K-12 Education Degrees prepare students for a successful career in academia. Professionals in this field seek employment at different levels from kindergarten up until 12th grade and even beyond that. This career is perfect for individuals who like working with children.
Future prospects for most professions in K-12 education are also quite encouraging. In particular, employment opportunities for School and Career Counselors are predicted to increase by 8% (27,200 new jobs) from 2018 to 2028.
So, if you believe this career path is for you, then continue reading. You will find valuable information here about some of the best K-12 Education Degrees as well as the most attractive jobs in the sector.
What Are K-12 Education Degrees?
The term “K-12” is used to refer to educational programs from kindergarten till 12th grade. Educationists and other professionals working at these levels usually earn qualifications in K-12 education before starting out in the field. And with many top schools in the country offering K-12 education degrees, there is no shortage of options for aspiring teachers, principals, and school counselors.
What Can You Do With a K-12 Education Degree?
With a degree in K-12 Education, you can pursue employment as a High School Teacher, Teaching Assistant, Educational Administrator, Special Education Teacher, School, and Career Counselor, School Principal, Instructional Coordinator, Early Childhood Education Specialist, Teacher Trainer and Educator, College Professor, etc.
Below are salary details and predicted career outlook for some of these occupations. The information presented has been reproduced here courtesy of the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
High School Teachers/h4>
High School Teachers mentor and prepare students for life beyond high school. Their job is to impart the knowledge and skills needed to enter college or get into the job market.
Annual Median Salary, 2019
Job Outlook, 2018-2028
Annual Mean Salary, 2019
State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019
State with the Highest Salary, 2019
$61,660
4%
$65,930
Texas
109,840
$87,240
High School Teachers mentor and prepare students for life beyond high school. Their job is to impart the knowledge and skills needed to enter college or get into the job market.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | State with the Highest Salary, 2019 |
| $61,660 | 4% | $65,930 | Texas | 109,840 |
| $87,240 |
Special Education Teachers – Secondary Schools
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | State with the Highest Salary, 2019 |
| $61,710 | 3% | $65,710 | New York | 17,340 |
| New York | $83,890 |
School and Career Counselors
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | State with the Highest Salary, 2019 |
| $57,040 | 8% | $61,000 | California | 32,650 |
| California | $78,250 |
What to Expect from a K-12 Education Degree?
A K-12 Education degree will teach you about Child Development, Early Childhood Collaboration, Language Development, Pedagogical Learning Theories, Adolescent Psychology, Middle School Teaching, Educational Leadership, Elementary and Secondary School Teaching, Psychology of Education, Children’s Literature, Reading and Analytical Ability, Paraprofessional Education, etc.
How to Choose a K-12 Education Degree?
When deciding on a K-12 Education program to pursue, you should be mindful of a few things. Firstly, the degree you go for should have its recognition and accreditation status in order. Apart from that, your decision-making should factor in things like fee structure, curriculum, available specialties, potential career paths, campus location, ease of commute, and availability of on-campus/off-campus residence (for schools situated out of town/city/state).
K-12 Education Degree Admission Requirements
Admission to a K-12 Education program depends on the level of a degree and the eligibility conditions laid down by a particular school. In general, most undergraduate programs require a High School Diploma or GED (General Educational Development) Certificate along with a candidate’s score on any standardized entrance exam like the ACT (American College Testing) or SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test).
To get into a Master’s program, your Bachelor’s GPA must be equal to or more than the minimum acceptable at a particular school. You might also have to pass a standardized or institution-specific entrance exam.