Overview
As the name suggests, K-12 education involves teaching students from kindergarten through high-school. Teachers in K-12 education, are responsible for preparing students for further education or work as well as shaping the minds of future leaders and professionals. In other words, teachers in the field hold an immense amount of responsibility — the future generation’s understanding of math, literature, political science, and more is dependent on effective instruction. With such responsibility, many educators pursue master’s degrees to further refine their skills.
Graduate level courses in education cover advanced pedagogy and instruction. Students can expect to receive intensive training in educational theory and practice as well as the ability to specialize in fields such as mathematics or social studies. The goal of programs is to give educators space to develop their abilities under the guidance of experts and to share instructional strategies and techniques. As a result, many degree holders become more effective educators and lead the way to new educational strategies.
Professionals usually become teachers in elementary, middle, and high schools. Others go on to do research in pedagogy and education.
Yes. Many programs and universities offer online programs in K-12 education.
Most employers and schools recognize and accept online degrees. In fact, many well-respected schools now offer online programs.
The requirements for acceptance will vary depending on the school, but most programs list their specific requirements online. The best course of action is to check with the programs you are interested in.
If you hope to teach, a master’s degree can lead to higher salaries and chances of employment. In addition, it offers the opportunity to refine your teaching abilities.
It’s no secret that teachers serve an invaluable role in society. The rising support for teachers in many states indicates that the need for education and educators is more important than ever — growing anti-intellectualism means teachers are now on the forefront of protecting critical thinking. And a master’s degree in K-12 education allows educators to increasingly ensure the intellectual future of new generations.
For more more resources and career information related to this degree, please read our career guide here.
