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 |
|---|---|---|
| Preschool | Associate | $29,780 |
| K12 | Bachelor | $58,230 |
| Middle and High School (secondary) Career & Technical Education | Bachelor | $58,600 |
| K12 Special Education | Bachelor | $60,250 |
| College (postsecondary): Career & Technical to Law | Advanced | $94,340 |
| Administrators | Degree | Income |
|---|---|---|
| Preschool / Childcare Center | Bachelor | $47,940 |
| K12 | Advanced | $95,310 |
| College (postsecondary) | Advanced | $94,340 |
| Professional, Administrative and Instructional Support | Degree | Income |
|---|---|---|
| Coaches | Bachelor | $33,780 |
| Librarian Technician | Certificate | $34,040 |
| Audio-Visual and Multimedia Collection Specialist | Bachelor | $49,600 |
| Interpreter and Translator | Bachelor | $49,930 |
| School Counselor | Advanced | $56,310 |
| Librarian | Advanced | $59,050 |
| Instructional Coordinator | Advanced | $64,450 |
| School Psychologist | Advanced | $76,990 |
| Fitness and Wellness Coordinator | Bachelor | $82,850 |
| Distance (Online) Learning Coordinator | Bachelor | $82,850 |