

• Average Salary: $36,470 per year
• Job Description: Tutors provide personalized instruction to students to help them understand specific subjects or improve general study skills.
• Responsibilities: Assessing student needs, developing instructional materials, and providing feedback to help students improve their academic performance.
• Required Education: High school diploma or GED, though more advanced positions may require higher education and experience.

Special Education Teacher

• Average Salary: $61,820 per year
• Job Description: Special education teachers work with students who have a range of disabilities, tailoring education plans to meet each student’s needs.
• Responsibilities: Developing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), collaborating with other educators and specialists, and adapting teaching methods to suit students’ needs.
• Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in education or a related field, with a focus on special education, and state certification or licensure.

Library Technician

• Average Salary: $34,050 per year
• Job Description: Library technicians assist librarians in managing the resources of a library, including books, electronic media, and digital archives.
• Responsibilities: Shelving books, managing records, assisting visitors, and maintaining library systems.
• Required Education: High school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring an associate degree in library science or related field.

Substitute Teacher

• Average Salary: $30,100 per year
• Job Description: Substitute teachers take on the responsibilities of classroom teachers when they are absent, ensuring continuity in students’ education.
• Responsibilities: Following lesson plans, managing classroom dynamics, and maintaining educational standards in the teacher’s absence.
• Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in any field and state certification or licensure.

Paraprofessional (Teacher Assistant)

• Average Salary: $29,360 per year
• Job Description: Paraprofessionals support teachers in the classroom, providing additional instructional and administrative assistance to students.
• Responsibilities: Assisting with grading, classroom management, and individual student support, particularly for those with disabilities or learning difficulties.
• Required Education: High school diploma or equivalent, with some roles requiring additional education or training.

ESL (English as aSecond Language) Instructor

• Average Salary: $59,720 per year
• Job Description: ESL instructors teach English to non-native speakers in various settings, including public and private schools and adult education centers.
• Responsibilities: Developing lesson plans, teaching English language skills, and evaluating student progress.
• Required Education: A bachelor’s degree in education or a related field, with specialization in ESL or bilingual education, and state certification or licensure.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a career in education offers a fulfilling path to make a significant impact on individuals and communities. Whether your passion lies in direct classroom teaching, supporting educational development, or specialized areas like ESL instruction, there’s a role that leverages your unique skills and interests. Education majors are well-positioned to inspire, lead, and innovate in various educational settings, contributing to the growth and development of learners at all stages of life.

Sources

• https://joinhandshake.com
• https://www.salary.com
• https://www.collegeconsensus.com

Frank Gogol

I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.

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