Ranking the Best Online Education Administration Graduate Degree Programs

When teaching professionals seek entrance and promotion within the school administration career field, they often choose online schools that allow them to continue working as teachers while they earn their graduate degrees. Here is a list of the top graduate level online educational administration programs based upon flexible curriculum format, school and program reputation, and best value for the price.

#1 University of Nebraska at Kearney – Master of Education in Education Administration

Overview: The University of Nebraska at Kearney earned this ranking because it’s Educational Administration master’s program includes a flexible curriculum, an excellent ranking, and a comparatively reasonable price. This school offers a variety of graduate Education Administration degree programs. The four main specialties include School Principals, Supervisor of Special Education, Curriculum Supervisor, and School Superintendent. These programs often require students to participate in 36 credit hours of study, mentored internships, and field studies.

Price Tag: $393 per credit hour

Unique Characteristics: University of Nebraska at Kearney’s graduate online Educational Administration degree program ranked eighth in the nation out of 143 schools meeting the criteria set by U.S. News and World Reports. This school’s online educational administration programs received top ranking for two consecutive years.

#2 University of Texas at Arlington – Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Study

Overview: The University of Texas at Arlington’s education degree program earned this ranking because of its reputation for excellence and its affordable price. For teachers desiring to advance into junior high and middle school administration careers, the University of Texas at Arlington’s Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Study has a stellar reputation for producing quality educational professionals. This program has a 95% pass rate for the state’s principal certification exam, and the school is recognized as a research center of excellence in advance teaching.

Price Tag: $273.33 per credit hour

Unique Characteristics: This program offers some amazing financial aid benefits including an $8,000 grant opportunity as well as loan forgiveness eligibility.

#3 Arizona State University – Master of Education in Educational Leadership

Overview: Arizona State University earned this ranking because of its affordable price and curriculum format that includes internships. Curriculum development and educational leadership skill are the main features of Arizona State University’s Master of Education in Educational Leadership degree program. Students complete 36 credit hours in community relations, education research and evaluation methods, and educational leadership that prepare them for state principal positions or supervision licensure.

Price Tag: $292 per credit hour

Unique Characteristics: Teaching professionals gain a real world experience through education administration internships with the schools for which they are employed.

#4 University of Cincinnati – Master of Education in Educational Leadership

Overview: The University of Cincinnati earned this ranking primarily because of the excellent reputation of its program demonstrated by its state principal licensure pass rate. The University of Cincinnati’s Master of Education in Educational Leadership program is a broad-based, comprehensive educational administration degree that includes coursework in school finance, regulatory issues, and educational innovations that serve as a benchmark for effective change in today’s educational environment.

Price Tag: $467.00 per credit hour

Unique Characteristics: Educators participating in the University of Cincinnati’s Master of Education in Educational Leadership have a 100% pass rate for their state’s principal licensure exam.

#5 American College of Education – Master of Science in Educational Leadership

Overview: American College of Education earned this ranking because it has the lowest price of all schools ranked and a dual degree opportunity. This school’s Master of Science in Educational Leadership degree program teaches the principles of leadership at the administrative, instructional, and community levels. The program prepares educators for promotion within schools and districts.

Price Tag: $215 per credit hour

Unique Characteristics: American College of Education offers a dual degree program in Curriculum and Instruction for those pursuing a Master of Science in Educational Leadership.

#6 Concordia University Portland – Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership

Overview: Concordia University Portland earned this ranking due to its flexible curriculum format. This program’s course format allows students to participate when they have time. Courses reflect issues such as education reform, human resources, financial management, and the latest techniques for educational research.

Price Tag: $620 per credit hour

Unique Characteristics: Courses in Concordia University Portland’s Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership last for only five weeks instead of the customary ten weeks. This abbreviated format allows students to finish the degree program in a year instead of two years. Additionally, students turn in class work assignments when they want without the constraints of deadlines as they pursue their degrees while maintaining their full-time teaching positions.

#7 Liberty University – Masters in Education Administration

Overview: Liberty University earned this ranking because of its comprehensive course materials and internship opportunities. While Liberty University has a variety of graduate level degree programs in teaching, the one that most appropriately prepares teaching professionals for a school administrative role is the Master of Education specializing in Administration and Supervision. This comprehensive, 36 credit hour program prepares educators for careers as principals or assistant principals by training them on topics like school financial management, leadership and community public relations, and legal issues facing schools today. While the program is mainly taught online, students must appear on campus three times for additional in person interaction with professors and classmates.

Price Tag: $535 per credit hour, $25 intensive fee

Unique Characteristics: Liberty’s M.Ed. In Administration and Education features an internship program with an approved educational institution that helps students reinforce in a live setting what they have learned in the theoretical classroom environment.

#8 Keiser University – Master of Science in Educational Administration

Overview: Keiser University earned its ranking because of its affordable price and opportunity to pursue higher education administration through specialization. Keiser’s Master of Science in Educational Administration prepares educators to use the latest technology tools and techniques to design curricula and conduct educational research. Its 36 credit hour course culminates in either an internship or a directed research project as chosen by the student. Online Education Database ranked Keiser University’s E-Campus 11th out of 44 evaluated online universities.

Price Tag: $391 per credit hour

Unique Characteristics: The private, non-profit university offers intimate class sizes ensuring adequate attention from professors. Additionally, students choose from three specializations including Teaching and Learning, Leadership, and College Administration for those with aspirations of higher education administration.

#9 Capella University – Master of Science in Leadership in Education Administration

Overview: Capella University earned this ranking because of its program’s excellent reputation. The Educational Leadership Constituent Council recognized Capella University’s Master of Science in Leadership in Education Administration degree program as one that meets its nationally recognized standards. Realizing that even talented administrators do not become successful on their own, the Capella program focuses on training leadership skills needed to draw all educators into the mutual pursuit of organizational success. The program features 46 credit hours of educational management and leadership training designed to help educators cultivate motivating visions for their organizations that are shared and cultivated by all stakeholders.

Price Tag: $420 per credit hour

Unique Characteristics: The Master of Science in Leadership in Education Administration at Capella prepares educators for careers in higher education administration in addition to primary and secondary school careers as principals and superintendents.

#10 Kaplan University – Masters in Education

Overview: Kaplan University earned this ranking because of its relatively low price. Kaplan University strives to cultivate educators interested in customizing the educational experience for their students and the teachers who will support them. The Masters in Education specializing in Educational Leadership program reflects this objective and includes courses like curriculum development, aspects of diversity, student performance assessments, and resource management.

Price Tag: $385.00 per credit hour

Unique Characteristics: Students attending today’s schools have different learning styles; some are in need of special education services and others are exceptionally gifted. This program teaches educators how to recognize and embrace those differences within their organization’s student body.

In the past few decades, teaching English as a second language abroad has become a great option for many Americans. This is because it offers them the opportunity to earn money, see the world and explore different customs and cultures. Typically, ESL teachers must have at least a bachelor’s degree. However, they may also be allowed to teach even without one in some places as long as they are able to obtain an accredited TEFL or TESOL certifications.

The following are countries that Americans often go to teach English along with their pros and cons.

South Korea

South Korea has one of the largest English teaching markets in the world. This is mainly because of the South Korean government’s effort to improve English skills in children and adults. About 2,000 to 3,000 jobs open almost every month for ESL teachers. Today, big companies in the country prefer applicants who have good written and verbal English skills.

What is great about working as an ESL teacher in South Korea is that jobs are available the whole year round. Salaries are generous at around $1,800 to $2,200 every month depending on the exchange rate. Tax is only 5 percent. Applicants in the United States may be offered free airfare if they qualify for the chance to live a comfortable lifestyle in South Korea. ESL teachers may have to work from 25 to 30 hours a week. They receive paid vacations and holiday benefits.

When it comes to salary and work environment, nothing beats South Korea. Most companies in the country will pay for the teacher’s accommodation, airfare and other benefits. This is why many American instructors prefer to work in South Korea. South Koreans are prompt with payments, and instructors can stretch their income a lot compared to other countries.

Japan

Japan has one of the longest traditions when it comes to hiring English teachers. This is because the government demands that English is taught in public schools from age five until high school. ESL teaching jobs are also available in Japan the whole year round. English teachers receive an average monthly pay of $2,500 to $2,800.

Depending on the school or program, housing benefits and accommodation may be paid or subsidized. ESL teachers in Japan may teach in private language schools, public schools and even large companies.

China

China’s English teaching market is also flourishing. It has become one of the most preferred destinations for native English speakers who wish to work as ESL instructors. The biggest advantage of working in China is that the pay is relatively high while the cost of living is low. With this, ESL teachers are able to enjoy a comfortable life.

