What Can I Do With an Associate Degree In Teaching?

Where can I get a teaching degree near me?

Many teachers in our area get their start at Texarkana College. We offer an Associate of Arts in Teaching in one of three areas: Early Childhood (EC) – 6, Grades 4-8, or Grades 8-12. These 2-year associate degrees in teaching provide students an affordable way to complete their core classes and introduce the field of education to students with courses such as Introduction to Education, Introduction to Special Populations, Introduction to the Teaching Profession and Mathematics for Teachers.

With an associate degree in teaching from Texarkana College, you will be able to transfer your courses to a public 4-year institution such as Texas A&M University-Texarkana to complete your bachelor’s degree. Attending a community college for two years before transferring helps students save thousands on university tuition, making it a smart choice for those who want to enter the teaching field without lots of student loan debt.

What Can I Do with an Associate Degree in Teaching?

The traditional teaching career is the usual go-to career for a degree in education. This option is a good investment. Demand for qualified teachers in our area is high, and that demand is projected to continue increasing. There’s a school or educational institution around every corner that is usually hiring for teaching positions. There is a high demand for teachers throughout the United States with labor statistics indicating that the steady need for teachers will remain steadfast as enrollment numbers change and educational institutions expand with population growth.

Alternative Jobs to Pursue with an Associate Degree in Teaching

Aside from the anticipated public education teaching job that usually comes with a teaching degree, there are a number of careers you can pursue with an associate degree in teaching.

Government work

Educational policies and laws can be similar to the structure of government jobs. For those who have a teaching degree, they can enter the world of government jobs including serving as a clerk for a local government entity, an education program specialist with the U.S. Department of Education, or serving as a political scientist for specific educational needs.

The estimated job outlook by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated that the demand for these types of educational jobs will increase by 9% over the next decade which is faster than average growth for all occupations. The job prospects will increase for those who have experience or complete training programs in the area – like TC’s Associate Degree in Teaching.

Management

As a general administrative manager, public education administrator, or retail manager, an associate degree in teaching can be used for management careers. Tasks such as managing facilities and preparing for emergencies remain important throughout a variety of industries. For example, administrative management jobs are estimated to increase over the next decade, growing at a 7% increase.

School Administrator

Typically school administrators are required to earn a graduate-level degree. However, depending on the school district, administrator positions can be offered with only an undergraduate degree and teaching certification. This can involve a principal, assistant principal, or superintendent. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the job outlook for school administrators, particularly elementary, middle, and high school principals is going to remain steady. Employment for these types of jobs will be impacted by student enrollment and the number of educational institutions.

Librarian

Serving as a librarian can offer the ability to work with students in a different way than teaching curriculum and lessons. Library science does require a graduate-level degree.

Translator

People who complete degrees in teaching with an emphasis in a foreign language can serve as interpreters/translators in a variety of areas. Interpreters and translators can work in schools, courtrooms, meeting centers, hospitals, or even with private clients.

Researcher

While earning a degree in teaching, students are taught general research principles for writing papers and accessing educational resources. This process can enable individuals with this degree type to become researchers. To become a specific type of researcher, typically a graduate degree is required.

School Counselor

School counselors serve students, parents, and guardians when difficult situations happen at schools. If one chooses to pursue graduate education following a teaching degree, they can also enter a career as a psychologist, guidance counselor, or family counselor.

Curriculum design

A degree in teaching can lead to careers in curriculum design and development. Careers such as an instructional coordinator, instructional designer, or a standardized test developer are options, but may require graduate degrees depending on the position.

Student Life and Recreation

Camp directors, after-school program directors, and residential life directors all need a degree! A teaching degree is a form of education that prepares individuals for instructing students and working with them, exactly what is needed for student life and recreation careers.

Writing/Publishing

Those who earn a teaching degree can branch into a career in writing or publishing. This career field can be more flexible depending on the type of writing. Career areas can include public relations, social media, or writing journal essays.

Childcare

Just because one earns a teaching degree, does not mean that they will automatically be in public education. People with this degree can run pre-schools, serve as pre-school educators, or care for kids who have special needs.

Alternative Teaching Options

Home school instruction, a life coach, community educators, a corporate trainer, and a personal tutor – you can pursue all these jobs with an associate degree in teaching.

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Getting your start on your education degree at Texarkana College is a smart choice and one that will help you build the academic foundation you need to succeed if you choose to transfer to a university to pursue a bachelor’s degree.