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Best Jobs for a Master’s in Education | A Complete Guide

An open book represents the best jobs for a masters of education.

A Master of Education (M.Ed.) can lead to many different career opportunities. Depending on your interests and skills, you may want to consider a career in teaching, administration, or another field. This article discusses the best jobs for those with a master’s degree in education. We will also provide information on salary and job outlook for these careers.

What is a Master of Education Degree?

A master’s degree in education, also known as a Master of Education, or M.Ed., prepares students for careers in education. You can earn this type of degree at many different institutions. These include traditional colleges and universities as well as online schools.

The field of education holds different specializations. Hence, students with a Master of Education have many options. Some areas of concentration include early childhood, special education, English for speakers of other languages (ESOL), or higher education administration.

With an M.Ed., graduates can pursue careers as teachers, administrators, counselors, or other educational professionals. In addition to working in schools and classrooms, those with this degree may find jobs in government agencies or non-profit organizations that work with children and families.

Why Pursue a Master of Education?

There are many reasons to pursue a Master of Education. Whether you want to advance your career, earn a higher salary, or make a difference in students’ lives, a master’s degree can help you achieve your goals.

Before getting any degree, it’s essential to understand your job prospects and the career outlook and salary information. As education is a steady industry, the employment outlook continues to be good.

Best Master of Education Careers

Educational Administrator

School administrators are not teachers. They are in charge of the administration of a school. The educational administrator makes sure that students and faculty at their institution have a secure and effective learning environment.

Educational administrators deal with many challenges, including:

  • Budgeting
  • Logistics
  • Scheduling
  • Disciplinary actions
  • Public relations

They ensure that teachers have the infrastructure and resources to teach effectively. They also help with planning events and compiling the educational curriculum.

Educational administrators help with leadership service in schools. They set targets and positive visions for the school. They also make sure the school adheres to any rules from different authorities. Everyone who works at a school, including the teachers and custodial workers, reports to an educational administrator.

The duties of an educational administrator include:

  • Handling finances
  • Developing school policy
  • Managing staff
  • Organizing the school timetable
  • Maintaining student records
  • Ensuring health and safety standards are met

Skills

  • Attention to details
  • Empathy and social skills
  • Experience in classroom education
  • Passionate about connecting with both students and teachers
  • In-depth knowledge of school policies

Qualifications

To become an educational administrator, you need to have a master’s or doctorate in education. However, note that the job requirements for education administrators tend to vary from one institution or state to another.

The requirements for getting a license to be an education administrator vary depending on the school district and state regulations. In some states, you also need a school administrator’s license. You may need to take exams that test your organizational knowledge and skills to earn a certification.

Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median yearly salary for postsecondary education administrators was $97,500 in May 2020.

The salary range for educational administrators varies depending on the state, school district, experience, and administrator degree. It also depends on the education level of the institution where you’re employed, with higher grades paying more.

Job Outlook

The BLS projects employment of postsecondary education administrators to rise by 8% from 2020 to 2030. Unfortunately, this is slower than the average for all occupations.

Academic Coordinator

Academic coordinators work in colleges and universities. They manage the daily operations of an academic department.

Academic coordinators organize and maintain student records. They also create and manage comprehensive academic support systems and assist students with their educational issues and academic objectives.

Duties include:

  • Developing and managing curriculum
  • Supervising professors and teaching staff
  • Evaluating programs and courses
  • Ensuring accreditation standards
  • Coordinating with other departments
  • Providing support to students

Skills

  • Problem-solving skills
  • Organizational skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Computer literate
  • Strong leadership skills

Qualifications

To become an academic coordinator, you need to have an advanced degree and job experience. An excellent way to start your career in this field is to earn a bachelor’s degree in education. Most employers will expect you have a master’s degree in instructional design, educational development, or educational administration.

Schools or organizations looking to employ academic coordinators prefer people with teaching experience.