English instructors who wish to work in major cities like Shanghai and Beijing should definitely have a bachelor’s degree and TEFL certification. In smaller towns and cities, even those who have not completed a degree may be qualified as long as they have a TEFL certification.

ESL teachers earn an average salary of $950 to $1,900 with a potential savings of $250 to $450 every month. Chinese English schools sometimes offer a one month bonus for teachers who completed their 12-month contract. The typical hiring process includes a phone or in-person interview.

The only problem that many ESL teachers face while working in China is that the majority of Chinese people can’t speak English. With this, it can be difficult for foreigners to communicate with people outside of school.

Thailand

Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Pattaya are just some of the major cities in Thailand that demand a large number of English instructors. ESL teachers should have TEFL certification to work in Thailand. They can also find jobs all year. Unfortunately, Thailand offers less pay than the other Asian countries. American teachers only earn an average of $750 to $1000 monthly. Additionally, there is a high cost of living in areas like Phuket.

ESL teachers from the U.S. come to Thailand primarily to experience the culture and explore the country’s wonders. They usually teach English to extend their holiday in the country. One problem that ESL instructors are concerned about is the 90-day report. Immigration demands all foreigners to report to them every 90 days. Many teachers find this tedious and annoying.

Nevertheless, many ESL instructors find Thailand to be an interesting place to teach. Aside from the fact that Thailand is home to many famous beaches, Thais are also very friendly. Many Thais in tourist areas speak English, and this makes staying in the country a lot easier for foreign teachers.

Czech Republic

Recently, the demands for English teachers in Czech Republic has significantly increased. This is especially true in Prague during the months of September and January. ESL instructors may teach in private schools, foreign language schools and summer camps.

Czech Republic is an interesting country to teach English in. This is because of the many jobs available along with the flexible contracts offered. Among the drawbacks of working in Czech are the pay and the visas. ESL teachers who opt to work there have to go through a tedious process before they can work in the country. They have to present documents like bank statements to prove that they have money to support themselves.

Additionally, the pay is not enough for a comfortable lifestyle. Typically, teachers earn about $1,000 to $1,300. This is why many foreigners go to the country with exploring as their primary goal. Nevertheless, the Czech Republic is easy to acclimatize to for many American teachers.

Saudi Arabia

Qualified English teachers in Saudi Arabia can earn as much as $1,500 to $3,000 or more tax free every month. In addition, they get free health insurance, airfare and accommodation. However, expectations and qualifications for ESL instructors are relatively high. A lot of young Americans have been attracted to these offerings. Unfortunately, the country’s culture is particularly difficult to get accustomed to. There are stringent laws that prohibit people of opposite genders from talking and meeting both in public and private. In addition, alcohol is illegal in Saudi Arabia, and foreigners must live on compounds where they will have very little interaction with the local population outside of work.

Saudi culture is very conservative, and foreigners are not excused. Nevertheless, pay and compensation is better than in other countries. ESL teachers in Saudi Arabia have to go through a lengthy application and visa process that may take one to three months. English teaching jobs are available in large cities like Jeddah, Riyadh, Mecca, Dammam and Medina.

Mexico

Mexico also has high demand for ESL instructors. Many Americans come to Mexico to experience teaching English and the local culture. This is because Mexico is very close to the United States, and it is relatively easy to get there. There are a lot of teaching jobs available in the country. Unfortunately, they are often not attractive for American ESL instructors because of the very low pay. Nevertheless, it is very easy to get accustomed to the country.

Americans who want to go and teach English in Mexico often choose to work in local and international schools. This is because they usually provide better pay and benefits than working in language institutes and teaching private classes.

1. What’s We’re Learning From Online Education – Daphne Koller

Koller touches on the promise that online education can bring. Koller praises how accessible the online format makes education, as well as the cost-effectiveness. Koller suggests that universities use free online classes as a way to research the effectiveness of the classes. Koller points out that online learning allows short module units of eight to twelve minutes that each present specific concepts. Online learning also allows differentiated learning because students that require more background knowledge can watch or complete assignments that students with a base knowledge do not need.

2. The Child-Driven Education – Sugata Mitra

Mitra discusses how the best teaches and schools don’t exist in the places where they are most needed. He discusses an experiments that have been done across the world in places like New Delhi, South African and Italy where he has given kids self-supervised internet access. He talks about how the findings from these experiments can dramatically change the way we think about teaching. He argues the case the children are curious, and even in the absence of supervision can teach themselves and teach peers. He emphasizes curiosity as a motivation for learning.

3. Let’s Use This Video to Reinvent Education – Salman Khan

Khan talks about his creation of Khan Academy, a curriculum made up of videos. Khan originally created a series of videos teaching math but has since expanded to other subjects. Khan describes how “flipping” the classroom to reverse the order of homework and teaching, giving homework first then instruction can be a powerful learning tool. Students can watch lectures at home, and then do homework at school where there is help available from teachers.

4. Changing Education Paradigms – Ken Robinson

Robinson addresses the three problem causing trends of rising drop-out rates, the dwindling presence of the arts in schools, and ADHD. Robinson challenges the current systems and ways we are educating children, advocating an overhaul that acknowledges multiple intelligences and fosters creativity.

5. Teaching One Child at a Time – Shukla Bose

Bose argues that educating the poor isn’t just about mass statistics but each child should be viewed as an individual. She uses stories of her foundation, Parikrma Humanity Foundation, and how it has brought hope to children in India’s slums. Bose discusses the impact of looking past daunting statistics to help individual children.

6. Teaching With the World Peace Game – John Hunter

Hunter talks about his World Peace Game. The game involves laying the problems of the world out on a piece of plywood and letting fourth grade students attempt to solve them. In his talk he describes how the game engages kids and teaches complex lessons. It is a means of going further than classroom discussion, he argues. Hunter talks about how the game is always spontaneous and surprising when he plays it with groups of students.

7. Math Class Needs a Makeover – Dan Meyer

Meyer discusses how today’s math curriculum focuses heavily on classwork that shortchanges children on experiencing the problem solving and forming process. Meyer proposes various math exercises that he has tested in classrooms that promote learning that is heavy on student thinking instead of rote learning.

8. The 100,000 Student Classroom – Peter Norvig

Norvig, an American computer scientist, talks about what he has learned teaching a global classroom. He once taught 100,000 students over a webcast, while giving a lecture to 175 students who were physically present at Stanford. Norvig raises good points about teaching to a large, global audience.

9. Hands-on Science with Squishy Circuits – AnnMarie Thomas

Thomas gives a demo of how homemade play dough can be used to show electrical properties. Her talk is a fast-paced engaging demonstration of using the material and hands-on work to make kids circuit creators. Thomas shows that engineering can have a playful side and creativity with a hands-on approach can be a valuable tool.

10. How Games Make Kids Smarter – Gabe Zichermann

Zichermann shows the positive effects that games can have on kids. These effects include making kids better problem-solves and multi-taskers. He argues against the idea that kids have short attention spans, instead proposing that the pace of the world just moves too slowly for kids to stay engaged. Zicherman suggests that we should embrace and use video games, because they actually have the potential to make kids smarter.

Bachelor’s in Education professionals are not only provided with rewarding job opportunities in the teaching field (expected to grow up to 17 percent in coming years), they are also gifted with satisfying salaries that range from $25,000 per year for entry-level professionals to $70,000 or more per year for experienced professionals. Fortunately, there are many education schools that offer qualified individuals Bachelor’s in Education Degree programs, and some of the best of those education degree programs are provided through online institutions of higher learning. Not only do these online institutions offer individuals the flexibility and convenience of web-based Bachelor’s in Education Degree programs, they also offer those individuals the satisfaction of acquiring an advanced education from accredited, comprehensive, and often affordable colleges and universities.

Provided below is a descriptive overview of the top 10 online schools that offer Bachelor’s in Education Degrees, and each school is ranked according to the attributes that are mentioned above.

#1 Western Governor’s University
#2 UMass Online
#3 Kaplan University
#4 Drexel University
#5 Walden University
#6 Ashford University
#7 University of Phoenix
#8 Grand Canyon University
#9 Brandman University
#10 Bellevue University

Ranking The Top 10 Online Education Degree Programs

10. Bellevue University

Overview: Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and it is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. This university offers an online Bachelor of Science in Adult Education Degree program, and it consists of about 120 credit hours of study.

Tuition Cost: The tuition cost for the online Bachelor of Science in Adult Education Degree program is $370 per credit hour.

Unique Features: Bellevue University’s online bachelor’s degree programs are ranked as the best in the country by U.S. News and World Reports. For this university’s online Bachelor of Science in Adult Education Degree, an accelerated program is available to qualified applicants.

