EDUCATION

Great teachers make great students. So if you've always wanted to teach, now's a good time to return to the classroom - as an educator.
Career Pathways

The education field has three general career pathways:

  • Teaching and Training: Individuals who provide instruction to students.
  • Administration: Individuals who develop curriculum and manage schools, colleges, and other places of learning, such as daycare centers.
  • Professional Support Services: Individuals who provide special support services for students, such as school counselors, social works and speech pathologists.
Meta-Major: Education

Are you interested in a career in education but not exactly sure what you want to do? Check out the education meta-major at your local state college. A meta-major is a collection of associate degree programs aligned to a general career area, such as education. Because all programs under a meta major have common courses, you can pursue a relevant course of study before deciding on a specific degree program.

Alternative Routes to Certification

If you already have a bachelor's degree, Florida makes it each for college graduates who were not education majors to earn the credentials to teach in K-12 public schools. To learn more about alternative routes to certification, visit Florida Department of Education's Certificate Pathways & Routes. Additionally, TeacherReady is an online alternative teacher certification program offered by the University of West Florida. In just nine months, you will complete the necessary coursework and fieldwork to pass three state exams to qualify for a Florida Professional Teaching Certificate. You can choose certification from more than 30 subject areas.

Education-Career-Income Connection

Most jobs in the education field require a bachelor or advanced degree.

teachers
degree
income
Associate
$35,330
Bachelor
$61,690
Bachelor
$61,810
Bachelor
$62,990
Source: June 2023 O*NET OnLine
administrators
degree
income
Advanced
$101,320
Source: June 2023 O*NET OnLine
Professional, Administrative and Instructional Support
degree
income
Source: June 2023 O*NET OnLine