Additionally, you may need to obtain an education administrator’s license from your state. In some cases, you may also need to earn a license in curriculum design.

Salary

A May 2020 report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the average salary for an academic coordinator was $66,970.

Job Outlook

The BLS projects a 10% growth in employment of academic coordinators from 2020 to 2030. This is about the average for all occupations.

Special Education Teacher

These professionals collaborate with students with special needs or learning difficulties, including physical or psychological issues that require special assistance. Others may need attention they can’t get in a regular classroom.

Your task as a special education instructor is to understand each student’s unique needs in light of their disability. You’ll also learn about their issues and help them learn the course content in a customized way.

Duties include:

  • Establishing positive relationships with students, families, and other professionals to create a supportive learning environment
  • Collaborating with other educators to develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
  • Instructing students in academic subjects using various methods, such as technology-assisted instruction, individualized instruction, or small group instruction
  • Providing emotional support to students
  • Monitoring student progress and modifying instructional strategies as needed

Skills

  • Good communication skills
  • Patience
  • Creativity
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Ability to work with a team

Qualifications

To become a special education teacher, you need at least a bachelor’s degree in special education. Most states also require a teaching license with a special education endorsement. Some schools may require you to have a master’s degree in education.

Salary

The average salary for special education teachers was $61,500 in May 2020.

Job Outlook

The BLS projects employment of special education teachers to grow by 8% from 2020 to 2030. Unfortunately, this is slower than the average for all occupations.

The US will see a predicted 38,600 job openings for special education teachers each year over the next decade. Many of these job openings will come from people who leave their jobs or retire.

School Principal

As the highest-ranking official at a school, principals usually report to the school district’s superintendent or an associate superintendent.

A single individual may serve as the superintendent and a principal in some school systems. School leaders, among other things, include principals and those in charge of the overall management of a school.

Duties include:

  • Supervising and monitoring the instructional program
  • Ensuring adherence to school rules
  • Managing staff and resources
  • Evaluating teachers and other staff members
  • Coordinating extracurricular activities

Skills

  • Leadership
  • Management
  • Communication
  • Problem-solving

Qualifications

During the 1980s and 1990s, pressure mounted on educational institutions to be more accountable for student success. Eventually, this led to plenty of discussion about principal qualifications.

In most states, you need a license to work as a principal. The requirements for licensure differ from state to state. However, the criteria typically include experience as a teacher, completion of a state-approved principal preparation program, and passing scores on a nationally recognized licensing exam.

Salary

According to BLS, the average annual salary of elementary, middle, and high school principals was $98,490 in May 2020.

Job Outlook

Elementary, middle, and high school principals’ employment will grow by 8% from 2020 to 2030. This is about the average for all occupations.

Dean of Students

At colleges and universities, leadership positions come with a lot of pressure and the opportunity to influence future students’ learning experiences.

Professionals who spend many years in higher education administration may assume these challenging and rewarding responsibilities. A dean of students is in charge of student learning and activities. They determine student needs and maintain a thriving learning atmosphere.

A dean of students also supervises and manages the admissions office. In addition, they provide structure and proactive leadership, produce statistical reports, and conduct department reviews.

Duties include:

  • Developing and monitoring budgets
  • Creating long-range plans
  • Supervising and evaluating staff
  • Enforcing school policy

Skills

  • Strong organizational skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Team building
  • Detail-oriented
  • Management skills

Qualifications

Becoming a dean of students entails first working as a college administrator. They must also obtain at least a master’s degree in education. Most employers prefer candidates with advanced degrees in education.

Salary

According to Payscale, the median salary for a dean of students is $63,628. Deans of students may also receive additional benefits such as health insurance, paid vacation days, and tuition reimbursement.

Job Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment in this field will grow by 4% from 2019 to 2029. This growth rate is much slower than the average for all occupations.

Literary Specialist

Literacy experts are important in education to reinforce reading and writing. They are educators who lead literacy instruction, assessment, and intervention in schools to ensure that every youngster can read and write.