9. Brandman University Online

Overview: Brandman University Online is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. This university offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education Degree program, and it consists of 120 credit hours of study.

Tuition Cost: The tuition cost for the online Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education Degree program is $500 per credit hour.

Unique Features: Brandman University’s online Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education Degree program is accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. In addition, this university offers its military students a reduced tuition rate of $250 per credit hour.

8. Grand Canyon University

Overview: Grand Canyon University is accredited by both the Higher Learning Commission and the Arizona Department of Education. This university offers an online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education Degree program, an online Bachelor of Science in Elementary Degree program, and an online Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education Degree program.

Tuition Cost: The tuition cost for each online degree program is $435 per credit hour.

Unique Features: Grand Canyon University offers many specializations for its online Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education Degree program, and they include: English, Math, Science, and Special Education. In addition, this school’s online Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education Degree program entails the following specializations: Business Education, English, Math, and Social Studies.

>>>>Click HERE for more info on Grand Canyon University’s Online Education Programs<<<<

7. University of Phoenix

Overview: The University of Phoenix is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and it is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. This university offers an online Bachelor of Science in Education-Elementary Teacher Education Degree program, and it consists of approximately 120 credit hours of study.

Tuition Cost: The tuition cost for the online Bachelor of Science in Education-Elementary Teacher Education Degree program is $420 per credit hour.

Unique Features: The University of Phoenix is ranked as one of the best online colleges by U.S. News and World Reports. In addition, this university’s faculty consists of over 1,800 professionals of teaching.

6. Ashford University

Overview: Ashford University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. This university offers online Bachelor of Science in Education Degree programs that entail 120 credit hours of study.

Tuition Cost: The tuition cost for each online Bachelor of Science in Education program is $402 per credit hour.

Unique Features: Ashford University offers its students 9 specializations for its online Bachelor of Science in Education Degree programs. Those specializations include: Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Cognitive Studies, Early Childhood Education Administration, Education and Public Policy, Education Studies, English Language Learner Studies, Instructional Design, and Library Science and Media.

>>>>Click HERE for more info on Ashford University’s Online Education Programs<<<<

5. Walden University

Overview: Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and it is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. This university offers an online Bachelor of Science in Education Studies Degree program that consists of 181 credit hours of study.

Tuition Cost: The tuition cost for the online Bachelor of Science in Education Studies Degree program is $52,200.

Unique Features: Walden University is ranked as one of the best schools in the country by U.S. News and World Reports. In addition, this university’s online Bachelor of Science in Education Studies Degree program is taught by expert faculty members, and it is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

>>>>Click HERE for more info on Walden University’s Online Education Programs<<<<

4. Drexel University

Overview: Drexel University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and the Department of Education. This university offers an online Bachelor of Science in Education Degree program that consists of 10 terms of study.

Tuition Cost: The tuition cost for the online Bachelor of Science in Education Degree program is $680 per credit hour.

Unique Features: Drexel University possesses the 2010 Sloan Consortium Award for Excellence in Institution-Wide Online Education. In addition, this university acquires the 21st Century Best Practice Award for Distance Learning.

3. Kaplan University

Overview: Kaplan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and it is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. This university offers an online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Development Degree program, and it consists of 180 credit hours of study.

Tuition Cost: The tuition cost for the online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Development Degree program is $371 per credit hour.

Unique Features: Kaplan University is ranked as one of the top schools in America by both U.S. News and World Reports and The Best Colleges. In addition, this university offers associate’s and bachelor’s degree holders an advance start program, which provides those individuals with the opportunity to complete their online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Development Degree program in as little as 2 years.

>>>>Click HERE for more info on Kaplan University’s Online Education Programs<<<<

2. UMass Online

Overview: UMass Online is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, and it is ranked as one of the top public colleges by U.S. News and World Reports. This school offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Early Care and Education Degree program that consists of 120 credit hours of study.

Tuition Cost: The tuition cost for the online Bachelor of Arts in Early Care and Education Degree program is $385 per credit hour.

Unique Features: UMass Online provides its online students with the same expert instruction that its campus-based students receive. In addition, up to 30 credit hours of study from the online Bachelor of Arts in Early Care and Education Degree program can be substituted for military and/or work experience.

1. Western Governors University

Overview: Western Governors University is accredited by both the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. Online Bachelor of Arts in Education Degree programs are offered in the following specializations: Interdisciplinary Studies, Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Mathematics, Science, Chemistry, Physics, Biological Sciences, and Geosciences. This university is ranked as the best online school for its Bachelor of Arts in Education Degree programs as a result of the following attributes: regional and national accreditation, affordability, degree program comprehensiveness, and variety of degree program offerings.

Tuition Cost: The tuition cost for each online Bachelor of Arts in Education Degree program is $2,890 per six-month term.

Unique Features: Western Governors University is ranked as one of the best schools in the country by U.S. News and World Reports. In addition, this school is a nonprofit institution, which means that the tuition costs for its degree programs are approximately 50 percent less than average.

>>>>Click HERE for more info on Western Governor’s University’s Online Education Programs<<<<

Recommended Online Education Degree Programs

1. Grand Canyon University B.S. in Secondary Education
2. Western Governors University B.A. Interdisciplinary Studies
3. Liberty University B.S. in Elementary Education

Ranking The Best iPad and iPhone Apps For Teachers

10. Screen Chomp

Screen Chomp is a great app for teachers who need to take the time to explain things in a different way. This app lets you use it as a whiteboard to give examples of difficult concepts. You can also record audio instructions along with the written communications to create and save tutorials that you can then distribute to the students.

Download Screen Chomp

9. Skitch

Skitch lets teachers add text and highlight important points on photos, webpages and more. If a teacher needs to highlight a specific concept, then can use arrows, free draw circles and add additional text to the media. It works especially well for teachers that use maps as visual aids in class. With Skitch, they can point out important areas and give students more information in visual form.

Download Skitch

8. Science 360

Science teachers will love to use this app in addition to their lesson plans. This app created by the National Science Foundation gathers news, articles and video from around the world that has to do with different aspects of scientific research. It contains information on a wide range of topics and the information can be used for younger or older students to supplement lessons.

Download Science 360

7. Attendance2

Tech savvy teachers no longer have to take attendance with a paper and pen. With this app you can record daily attendance notes for all of your classes, meetings or events. You also have the option to attach a photo to each name, making it easy to learn the names of all your students. Once all of the data is gathered, you can export it as a CSV file.

Download Attendance2

6. TeacherKit

When a teacher needs a full organization app, TeacherKit is an excellent choice. This app allows you to organize classes, students, grades and behaviors. It has an easy to use interface and lets you organize by class and other variables. You can record a lot of information for each student, from their academic performance to the last time you talked to them one on one.

Download TeacherKit

5. SimpleMind+

When you need to teach students the art or brainstorming, there is no better app than SimpleMind+. This app lets you create simple and complex mind mapping graphics. Highlight different concepts by changing colors, lines and borders. You can also copy and paste information form the clipboard to add to the map. If you are working with others who are creating their own mind maps, you can export and exchange your maps with other users.

Download SimpleMind+

4. iStudiez Pro

If you want to use your smartphone or tablet for complete classroom organization, this app will let you plan and keep track of everything. It is an app that can be tailored for either the teacher or the student. You can start with adding your schedule. It keeps track of all types of schedules, including rotating classes and block scheduling. You can add and keep track of lesson plans and student grades as well. Keep track of all your important tasks and get alerts whenever an important deadline is approaching. If you worry about losing your data, the iStudiez Pro app can backup your data to your email address with a single click.

Download iStudiez Pro

3. Star Walk

Astronomy teachers will want to utilize this iPad app. Star Walk allows you to jump into augmented reality to track the stars and constellations you are seeing in the sky. It has precise accuracy and can also track any satellites overhead. Want to track a specific star, moon or planet? Simply search for it and the app will tell you where it is relative to your location. It also has a reference section so you can find out about upcoming celestial events. The app has won many awards, including the Apple Design Award and Parents’ Choice Gold Award Winner.

Download Star Walk

2. Alpha Writer

Kindergarten teachers who want to take the daily spelling lesson to the next level will like the interaction kids with this app. Alpha Writer uses Montessori-style lessons to help teach letter sounds and combinations. Kids can physically manipulate the letters on screen spell the word. Kids also have the ability to use a combination of pictures and letters to write their own stories that can be saved as a photo file.

Download Alpha Writer

1. The Electric Company Wordball

For students who are beginning to read, this app helps to teach phonics lessons to students. Video clips from the television show are integrated into the games to reinforce the lessons. Once the student has watched the video, they will collect different wordballs to complete words. The app is recommended for K-4.

