What Jobs am I Qualified for with a Master’s in Elementary Education?

Students pursuing a master's degree in elementary education may also be qualified to work as a counselor at the elementary level.

Updated October 24, 2022 · 2 Min Read

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What Jobs am I Qualified for with a Master’s in Elementary Education?

Teachers seeking to advance their positions in the school system should consider earning a master's in elementary education. Not only does a master’s degree in elementary education open up more opportunities for jobs, but including digital technology in today’s school curriculum allows teachers to go back to school to hone their skills. Furthermore, a school district will pay a teacher who has a master’s degree a higher salary than one with only a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.

Jobs with a Master's in Elementary Education

Individuals wishing to become an elementary school principal must hold a master’s in education. A principal is the head of the school, and daily duties include overseeing the students, faculty and staff. Principals continuously work to manage the school’s operations by evaluating class size and curriculum as well as creating and promoting extracurricular activities. In most states, elementary school principals must be licensed school administrators and are therefore required to earn a master’s degree. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, elementary, middle and high school principals earned an annual median pay of $90,410 in 2015.

Another option for teachers holding a master’s degree in education is to pursue a career as an instructional coordinator. Sometimes referred to as “curriculum directors,” instructional coordinators are responsible for designating the school’s teaching standards and for designing a school district’s teaching curriculum. These professionals work with school administrators to create and implement new and improved teaching strategies. Instructional coordinators must have a master’s in education, and some school districts also require their coordinators to have prior teaching experience or to have previously worked as a school administrator.

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Similarly, individuals with a graduate elementary education degree may also be in a position to pursue roles in federal, state or local government departments that set education policy. With a firsthand understanding of elementary education, policy development specialists may work with politicians to evaluate the effects of current legislation, help draft legislation and develop budget recommendations for new projects within the elementary schools.

Students pursuing a master’s degree in elementary education may also be qualified to work as a counselor at the elementary level. This career path involves working directly with students to help them through difficult times, help mediate problems and address specific concerns or issues that they may have, academically or with peer relationships. Becoming a counselor is a viable option for those who are interested in earning a graduate degree and who want to help students but do not want to teach a specific subject. Exact requirements for becoming a counselor will vary depending on the state in which the professional works, and some school districts may require the teacher to seek additional certification or licensure in child psychology or a related field.

From careers within the school setting such as a counselor or administrator to positions within the government, a master’s degree in elementary education will likely set the graduate apart from his or her peers and is a great career step for anyone who values the art of learning, teaching or running an educational institution. Covering topics such as curriculum development, elementary education methods, instructional methods, assessment, special education, learning theories, reading and writing and human development, a master's in elementary education will prepare graduates for a number of jobs, within and outside of the traditional school setting.

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