Literacy specialists also plan, oversee, and train literacy instructors and school support staff. In addition, they are in charge of discussing literacy plans and progress reports with children’s families and integrating literacy activities with childcare.

Duties include:

  • Leading literacy instruction
  • Assessing and intervening with children who need assistance
  • Training literacy support staff
  • Discussing plans and progress reports with families

Skills

  • Excellent communication skills
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Ability to work well with others
  • Strong leadership skills
  • Patience and ability to collaborate with others

Qualifications

To become a literacy specialist, one must have at least a master’s degree in education or English. Many employers prefer candidates who have experience working in a school setting. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most states require these professionals to be licensed.

Salary

A literacy specialist’s annual salary is roughly $82,000 due to the high level of experience and knowledge required.

Job Outlook

Between now and 2028, the BLS projects this profession to expand by 10% and produce 7,000 job openings across the US.

Instructional Design Technology Specialist

An instructional design and technology specialist uses various engaging methods to help teachers and professors use technology in their classrooms. They work within the education sector to integrate technologies such as computers, hardware, and software into educational environments.

Because the job frequently entails advising on in-class lesson planning, it resembles an instructional coordinator position. Due to the increasing use of technology in schools, the function of an instructional technology specialist is essential.

Duties include:

  • Observing classrooms and providing feedback to teachers
  • Designing professional development programs for teachers
  • Researching new technologies and making recommendations to school administrators
  • Creating instructional materials

Skills

  • Flexibility
  • Strong communication skills
  • Creativity and imagination
  • Technical skills to use a range of technologies
  • Ability to work independently

Qualifications

Instructional technology specialists typically have a master’s degree in education focusing on instructional technology or educational media design. They should also be familiar with various software applications, such as word processing and graphic design programs.

Instructional technology specialists need to effectively communicate with both teachers and students. They will often be working with both groups simultaneously. In addition, instructional technology specialists need to be comfortable using computers and other technological equipment.

Salary

The median yearly wage for instructional technology specialists was $52,000 as of April 2021.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for instructional and technology specialists is estimated to grow by 7 percent over the next five years. The steady job growth will be influenced mainly by the need for innovation in teaching materials.

Master of Education FAQs

Is a Master of Education Worth It?

A Master of Education can be an excellent investment for your career. However, you may be wondering if it is worth the time and money. The best jobs for someone with a Master of Education vary depending on your interests and specialization.

There are many options available to you no matter your specialization once you have your Master of Education. Some possibilities include teaching at the college level, working as an administrator in a school district, or becoming a policy analyst.

The earning potential for someone with a Master of Education is generally higher than for someone without one. What’s more, the job security in this field is usually excellent.

What Can I Do with a Teaching Degree if I Don’t Want to Teach?

Suppose you’re not interested in working in a traditional school setting. In that case, many options are still available to you with a teaching degree. You could work as an instructional coordinator developing curricula and materials for teachers to use in their classrooms. Or, you could be a guidance counselor, helping students plan their academic and career paths.

There are also opportunities to work as an education administrator, either at the school or district level. Other options include working as a private tutor or running your own daycare or preschool.

There are plenty of non-teaching jobs for those with an education degree.

How Many Years is a Master of Education?

A Master of Education generally takes between two and four years to complete, depending on the program.

Conclusion

Having a master’s degree in education comes with plenty of benefits and job opportunities. Nevertheless, it’s essential to carefully consider your career goals and what type of position you are seeking before pursuing this degree.

The best jobs for someone with an M.Ed. vary depending on their interests, skills, and experience. However, some of the most popular positions include teaching at the elementary or secondary level, working as a curriculum developer or instructional designer, or becoming a school administrator.

Regardless of which job you pursue after earning your master’s degree in education, make sure you continue learning and expanding your skillset. The field of education is constantly evolving.

This makes it essential to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and research. By doing that, you will provide your students or clients with the best possible education, service, and resources.

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