Download The Electric Company Wordball

View a poster version of the Top 50 Books For Teachers

There are few jobs more courageous than becoming a teacher. Not only are the hours long and the pay not that great, but teachers also have to come up with their own inspiring lesson plans, schedules, and homework. This is all before even entering the classroom, and as any veteran teacher will tell you, it’s best to expect the unexpected in that area. Teachers will encounter bullying, disrespect, frustration, joy, love, and triumph during their career. It’s a job for which no college class can fully prepare anyone. Fortunately, there are hundreds of books written by real teachers that share real stories, tips, tricks, and motivation that will make the transition from college campus to primary or secondary school teacher that much easier. The following 50 books about teaching cover everything from lessen plans to teacher appreciation, and while certain books may be better suited for different grade levels, all are considered some of the finest in their particular area.

50. How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish

Communicating with children may seem easy enough, but when a teacher has 30 new faces looking back at them, they’ll be glad they read this book. While the book was originally designed for parents, it’s become a teacher’s guide on how properly to instruct children in the classroom so they’ll listen better and pay attention.

49. 99 Ways to Get Kids to Love Writing: And 10 Easy Tips for Teaching Them Grammar by Mary Leonhardt

Writing is an important skill, but few teachers teach it well enough so the child will actually want to continue doing it on their own. In this book, Mary Leonhardt explains how teachers can start encouraging writing for children as young as preschool age. For higher up grade levels, the book also explains easy ways to make grammar fun rather than frustrating.

48. How to Teach a Love of Reading Without Getting Fired by Mary Leonhardt

Those who teach teenagers will quickly learn that you can’t make them do anything they don’t want to… or can you? This book provides teachers with dozens of suggestions to help increase reading and promote classroom discussion among older students. Best of all, it can all be done through fun classroom lessens rather than punishments or extra homework.

47. The Cooperative Classroom: Empowering Learning by Lynda A. Baloche

Cooperation is key in any job, but even more so when teaching a large group of students. While this book was originally designed for those teaching teenagers, it can easily be applied to all grade levels. The book explains in detail why, how, and when cooperation should be used to improve the classroom experience.

46. Why Johnny Still Can’t Read by Rudolf Franz Flesch

While this book wasn’t specifically designed for teachers, it includes detailed exercises on phonics, reading, and sight words that has been helpful in many classrooms. Since this book helps teachers help those who are having trouble reading, it’s recommended for those teaching younger grades.

45. Parents Who Love Reading, Kids Who Don’t: How It Happens and What You Can Do About It by Mary Leonhardt

This is another book that was designed more for parents but provides teachers with valuable insight into the mind of a child. The book explains that the reason most children don’t like reading is because teachers put too much emphasis on it. By stepping back and taking a much more relaxed approach to reading, teachers are able to get their entire classroom enjoying more books.

44. Managing the Adolescent Classroom: Lessons From Outstanding Teachers by Glenda Beamon Crawford

Teaching adolescents requires a completely different method than teaching younger children. These students now have a mind of their own which can sometimes lead to trouble in the classroom. Fortunately, this book provides teachers with 14 different studies, examples, and behavioral techniques that will improve the classroom environment dramatically.

43. Why Are All the Good Teachers Crazy? by Frank Stepnowski

For those looking for an honest idea of what the teaching profession is like, this book is a must read. Not only are the blunt observations refreshing, but the book is also considered to be one of the funniest reads about the teaching career path. The book shares several true stories about classroom antics, all while reminding the reader that despite it all, teachers can still have fun at their job.

42. A Handbook for Beginning Teachers by Robert E. MacDonald

For those who are looking for a single book that covers just about everything imaginable, this manual is perfect. The handbook includes everything from popular teaching methods to what rookies can expect during their first few months on the job. It also covers more recent topics, such as the use of technology in the classroom.

41. 99 Ways to Get Your Kids To Do Their Homework (And Not Hate It) by Mary Leonhardt

Wouldn’t it be great if students always did their homework? That’s the exact idea behind Mary Leonhardt’s book for teachers and parents. While students will certainly never love doing homework, the book does provide many methods on how to make the process as painless as possible. It also helps teach children, parents, and even teachers how to develop a healthy attitude in regards to all schoolwork.

40. The Art of Classroom Inquiry: A Handbook for Teacher-Researchers by Ruth Shagoury Hubbard and Brenda Miller Power

This book was considered groundbreaking when it was first published because it was one of the first books that gave readers a glimpse into the life of both teacher and student. Chapters cover everything from a teachers first day on the job to veteran educators who are considering retirement.

39. Conflict Resolution in the High School: 36 Lessons by Linda Lantieri

While high school can be a wonderful experience to some, the average teenager will experience bullying, taunting, and tormenting on a daily basis. Not only do these actions disrupt the classroom, but they can also cause grades to drop and further problems to develop. Fortunately, this book covers not only how to stop bullying, but also how to address the problems before they turn into negative classroom behavior.

38. The Power of Questions: A Guide to Teacher and Student Research by Beverly Falk and Megan Blumenreich

Many teachers teach their students why things are the way they are, but few dare to teach their pupils to question why that is. While blindly following the facts will certainly result in good grades, teaching children to question everything they learn will help them continue to grow long after graduating. This book explains the importance of asking questions both for educational purposes and for personal growth.

37. 99 Ways to Get Kids to Love Reading: And 100 Books They’ll Love by Mary Leonhardt

After teaching for over 30 years, author Mary Leonhardt has learned a thing or two about reading. Regardless of whether teachers are just beginning or have been at their job for decades, this book provides dozens of tips that will turn the entire classroom into avid readers before the end of the year. Even better, the book also includes a list of the top 100 stories that children are guaranteed to enjoy. This makes it a must for any teacher planning to have their own classroom library.

36. Teaching Stories by Judy Logan

It can be challenging for a beginning teacher to imagine how their life will be 30 years from now, but they can get an idea thanks to Teaching Stories by Judy Logan. The book is written in a series of short essays that are designed to inspire and motivate teachers to do their best and have fun while doing so. The book describes the daily challenges, choices, joys, frustrations, and conflicts that teachers will face throughout their lives. It also discusses the students that went on to graduate, win awards, and believe in themselves thanks to the dedication of their teachers.

35. Inside Mrs. B.’s Classroom : Courage, Hope, and Learning on Chicago’s South Side by Leslie Baldacci

When teachers start out, they believe they have a general idea of what to expect. Then, after teaching for a few years, they look back and realize they didn’t have a clue what they were getting into. That’s exactly what happened to Mrs. B when she decided to quit her job and take up teaching in one of the roughest schools in Chicago. This book tells the inspiring story of how one teacher can set out to make a difference, and against all odds, succeed.

34. Among Schoolchildren by Tracy Kidder

Imagine spending an entire school year watching and observing what goes on in your typical 5th grade class. That’s exactly what Tracy Kidder did, and this book includes a detailed account of what he experienced. From joys to disappointment, everything is captured in this revealing book. While much has changed in the educational system since it was published, it still offers soon-to-be teachers a glimpse of what their life will soon be like.

33. What Makes a Good Teacher? Here`s What the Kids Say! by Donna Whyte

While most of the books on this list are serious, this one is a lighthearted read that makes a great addition to any classroom. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how well teachers taught, it’s the little things that children will remember. Those real life details are shared in this 32-page book, making it a perfect read for story time.

32. The New Yorker Book of Teacher Cartoons by Robert Mankoff

Teachers work late hours grading paper and preparing future lesson plans. This can make reading books challenging, but that’s not a problem with “The New Yorker Book of Teacher Cartoons.” The book contains 118 comic cartoons all relating to teaching. Not only is it lighthearted and easy to read, but it also makes a great addition to any teacher break room.

31. The Art of Teaching by Gilbert Highet

Gilbert Highet began teaching students in the early 1930s and retired in the late 1970s. While teaching has certainly changed since then, this book gives all teachers, new and old, a glimpse of how some things really are timeless. The book operates on the basis that teaching is a fine art that must be perfected over the years. Each teacher has their own unique style, but once that style has been found, it can be sculpted into something that has the power to change the world.

30. Teachers Jokes Quotes And Anecdotes by Stark Books

Just because teachers are educating the young minds of tomorrow doesn’t mean they can’t have some fun while doing so. This book reminds teachers that, while their jobs are important, it’s also important to take the time to laugh at yourself. The book includes several jokes, quotes, and other funny reading material that is sure to help lighten the mood of the reader.

