Many aspiring college students wonder what kind of degree is needed in order to work as a teacher. This all depends on what grade you want to teach. For college students, many universities require a master’s degree. Depending on the district, high school teachers will need at least a bachelor’s degree, and sometimes either a teaching certificate or master’s degree.
What many students may not know is that it is possible to be a teacher’s assistant with an associate’s degree. Again, this is all contingent on the school district. Requirements may vary, but at any rate, by earning an associate’s degree in Education, you increase your chances of being eligible to teach Early Childhood Education and work as a teacher’s assistant without the need for any licensure.
Here’s a little more information about the type of teacher you can be with an associate’s degree:
Teacher Assistants
Teacher Assistants work under the supervision of licensed teachers assisting them with the duties of recordkeeping in terms of calculating grades and keeping track of attendance. Teacher assistants also play a critical role in helping prepare lesson plans by acquiring the necessary materials and also setting up any technological equipment that’s needed. Other duties include supervising students whether they’re in class, on field trips, after school while they’re still on school property, and in between class such as during lunch and recess. Teacher Assistants also stand in as Substitute Teachers whenever necessary.
Other similar titles for teacher assistants are:
- Instructional Aides,
- Education Assistants
- Paraeducators
This is important information to know when it’s time to start searching for job positions after you’ve graduated with your associate’s degree.
How Much Can a Teacher’s Assistant Make?
The median annual wage for a Teacher’s Assistant was reported to be at $25,410. The highest amount earned was $48,000 according to the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The position of a Teacher’s Assistant is the perfect occupation for aspiring teachers who desire to lead their own classroom. This position will offer you the experience needed to get to the next level. Unlike other teaching professions that typically offer a 2-month vacation, preschool teachers may work through the entire year and may also have longer hours.
Early Childhood or Preschool Teacher
Preschool teachers educate children under the age of 5. Their lesson plans prepare them for kindergarten with structural lessons that focus on the very basic subjects of reading, writing, and other subjects that preschoolers will be able to comprehend. The lesson plans preschool teachers will build on are the basic subjects and will supplement them with creative language, motor, and social skills.
The main objective of the preschool teacher is to develop lessons, schedules, and a daily routine that will creative a safe environment to help children learn, explore, and develop their interests.
How Much Can a Preschool Teacher Make?
The US BLS reported the annual median salary for preschool teachers to be $28,790. Depending on the type of organization, it could bump up to $45,230. Preschool teachers can work in state, public, or private sectors, all which can determine the actual salary. Location will also play a factor in how much a preschool teacher can make.
Childcare Management
The profession of someone working in Childcare Management is arguably more of a relax environment in terms of classroom structure and regulations simply because their usually aren’t any. Working in the field of Childcare Management requires the management and safety of children that’s typically in the environment of their own home. The age range can be anywhere from a toddler to a preschooler.
Other professional titles for this position are:
- Nanny
- Caregiver
- Residential In-Home Childcare Provider
- Childcare Provider
How Much Can a Childcare Provider Make?
You can expect to earn anywhere from $10.18 to $17.81 an hour. The demand for this occupation is projected to increase by 5% in 7 years if not more. Many parents are working and/or pursuing a higher education. As a result, the need for a childcare provider has become quite the demand. Professionals in this line of work can expect to work either part-time or full-time that can easily go over in hours depending on the workload of the parents. Some of these positions may include live-in assistance in order to truly provide full-time care.
Where Can I Earn My Associate’s Degree in Education?
Florida National University (FNU) is a regionally accredited university situated in the South Florida area with two campuses in Hialeah and Miami.
Our Associate of Arts in Education program prepares students for the teaching profession by focusing on the following:
- Classroom management
- Teaching diverse populations
- Technology in Education
Along with these core requirements, other key subjects that are crucial to teaching include:
- Diversity
- Computers
- Math
- Natural Science
- Behavioral Science
- Humanities
- Communications
Financial Assistance is Available!
As with any kind of college education, you’ll have to pay for it. FNU offers financial aid assistance by helping you complete the Free Application for Student Aid Form (FAFSA) and helping you determine whether or not you may qualify for other forms of financial aid such as scholarships, grants, and other types of loans. We can make sure that you’re able to afford your college education, so that you can educate others. In all honesty, you really can’t afford NOT to.
FNU: Opening Doors to Your Education and Others!
Education is key. Pursuing a career as a teacher tells us that you understand the value behind educating others.
In two years, you can be a college graduate! Start your career as an FNU college student by enrolling in our associate’s program today! Contact our admissions office now!
