Teaching is a calling for many people. They love the challenge of shaping young minds and helping their students understand the world. The U.S. has 93,714 public elementary and secondary schools, all needing passionate and dedicated teachers. A secondary education degree gives you the knowledge and credentials to support the next generation. You can choose your strongest subjects and pass on your expertise.
This degree goes beyond teaching. It opens the door to careers in education and beyond, equipping you with various high-value skills. If you’re looking for the right career path and think teaching could be an option, check out these answers to some secondary education degree FAQs.
What Is a Secondary Education Degree?
A secondary education degree prepares you for a primary and secondary education career as a middle or high school teacher. Many aspiring teachers start with an associate degree. These degrees are designed to transfer to a four-year college so you can complete your state-mandated training requirements. Depending on your state, you often need a master’s degree to become a teacher. Once you complete your qualification, you can begin teaching.
Secondary education is a good major for anyone who enjoys working with young people. With the right skills, you can provide them with transformative education experiences. During your secondary education degree, you will learn valuable teaching skills such as lesson planning and classroom management. You can also focus on subjects of your choice, including world languages, English, history, chemistry, biology, physics and art. The skills you will gain throughout your degree will help you understand current social and equality issues. Over time, you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of students from all backgrounds.
What Jobs Can You Get With a Secondary Education Degree?
Secondary education degrees allow you to follow your passions and teach in a specific area. For example, you can specialize in a particular subject, Biology, Chemistry, English, General Science, History, or Mathematics. You can do a great deal with a secondary education degree besides teaching. Although many choose to follow a traditional teaching path, education majors can venture outside the classroom with the following opportunities:
- Academic advisor: An academic advisor has the opportunity to work one-on-one with students, providing mentorship and career planning.
- Education consultant: An education consultant works in various education sectors to advise the administration, teachers and students. They assess curricula and set performance goals, helping education institutions improve the student experience.
- Adult education instructor: An adult education instructor works specifically with adult students, planning lessons and curricula to meet their unique needs.
- Career counselor: Career counselors work in colleges, universities and high schools to help people find the best fit for their future.
- Juvenile correctional officer: A juvenile correctional officer works with minors facing criminal charges or serving sentences at juvenile detention centers. They ensure the safety of these inmates, provide counseling and assist in their rehabilitation.
- Educational technologist: With classrooms nationwide going digital and the trend toward remote learning, educational technology is a rapidly growing industry. Educational technologists integrate new technologies into the school, ensuring they are accessible and practical.
- Guidance counselor: Guidance counselors can work in various educational settings to provide direction and support to students. They help students reach their full potential and provide solutions to behavioral challenges.
- Instructional coordinator: An instructional coordinator designs and implements school curricula, making it ideal for those passionate about education but who prefer working outside the classroom.
- Social worker: A social worker advocates for public assistance resources for individuals or families. They determine the challenges that exist and coordinate the necessary treatment and intervention.
- Postsecondary administrator: Postsecondary administrators work in higher education, managing students or academic programs within a college or university.
The Average Salary With a Secondary Education Degree in Massachusetts
The average pay for secondary education jobs in MA ranges between $35,000 and $80,000 a year. The pay for high school teachers varies considerably. These differences suggest exciting advancement opportunities based on your skill level and years of experience. As secondary education is a versatile degree, your salary also depends on your chosen industry and position.
Is a Secondary Education Degree Worth It?
Teachers are in high demand. An estimated 55,000 vacant positions exist for full-time teachers nationwide. This demand is likely to keep rising until 2032 as current teachers retire or move on to new careers. Secondary education is a good degree to get as it gives you flexible options for advancing your career. You can explore different subjects and leadership roles, setting yourself up for success inside or outside the world of education.
If you love learning, the skills you gain during your degree will make you an asset in many other careers. As an educator, you are always learning and advancing your skills. Whether you spend time in the classroom first or move straight into different fields, a secondary education degree lays the foundation for an exciting, varied and lucrative career.
Many of your career options give you the opportunity to help and guide young people. You make a difference in your students’ lives and society as a whole. In many ways, you’re shaping the leaders of tomorrow. In short, education is an exciting and rewarding career path for people with a secondary education degree.
Start Your Secondary Education Journey At Mount Wachusett Community College Today
If teaching or an associated career is right for you, start your journey at Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC). In MA, you need a master’s degree to become a teacher. We offer several secondary education pathways, allowing you to transfer to Fitchburg State University to complete your qualification. With associate degrees in many teaching subjects, you can set yourself up for success in your chosen career.
Our programs are designed to ignite your passion for teaching. We offer a personalized education path for traditional and non-traditional students so you can ensure you fit your goals into your existing lifestyle. Find out more about MWCC or apply and take the first step to your secondary education degree today!