29. Teaching Outside the Box: How to Grab Your Students By Their Brains by LouAnne Johnson

The best teachers are the ones that make learning fun. This may seem like a simple enough concept, but when educators are attempting to teach their fourth grade class their multiplication tables, it can seem impossible. That’s where this book comes in handy. Regardless of the lesson plan, it includes many unique methods to engage the classroom in fun learning.

28. Positive Discipline in the Classroom: Developing Mutual Respect, Cooperation, and Responsibility in Your Classroom by Jane Nelsen

While most teachers do a great job of educating their students, there will always be a few that are known as “the mean one” to students everywhere. This decision may be based on homework load, attitude, or for simply no real reason at all. Whatever the reason, this book helps teachers develop mutual respect with their students. Children will no longer be viewing their educator as “the mean one” but as “the reasonable one,” and really, that’s what every teacher wants.

27. Teach Like a Champion: 49 Techniques that Put Students on the Path to College by Doug Lemov

The ultimate goal of a teacher is to see their students succeed in life. It can be a challenge to spend so much time with a classroom, only to send them on their way at the end of the year never knowing what their future may hold. While this book doesn’t guarantee that every student that’s taught will go on to complete college and live a successful life, it does include simple, yet effective, teaching techniques that will help increase the likelihood dramatically.

26. Tested: One American School Struggles to Make the Grade by Linda Perlstein

The No Child Left Behind bill remains controversial to this day, but regardless of political views, the act remains a part of educational history. The story this book tells takes place shortly after the bill was passed in an attempt to find out if the school systems work better or worse under the new rules. The book includes first-hand details of a once failing school in an attempt to deliver an unbiased and thought-provoking view of the new policies.

25. 101 Great Classroom Games: Easy Ways to Get Your Students Playing, Laughing, and Learning by Alexis Ludewig and Dr. Amy Swan

Wouldn’t it be great if students looked forward to coming to school each morning? While that probably won’t ever happen, this book does a great job of providing fun activities that children will actually look forward to. With games such as Geography Baseball and Bull’s-Eye Feather Math, students will learn important skills while having a blast doing it. Even better, the games are scored based on noise level. This means that teachers will be able to have an educational, fun, and quiet day. Even first-time teachers can surely appreciate the benefits of including this book in their lesson plan.

24. What If There Were No Teachers? by Caron Chandler Loveless

Teachers are expected to work long hours with little pay all so they can help the students they teach. More often than not, however, the students are too younger to understand all the work that goes into this career choice. When things start to get frustrating, teachers can pull out this 48-page book to read to their classroom. The story describes another world where teachers don’t exist. The world is sad at first, but as the story goes on, it becomes much more uplifting thanks to the kind hearts of teachers.

23. The Animal School by George Reavis

There will come a time when teachers feel like they’re managing a zoo, but what if they actually were? That’s exactly what happens in this children’s book. Not only is the book a cute story for younger children, but it also gives teachers a chance to explain to their class that just because you’re not the best at one thing doesn’t mean you won’t excel in another.

22. Stories from a Teacher by J. Flores

Jonathan Flores became one of the youngest and most favored teachers at his school. He taught with a high level of enthusiasm and dedication that all his students fell in love with. Then, after only four years of teaching, he quit suddenly. In this book, he shares his stories, some hilarious and some heartbreaking, about exactly what it’s like to be a teacher in today’s world.

21. See Me After Class: Advice for Teachers by Teachers by Roxanna Elden

There will come a point in ever teacher’s career where they think if they teach another day, they’ll surely go crazy. This book recognizes that, yes, that will happen, but it’s not always a bad thing. Teachers will get a wide range of advice mixed with humor, sarcasm, and reality when reading this book.

20. Reluctant Disciplinarian: Advice on Classroom Management from a Softy Who Became (Eventually) a Successful Teacher by Gary Rubinstein

Nearly all educators become teachers because they want to help others. This is a great reason, but unfortunately, it’s not enough. As teachers help their students learn, they must also have firm rules and discipline in place should things get out of control. This was a challenge for one teacher. After a horrendous first year, he set off to write a book so no future educator would ever make his same mistakes.

19. Science Workshop: Reading, Writing, and Thinking Like a Scientist by Wendy Saul

We live in an age where math, technology, and English trumps over nearly every other school subject. Only at the very bottom of the pile, buried someone between Sex ED and foreign language, is science. This is especially true for younger children who enter middle school without the basic knowledge of how the universe works. What is even worse about this is that science is arguably one of the coolest subjects there is. Every child loves learning about the planets or how an egg transforms into a chicken, yet most teachers skip right over this to focus on other subjects. For those who are looking to embrace science, this book does a fantastic job of inspiring dozens of fun lessen plans that can be tied in with other subjects.

18. Teach Like Your Hair’s on Fire: The Methods and Madness Inside Room 56 by Rafe Esquith

For teachers who have ever wondered if they can make a difference, this book is a must read. The story takes place in California, in a neighborhood where guns, gangs, drugs, and violence are a regular occurrence both on the street and in the hallways. One teacher, Rafe Esquith, is given the task of teaching a class of fifth grade immigrants who only have a basic understanding of English. Despite this, these students achieve some of the highest standardized test scores in the country. Based on a true story, this book is sure to inspire anyone.

17. Why Didn’t I Learn This in College? by Paula Rutherford

Attending college will give future teachers a lot of the skills they need to succeed, but there’s much more to learn than just that. This book was written based on the Teacher Alternative Preparation Program that is used in Georgia. In the program, experienced teacher mentor the new comers in an attempt to teach them everything that wasn’t covered in college. The book includes dozens of tips ranging from what to expect at a teacher conference to how to best interact with student’s parents.

16. If You Don’t Feed the Teachers They Eat the Students: Guide to Success for Administrators and Teachers by Neila A. Connors

This book is one of the many others that is filled to the brim with inspiration, wisdom, tips, techniques, and more. What sets it apart from other books is that it gives readers a dose of humor that is much needed when facing each problem.

15. Social Studies in Elementary Education by Walter C. Parker

In the past, many elementary school teachers didn’t teach their students social studies or history. The basics were cover, but the bulk of these subject were reserved for high school or middle school students. For those who are looking to give their class a head start on the subject, this book is the ideal match. It includes dozens of age appropriate teaching material that covers government, geography, pedagogy, and more.

14. Growing Mathematical Ideas in Kindergarten by Linda Schulman Dacey

If you ask a person what school subject they struggled with the most, the majority will say math. While teaching math in kindergarten may not seem hard, it’s still extremely challenging for the students who are just now learning how to count and write. This book recognizes these challenges and helps to educate teachers on the best way to nurture and improve those skills.

13. You Know You’re a Teacher if… by Char Forsten

While this isn’t the typical ‘teaching book,’ it does give both rookie and veteran teachers a quick reminder of why they decided to become educators. The book, which is only 38 pages, gives several quirky examples of the unique mindset that only teachers posses. It’s also a simple enough read that younger children can follow along, making it the perfect story time book.

12. Chicken Soup for the Soul: Teacher Tales: 101 Inspirational Stories from Great Teachers and Appreciative Students by Jack Canfield, Mark Victorhansen, and Amy Newmark

As children grow and learn, there will always be that one special teacher that touches their life more than anyone else. Often times teachers don’t realize that they’ve made such a big impact, but it is something that the student is unable to forget. These are the stories that are told in this book. Whether teachers think they’ve made a difference or not, this book is a great reminder that there are students out there who appreciate everything their teacher does.

11. Little Critter: The Best Teacher Ever by Mercer Mayer

Imagine having the best teacher in the whole world. A teacher that is so good that they even make math class fun! That’s exactly what happens in this book, the only problem is now Little Critter has to find his teacher the perfect gift to show his appreciation. This book is only 24-pages, making it perfect for teachers to read to their preschoolers or kindergarten classes. Best of all, the moral is to appreciate others for all that they do.

10. The Substitute Teacher’s Organizer: A Comprehensive Resource to Make Every Teaching Assignment a Success; Grades K-6 by Jane Herbst

Even if teachers never intend to substitute, it’s always a good idea to have a plan just in case. Not only does this book provide dozens of tips, but also lessen plans that are designed to be photocopied on the go. For those who plan to sub often, it also includes tips on how to keep multiple lesson plans organized while also recording the daily classroom activities. Even for teachers who don’t sub, this book is perfect to pass along should they find themselves sick and unable to teach the class themselves.

9. School: The Story of American Public Education by Sarah Mondale

While not a book you’ll see in most school libraries, this gives readers a look back on the educational system and how the whole thing started. The book includes information on the founding fathers of education, their hopes, dreams, and what has been accomplished since. While this book doesn’t necessarily cover teaching topics directly, it provides readers with an in depth look at just how important and life changing the school system can be.

