Education and Teaching

Education & Teaching

Some teachers say they choose education while others claim it chose them. Either way, the first step towards a career in what many call the noblest profession is a degree in education and teaching. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of degrees in the field as well as the career outlook, jobs, and salaries associated with education and teaching degree programs.

Overview

The lowest level of postsecondary education one can attain in the field of education and teaching is the associate’s degree. These degree programs typically require around 60 credit hours of coursework and take about two years to complete. Students who want to complete their associate’s degree in education/teaching faster can look for an accelerated degree program. These accelerated offerings allow students to earn their associate’s credential in significantly less time: as little as one year in some cases.

Education and Teaching Associate's Degrees: Cirriculum

The curricula for education and teaching associate’s degrees will vary depending on the specific school and program you choose. Because there are content overlaps, though, it’s possible to get an idea of what to expect prior to enrollment. Typically, an associate’s degree in education and teaching will require general education courses in subjects such as humanities, physical sciences, mathematics, behavioral sciences, and the like alongside major-specific classes in education. Below, we’ll list some sample general education and major course titles taken from actual associate’s degree offerings in education and teaching:

Associate's in Education and Teaching: General Education Courses

  • Composition and Rhetoric
  • Digital Literacy for Life and the Workplace
  • Ethics in Critical Thinking
  • Interpersonal Communication
  • Intermediate Alegra
  • Introducation to Environmental Science

Education/Teaching Associate's Degrees: Major Courses

  • Principle of Education
  • Psychology of Childhood
  • Children's Play and Learning
  • Introduction to Child Development
  • Approaches to Cirriculum and Methods
  • Guidance of the Young Child
  • Introduction to Early Childhood Behavior Management
  • Guidance of the Young Child

Associate of Education and Teaching: Career Opportunites

For many students, an associate’s in teaching and education is simply a launchpad for continuing their education in a bachelor’s program. Other students wish to enter the job force immediately after graduating from an associate’s degree program. If the latter is the case for you, you’ll want to be aware of the career opportunities that exist for professionals with an associate’s in the field of education. The good news is that opportunities are numerous, and jobs are growing steadily in the field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs for preschool teachers are currently growing faster than average and will continue to be on the rise for the foreseeable future. Positions for other job titles requiring an associate’s credential such as teaching assistant and childcare worker, for instance, are growing about as fast as average.

Education and Teaching Associate Degree: Pay

Although jobs requiring just an associate’s degree in education and teaching are some of the lowest paying positions in the field, it’s still possible to make a decent living with this degree. Below, you will find some common job titles for associate’s degree holders alongside their average salary, according to Payscale.com:

  • Childcare Center Director: $39,085
  • Preschool Director: $32,786
  • Children’s Ministry Director: $30,850
  • Daycare Teacher: $21,952
  • Preschool Teacher: $27,597
  • Teacher Assistant: $24,624