By choosing a career in education, you are choosing to better the world we live in by assisting other community members in their learning pursuits. While there are many careers within education, from being a high school teacher to working as an archivist or curator in a museum, all educators are integral to the lives of their students. Though requirements vary by position, most educators need a relevant degree to qualify for their roles. Choosing to earn one online is one of the easiest, lowest-cost options for doing so.

Education jobs are expected to see considerable growth over the coming decade, making it one of the most stable fields to join. Here are a few education career paths to consider:

1. Becoming a High School Principal: Education Administration Degrees

   High school principals preside over their school and oversee all school activities and school personnel. Duties will vary by the size, location, and grade-level of a school, but typical responsibilities include evaluating and assisting teachers in improving their craft, meeting with parents to discuss student progress, creating and tracking academic standards policies, and managing the school budget. Most schools also have an assistant principal on staff, who will assist the principal with all the above.

   To become a principal, you’ll need to first earn a bachelor’s in education, leadership, or something related, and in most cases, you’ll also need a master’s in the same field. From there, licensure requirements vary by state. Most principals also have several years of experience working as a teacher.

2. Becoming a Postsecondary Teacher: Education Degrees

   Teachers in academic institutions beyond high school are known as postsecondary teachers or professors. These teachers work at colleges, universities, or professional schools, which could be public or private institutions. They develop and teach lessons in their subject, which is typically what they hold their degree in – in most cases, postsecondary teachers need at least a master’s degree in their field to qualify. Full-time professors at universities are also expected to work on original research, typically involving producing academic papers and conducting experiments and research projects within their field.

3. Becoming an Instructional Coordinator: Education Degrees

   Usually employed in larger school districts, instructional coordinators develop and implement teaching materials and standards within their district. They work directly with teachers, principals, and school boards to create new curriculums and assess their effectiveness. They might spend their time reviewing new textbook options, finding and recommending new technologies to use in the classroom, or training teachers directly. In certain districts, an instructional coordinator is hired for each course subject.

   To become an instructional coordinator, you’ll need a master’s degree in education, as well as a bachelor’s or higher in the specific subject you are overseeing where relevant. Most coordinators also have several years of experience in the teaching field.

4. Becoming a High School Teacher: Education Degrees

   High school teachers teach high schoolers in a variety of academic subjects. In most states, teachers are required to hold at least a bachelor’s in their subject as well as a valid teaching license. A typical day for a teacher involves planning and implementing lessons that meet educational standards set by their state or community, meeting with parents to go over student progress, and supervising students both in and out of the classroom. Most teachers have ongoing training throughout their career to ensure that they keep up with scientific research as it relates to education.

5. Becoming an Adult Education Teacher: Education Degrees

   Adult education teachers work with adults on basic skills such as math, writing, reading or English as a Second Language (ESL). Their students are of all backgrounds, and academic levels within one classroom may vary significantly, so adult teachers must be able to adapt quickly to a changing environment and employ a variety of teaching strategies to meet the needs of all students. The goal of instruction might be to help their students earn their General Educational Development credential (GED), teach basic employment skills to their students, or to help students become proficient in the English language. In any case, cultural sensitivity, communication skills, and adaptability are all key to success.

   Adult education teachers need to have a bachelor’s degree in education or in a specific subject, as well as a state-issued teacher’s license.

6. Becoming a Museum Archivist or Curator: Museum Studies Degrees

   Museum archivists and curators are responsible for preserving and overseeing historically significant artifacts and museum collections. Archivists appraise, catalog, and maintain objects and documents with historical significance, while curators design and oversee museum collections. Archivists and curators typically have master’s degrees in subjects such as museum studies, history, or fine art, with many initially earning a bachelor’s degree and working as a museum technician to start with. In most cases, getting experience in the field through volunteer work at museums is helpful as well.

   For anyone interested in working with the public and making a difference in the lives of others, a career in education is one of the best paths forward. Getting started is as easy as enrolling in an online degree program, which can make earning your degree more convenient and affordable than ever before. By taking the time to consider your options today, you’ll be that much closer to achieving your professional goals tomorrow.

   Explore your future in the education career path by checking out your degree program options today.