8. Educating Esme: Diary of a Teacher’s First Year by Esmé Raji Codell

Wouldn’t it be great if teachers knew exactly what they were facing before starting their first year? While that’s not entirely possible, this book shares the journey of a first time teacher and her struggles to be the best for her students. The book reads as a dairy, giving newcomers an honest glance inside the world of a teacher.

7. The Courage to Teach: Exploring the Inner Landscape of a Teacher’s Life by Parker J. Palmer

Nearly everyone who becomes a teacher does so because they want to help children learn. There’s a lot of passion, love, dedication, and courage that goes into the decision to become a teacher, but unfortunately, many people lose sight of this over time. This book helps teachers to take a step back and reconnecting with themselves. It’s easy to get frustrated in the hustle and bustle of teaching, but this book helps remind teachers that, as long as their heart is still in it, their students will shine.

6. Fred Jones Tools for Teaching: Discipline, Instruction, Motivation by Patrick Jones

Any teacher can be good, but this book shares the skills that make teachers exceptional. Whether it’s by motivating the classroom, reducing bullying, increasing grades, holding fun-raisers, or just making learning fun, this book covers all that and more.

5. The Teacher’s Book of Wit: Quips, Quotes & Anecdotes to Make Learning More Fun by Mark Ortman

While teaching is an important job, sometimes it’s important to take a step back and laugh. All teachers will experience their fair share of frustration, anger, confusion, joy, and sorrow before they retire. This book pokes fun at all those experiences by offering hundreds of quotes and observations taken from everyday life. The book categories these laughs into over 60 different sections, including everything from mathematics to sexual education. While you don’t have to be a teacher to enjoy this book, those who are will find it particularly amusing.

4. Growing Minds by Herbert R. Kohl

Herbert Kohl is known as one of the most influential educators in America and for good reason. His philosophy is that, in order to be a good teacher, teachers must become involved in the life of the student rather than just the lesson plans. He goes on to explain exactly how to do this in his 192-page guide. The guide also includes amusing stories, practical tips, and inspirational content that all teachers are sure to love.

3. The First Days Of School: How To Be An Effective Teacher by Harry K. Wong

They say first impressions are important, and for teachers, it can make or break the school year. This book acts as a guide for rookie teachers and covers everything from kindergarten to college. There are hundreds of teaching ideas, tactics, techniques, and projects, but the real reason the book is so popular is because it allows teachers to blossom. Because the book acts as a guide, it allows teachers to form their own teaching style and grow and learn just as their students do.

2. Teaching with Fire: Poetry That Sustains the Courage to Teach by Tom Vander Ark, Parker J. Palmer, and Sam M. Intrator

There’s something extra special about poetry. Whether it’s the way the words rhyme or the beats in each phrase, poetry has long been considered an art that is both healing and inspiring. Teaching isn’t an easy job, but when things get to be frustrating, everyone should have this book on their desk to help remind them why they are there.

1. The First-Year Teacher’s Survival Guide: Ready-To-Use Strategies, Tools & Activities for Meeting the Challenges of Each School Day by Julia G. Thompson

While there are a lot of useful books that beginning teachers will read, “The First-Year Teacher’s Survival Guide” may just be the best. The book includes tested tips, tools, strategies, activities, and more that teacher all across America have been using in their classroom. This include everything from learning how to properly connect with students to how to handle every behavioral problem imaginable. The book has also recently been updated to include more modernized tips, such as how to create a teaching schedule while working in a year-round environment or which educational websites and software are the best to incorporate in the classroom.

The book was originally designed for first-time teachers who are looking for an idea of what to expect and how to cope with their first school year. That being said, even teachers who have been at the job for decades stated that they found the book to be extremely helpful and filled with valuable information.

View a poster version of the Top 50 Books For Teachers

If you are interested in pursuing a career in education, it is important to know what kind of salary you should expect, how much education is required and what types of teaching and other jobs may be available to you in the future. Depending on your particular area of interest there are many different types of careers in different areas of education.

Possible Career Paths In Teaching And Education

Some people enjoy working with young children so they choose to specialize in Early Childhood Education while others prefer to work with older teens and adults so they may choose a career path as a College Professor or Adult Educator. If you want to work in the field of education, but you don’t think you’d enjoy working in a classroom, another potential career path is in an administrative position where you could work as a School Principal, Superintendent, Guidance Counselor or other position within the field of education, without working directly in a classroom.

What education degree do I need to get hired?

A few positions in the field of education only require a high school diploma or GED to get started, but most require a 4 year college degree. Keep in mind that, in order to advance to higher paying positions within the field of teaching and education, it will be important to pursue a Masters of Education or even a Doctor of Philosophy in Education or a related field.

Background Check and State Licensure

It should be noted that almost all positions in the field of education will require a background check and many also require state licensure in addition to the required degree in order to be hired. Each state has its own licensure requirements; these are usually made up of a combination of experience, educational attainment and a test on the subject area to be taught. Some states offer an alternative teacher licensure program for those people without a background in education to be able to earn licensure in a non-traditional manner.

The Highest Paying Teaching And Education Jobs At Each Education Level

ENTRY LEVEL WITH A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA OR GED

Entry level positions in the field of education that only require a high school diploma or GED are: Teacher Assistants (Median salary: $23,220) and Self-enrichment Teachers including Music, Foreign Language and Community Continuing Education Teachers (Median salary: $36,340).

EARLY CAREER WITH A 2-YEAR OR ASSOCIATES DEGREE

Early career positions requiring a 2-year or Associates degree are: Preschool Teachers (Median salary $25,700) and Early Childhood Educator (Median salary $29,000).

ENTRY LEVEL TEACHING WITH A BACHELORS DEGREE

According to the 2010 United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics job report (http://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/home.htm), the starting salary for educators holding a Bachelor’s degree is $23,220. Be aware, pay in the field of education varies greatly depending on what part of the country you live in.
Entry level teaching positions requiring a 4 year college degree are: High School Teachers (Median salary $53,230), Middle School Teachers (Median salary $51,960), Special Education Teachers (Median salary $53,220), Adult Literacy and GED Teachers (Median salary $46,530) Career and Technical Education Teachers (Median salary $53,920) and Academic Advisors (Median salary $38,000).

MID-CAREER WITH A MASTERS DEGREE

Once you earn a Master’s degree, new career opportunities arise with higher salaries. Some education career paths that require a Master’s degree are: Instructional Coordinators (Median salary $58,830), Librarians (Median salary $54,500), Principals (Median salary $88,062) and School Superintendents (Median salary $159,000).

HIGHEST PAYING JOBS IN EDUCATION WITH A EDD OR PHD

If you choose to continue on in your educational journey and earn a Doctor of Education (Ed.D) or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Education or a related field, then higher paying job opportunities will be open to you.

Post-secondary Teachers (e.g. community college, college) earn a median salary of $62,050 while Tenure-Track Assistant College Professors earn a median salary of $76,147 and full College Professors earn a median salary of $108,749.

Cost of Higher Education vs. Teaching Job Opportunities

Keep in mind that earning higher degrees such as a Bachelors, Masters or Doctorate requires many years of effort and you should consider the added cost of the extra schooling when considering the potential additional salary of positions that require the higher degree. If you would need to take out students loans in order to attend school, then a large portion of your future salary in the new position may need to be allocated to paying them back. You should also consider your own personal interest in continuing to attend school for many years, possibly while also working full-time, in order to gain access to the highest paying educational positions.

Earn Teaching and Education Experience While Attending School

Educators in general place a high value on earning higher education degrees, so it may be possible that you can work in the field of education in order to gain experience while still attending school. There are many alternative schedule schools (e.g. summer classes, week-long classes during public school breaks), evening classes and distance learning programs that make this arrangement possible. Teachers will often have raises and bonuses awarded based on their continuing education credits and progress toward additional degrees. In this way, you don’t have to wait to join the education field, even if ultimately you’d like to work your way into one of the higher paying educational positions.

Consider Commitment to Teaching and Education as a Calling

Ultimately, the most important consideration of all when thinking of pursuing a career in the field of education is your personal level of commitment. Unlike many other career paths, education careers require continuous schooling, many years to advance into the higher paying positions and a long-term commitment to the career path. Teachers in the United States are notoriously underpaid. Many educators work far more than 40 hours a week, take work home, attend extracurricular events, sit on committees and complete administrative tasks outside of a classroom. Their jobs are not easy and require a high level of commitment and personal dedication to education as a calling and a career and not just as a “job” to pay the bills each month. For those who are passionate about education, the rewards are intrinsic and truly priceless. The field offers great potential for career growth and recognition and lifelong rewards from feeling as if one has contributed to bettering society.

Master’s in Special Education programs require students to complete the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and already have a bachelor’s degree, although not necessarily a bachelor’s degree in some type of education specialty. Many programs also require applicants to already have a special education or teaching certification from their particular state. Consider the nation’s 10 Best Online M.Ed. Special Education degree programs.

Recommended Masters in Special Education Programs

1. Capella University MS in Special Education Teaching
2. Walden University MS in Education – Special Education
3. Ashford University MA in Education – Special Education

10. Grand Canyon University

Overview
This program prides itself of both classroom and real-world experience. Students must have access to a K-12 special education classroom in order to complete class projects. Formal classroom instruction is required in at least three of the five main disability categories, including emotional, learning, physical, intellectual or health impairment.

School Rankings
The school was ranked among the nation’s leading online special education masters programs by Fox.com, Fortune Small Business and Technology & Learning magazines, and the Online Education Database.

Tuition
Cost for their 34-credit master’s program is $495 per credit hour.

Unique Features
One course in the Master’s program is worth four credits allowing students to finish faster.

>>>Click HERE for more info on Grand Canyon University’s M.Ed. Special Education Programs<<<<

9. Liberty University

Overview
Liberty’s Md.E. Special Education program is designed for adults with no previous teaching experience. Participants study educational assessment and behavioral management, as well as strategies for building a collaborative, inclusive teaching environment.

School Rankings
Liberty has consistently made the list of the nation’s Top 10 Online Universities based on the Online Education Database.

Tuition
The school charges $505 for part-time students and $465 for full-time students per credit hour.

Unique Features
Liberty offers an accelerated eight-week online master in special education for online participants. Students can complete coursework at any time, with no required log-in times.

>>>Click HERE for more info on Liberty University’s M.Ed. Special Education Programs<<<<

8. University of Texas Online Consortium

Overview
The 36-hour program was specifically created for adults already working as K-12 educators. Students have the flexibility to choose from six hours of elective courses, including education leadership, bilingual education or other specialties approved by the program coordinator.

School Rankings
BestMastersinEducation.com ranks the school No. 8 on its list of Top Online Master’s Degrees in Education. In addition, UT-Austin came in No. 45 on U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best Colleges and The Center for World University Rankings placed UT at No. 30 on its list of the World’s Top 100 Universities.

Tuition
The school charges $810 for Texas residents and $1,750 for out-of-state students per course.

Unique Features
This school system offers an array of resources from various institutions in the University of Texas education system. Thus, students have the opportunity to combine benefits offered from different campus locations, while completing all their coursework through the distance learning program.

7. Bemidji State University

Overview
Bemidji State University’s online masters in special education is structured for teachers seeking to teach special education in Minnesota.

School Rankings
U.S. News & World Report ranked Bemidji in the upper tier of its America’s Best Colleges survey among master’s institutions in the Midwest. Additionally, the school’s online master’s programs in education were ranked 15th most affordable on GetEducated.com’s list of Best Online Colleges.

Tuition
Costs are $350.50 per credit hour.

Unique Features
Master’s programs are completed through discussion boards, video links, posted readings and live chats, although students are never required to be present at a certain time.

6. Capella University

Overview
Capella’s online program offers 10 to 12 week courses that engage students in an interactive experience via discussion groups, video instruction, and feedback from classmates and instructors.

School Rankings
The Online Education Database ranks Capella No. 30 on its list of Best Online College Rankings. The Global Language Monitor ranked them No. 3 in its list of Best Online Universities.

Tuition
Master’s programs cost $415 per credit hour.

Unique Features
Ninety-eight percent of former students at Capella say they are satisfied with their education.

>>>Click HERE for more info on Capella University’s M.Ed. Special Education Programs<<<<

5. Ashford University

Overview
This degree gives students a broad knowledge of instructional methods, assessment and curriculum strategies, and the leadership skills to obtain senior level positions in the education field.

School Rankings
Thebestcolleges.org ranks Ashford No. 12 on its list of Top 21 Colleges and Universities for 2012.

Tuition
Degrees cost $525 per credit hour.

Unique Features
Ashford offers a program they call Smart Track, which allows students to count up to nine of their undergraduate credits toward their graduate degree.

>>>Click HERE for more info on Ashford University’s M.Ed. Special Education Programs<<<<

4. Texas Tech University

Overview
Texas Tech’s program is divided into two branches, one for sensory impairment and one that focuses on low incidence. Participants can choose to narrow their studies even further into areas such as autism or educational diagnostics.

School Rankings
GetEducated.com ranks the online master’s program at No. 11 in the nation on its list of best buys, which lists colleges based on credibility and affordability.

Tuition
In-state students pay $528.45 and out-of-state students pay $879.32 per credit hour.

Unique Features
In addition to classwork, participants are required to complete 1,500 hours performing in an actual education setting.

3. Western Governor’s University

Overview
The master’s program is designed for licensed teachers who want to move into a career in special education. Participants are trained to handle mild to moderate disabilities, while improving their overall teaching skills.

School Rankings
Time magazine named WGU “The Best and Cheapest University You’ve Never Heard of.” Additionally, Thebestschools.org ranked it No. 11 on its list of The Best 25 Online Colleges.”

Tuition
Tuition is charged as a flat rate per term. All education programs are $2,890 per term.

Unique Features
WGU terms last six months and can start on the first day of any month you choose.

2. Walden University

Overview
Walden focuses on experienced educators who want to make a positive social change through research in neuroscience, scientific interventions and assessment techniques.

School Rankings
Collegeprowler.com gave Walden an “A” grade in the areas of Academic Flexibility, Tuition and Financial Aid, and Online Course Availability.

Tuition
Students pay $510 per credit hour.

Unique Features
Walden’s program only requires 30 credit hours, which can be completed in 20 to 24 months.

>>>Click HERE for more info on Walden University’s M.Ed. Special Education Programs<<<<

1. Ball State University

Overview
Ball State University claims the No. 1 spot because they have distinguished themselves in the education sector. In addition to online courses, students experience immersive learning, which allows them to work collaboratively with community organizations and schools. Ball State is one of the first schools in the nation to launch the Woodrow Wilson Fellows program, which trains educators in the fields of science, math and engineering.

School Rankings
Ball State was ranked eighth on U.S. News & World Report’s list of Up-and-Coming Colleges and Universities for 2011. Additionally, The Princeton Review named it one of the Best Universities in the Midwest for eight years straight. Lastly, its education programs were ranked 17th on a national list compiled by Leadership Excellence magazine.

Tuition
Ball State charges $299 for Indiana residents and $506 for out-of-state students per credit hour.

Unique Features
Depending on the area of specialty, students can be placed on an accelerated track, completing their master’s degree in less than 18 months.

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When you’re a teacher, two things you need in abundance are energy and creativity, because keeping those young people engaged and interested is no mean feat! As these famous ex-teachers amply demonstrate, that same creative spirit can also be turned to more artistic pursuits, not to mention fame and fortune. Check out these accomplished musicians, all of whom, at one point or another, spent time before the blackboard, cultivating young minds.

10. Peaches

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Known primarily for her brash attacks on assumed gender roles, Peaches’ music attempts to offer a riposte to traditional conceptions of sexuality. Yet, despite her edgy image and sharp political edge, it’s a little-known fact that Peaches, real name Merrill Nisker, started out her career teaching drama and music in the rather more conservative environment of the Associated Hebrew Schools of Toronto, having herself attended a private Jewish school while growing up in Toronto.

9. Sting

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Although one of just a handful of musicians so famous that they are known pretty much only by their stage names, Sting wasn’t always a multi-platinum album-selling superstar. While playing music in jazz bands during evenings, weekends and holidays, he spent two years from 1974 to ’76 working as a teacher in his native Newcastle, England as plain old Gordon Sumner. The following year, he gave it all up to move to London, where he formed The Police, and success soon followed. While The Police’s hit single “Don’t Stand So Close To Me” is concerned with the inappropriate feelings of a schoolgirl for her teacher, Sting has denied that it was in any way inspired by his time spent teaching.

8. Sheryl Crow

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With nine Grammy awards and a host of other accolades to her name, Sheryl Crow is music royalty. Coming from a musical family, her father played trumpet and her mother taught piano, it sounds like it was a natural choice for her to study music when she attended the University of Missouri. Yet, rather than jumping straight into a recording career, Crow first transmitted her musical knowledge to youngsters, working as an elementary school music teacher by day and a singer on weekends. Appropriately, the start of her professional music career saw her doing a jingle for an ad, selling back-to-school goods! However, after her foray into advertising, Crow soon moved on to perform backing vocals for such shining lights as Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder, before finding success in her own right in the 1990s.

7. J-Live

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Known almost as much for having persistent difficulties with his record label as for his music, hip-hop artist J-Live began his musical career while studying for a degree at the University at Albany, State University of New York, where he majored in English. Upon completion of his degree, while his music career was on the rise, J-Live, or Jean-Jacques Cadet, as he’s legally known, taught middle-school English at schools in Brooklyn. If his stage presence is anything to go by, one can certainly imagine him as an engaging and inspiring English teacher!

6. Roberta Flack

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Although renowned for her expressive singing voice and string of Number 1 hits, like “Killing Me Softly with His Song” and “Feel Like Makin’ Love”, Roberta Flack’s achievements don’t stop at the top of the charts. Before she had even begun to make waves as a popular singer, she attended Howard University on a music scholarship at the humbling age of 15. Flack then embarked on a teacher training course, becoming the first black student teacher at an all-white school in Maryland, before moving on to teach music and English at a school in Farmville, North Carolina. It was while teaching in Washington DC that her singing career took off, by way of evening performances in bars and clubs, and word of her incredible voice began to spread. The rest, as they say, is history.

5. J.T. Taylor (of Kool & the Gang)

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James “J.T.” Taylor, of pop legends Kool and the Gang, has delivered more than a few lessons in being funky to nightclubs and dance floors the world over. For a time, though, Taylor also delivered lessons of a more traditional variety to pre-schoolers! We wonder if any of those students were old enough to recognize their former teacher in 1979 when his smooth vocals propelled him to stardom as the lead singer of the world-famous R&B/funk outfit, whose hits include “Ladies Night” and “Celebration.”

4. Jimmy Driftwood

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A mainstay of the folk scene for much of the second half of the 20th century, Jimmy Driftwood alternated between the roles of folklorist, musician, songsmith and, aptly, given his wise ways, teacher. Before being signed in 1957 and his subsequent rise to fame, Driftwood worked as a teacher in Arkansas. One of his more popular ballads, “Battle of New Orleans,” was even written to help his students learn history. What’s more, his memories of teaching must have been fondly cherished, as Jimmy Driftwood’s later years featured frequent performances to high school and college students.

3. Natalie Gauci

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The story of Natalie Gauci’s rise to fame may begin with a passionate soul and a musical heartbeat, but her day-to-day life before appearing on Australian Idol in 2007 was that of a music teacher. A graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts, Gauci spent her days teaching music at the Catholic high school Academy of Mary Immaculate, Melbourne, and her nights performing in the city’s bars and clubs, before shooting straight into the spotlight by winning the famous television contest.

2. Art Garfunkel

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Although also renowned for his music as a solo artist, Art Garfunkel is most famous for being one half of the era-defining duo, Simon and Garfunkel. All those poetic turns of phrase that made the pair famous perhaps come as no surprise when you consider how much time Garfunkel spent in education: he has both an undergraduate degree and a masters to his name. What’s more, as he and Simon were topping the charts, he was even working on a PhD in Mathematics Education. After the pair’s musical partnership broke up, Garfunkel went back to teaching, spending a few months, from late 1971 to early 1972, teaching math to high school students in Connecticut. Perhaps it was this experience that drove him back to music, as the following year his debut solo album was released.

1. Gene Simmons

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A fair number of parents might have misgivings about exposing their younger children to the songs and flamboyant stage outfits of the rock band KISS. It might come as a surprise, then, to learn that the macabre makeup-wearing vocalist Gene Simmons was once entrusted with the education of elementary school children. Yes, before forming the legendary band in 1973, Simmons taught kids in the sixth grade in Spanish Harlem in New York City. It’s also fitting that Simmons went back to school in the 21st century for the British reality TV show Rock School, in which he formed a rock band out of a group of classically trained children at a prestigious English boarding school.

The teaching profession will continue to be an employment growth sector in the foreseeable future. Education policies and benchmarks will evolve as social changes and technological developments happen, but teachers will always be needed.

Teachers will Thrive

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics predicts that demand for teachers will grow by 17 percent through the year 2020. These jobs require completion of a four-year degree, certifications specific to areas of competency and passing the requisite licensing tests. Indeed, aspiring to teach entails commitment, sacrifice and financial resources.

How to Finance a College Education

Much has been said about the mounting costs of obtaining a college degree. This is a critical concern for would-be teachers faced with the prospect of financing a college education geared towards a job not normally associated with top-tier pay.

The FAFSA Process

Typically, students headed to college will start the search for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This is the form that most colleges use to determine eligibility for financial aid. The review will include detailed information on family income, assets, size of the family of number of household members currently enrolled in college, prospective colleges and other identifying information.

The application can be completed online at FAFSA.gov. Alternatively, the form is downloadable at StudentAid.ed.gov for offline completion and filing or requested by phone at 800-4-FED-AID. The form should be submitted on or shortly after January 1 of the year that financial aid is requested. Complying with all FAFSA requirements earlier rather than later improves the odds of obtaining federal aid.

The amount of financial aid will depend on the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) determined using a formula that analyzes FAFSA information provided. Students will be advised of their entitlement with a Student Aid Acknowledgement report that will also be sent to the preferred colleges.

The federal aid package is paid directly to the student’s college of choice to cover tuition and other fees. Room and board may also be covered if the school provides these services. These payments are disbursed at intervals linked to the school calendar. Any leftover amounts will be paid to the student by the school for other educational expenses.

Pell Grants

Federal Pell Grants are awarded based on need defined by family income and other demographic considerations. Students enrolling in their first bachelor’s degree or who are entering a post baccalaureate program for teachers may be considered for a Pell Grant. The amount awarded is linked to the EFC and the cost of attending the school. The grant will also vary for full-time and part-time students.

Students younger than 24 years old must submit their parent’s financial information regardless of who is paying for college costs.

Academic Competitiveness Grant and the National SMART Grants

To encourage students to major in math, science, engineering, technology and certain foreign languages that are critically needed in the world economy, the Department of Education launched two new grants in 2006. The Academic Competitiveness Grant can be applied to expenses for the first and second years. The National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant are for students entering their third or fourth year of college.

Service Grants

Service grants are available for survivors of military personnel who served in Afghanistan and Iraq in the post 9-11 era. Students must be younger than 24 years old on the date of their parent’s demise. They must not qualify for a Pell grant to avail of a service grant. The award could amount to $5,500 annually.

TEACH Grants

The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) program awards as much as $4,000 annually to qualified students who agree to spend four years teaching in a school that serves a low-income community. The award is good for four years for undergraduate students and two years for postgraduate students enrolled in an eligible program. The Education Department determines program eligibility through its nationwide list of teacher shortages.

Failure to meet the conditions of the Agreement to Serve will result in conversion of the grant amount to an unsubsidized federal Stafford loan. Interest will accrue starting the date the grant money was first awarded.

Stafford Loans

Stafford loans are government-subsidized loans that can provide additional financing when grant money is inadequate or unavailable. These loans have fixed interest rates that are lower than unsubsidized college loans. The rate is 3.4 percent compared to 6.8 percent interest for unsubsidized financing. The rate will remain unchanged for the life of the loan. Stafford loan applications will not require a credit check.

Loan Management after Graduation

For most student loans, amortization begins after graduation. Aspiring teachers will face additional credentialing and licensing requirements to find employment in the school systems. At this point, it may be wise to explore how student loan payments can be deferred or forgiven.

Forbearance or Postponement by Deferment

It is possible to ask loan servicers for forbearance by invoking active military service or showing proof of financial hardship. Payments can be deferred for a specified time and interest will not accrue.

Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program

State and local agencies may offer loan mitigation in exchange for employment in high-need areas that include teaching positions in underserved schools or economically depressed areas. The American Federation of Teachers provides a state-by-state directory of these programs.

Loan Forgiveness for Volunteer Participation

The Segal AmeriCorps Education Award is awarded to AmeriCorps volunteers. The award can be used to pay off student loans.

Volunteering with the Peace Corps will be beneficial because this nonprofit agency pays a stipend and a transition allowance. They will also facilitate a write-off of at most 70 percent of student loans.

Those who participate in Volunteers in Service to America affiliated with AmeriCorps, can also earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award or a stipend that can be used to pay off student loans.

Loan Cancellation for Public Service

Teachers who are public servants for at least 10 years can have the balance of their student loans written off provided the loan is not in default. This opportunity exists only for those with an income-based repayment plan for their federal student loans.

The future is bright for aspiring teachers. There are many incentives for those who are determined to pursue this career path. Research the financing options carefully to avoid overwhelming student loans.