Educational and Career Opportunities for Master of Arts in Teaching Graduates

masters in teaching student

Most teachers reach a point in their career in which they decide to pursue an advanced degree, such as a Master of Arts in Teaching or a Master of Education degree. The Master of Arts in Teaching degree is specifically designed for teachers who want to continue working in the classroom environment, but this degree program also opens the doors to careers in education other than teaching.

Master’s in Teaching Career Paths

There are a number of master’s in teaching careers to consider, many of which allow you to spend your days in the classroom working directly with students. However, this advanced degree program also allows you to explore alternative careers for teachers that allow you to utilize your expertise in niche areas of the education industry.

These are some of the top master’s in teaching jobs for MAT graduates:

1. Classroom Teacher in Public and Private Schools

Classroom teacher is one of the most common MAT degree jobs, with many students pursuing this degree to develop enhanced classroom management skills and advance their career. The master's degree in teaching curriculum provides in-depth instruction on crafting engaging and interactive lesson plans, all while prioritizing differentiated instruction. By addressing the most pressing challenges in education and teaching today, this degree program prepares teachers to navigate the increasingly complex educational environment.

2. Educational Technology Specialist

An educational technology specialist is a professional responsible for developing an educational technology plan and ensuring that all classrooms in a particular school are equipped with the digital learning resources that will enhance the student experience. Educational technology specialists may also design and develop their own digital learning resources, allowing them to incorporate their own creativity and passion into their work. These professionals also often collaborate with teachers and students to provide them with instruction, support and ongoing training for educational technology tools and platforms.

3. Curriculum Developer or Instructional Coordinator

According to Indeed, curriculum developers and instructional coordinators are educators who work to design and implement curriculum plans that meet the targeted needs of an individual school district or a population of students. As part of their role, they are required to:

Develop instructional materials to complement the curriculum.
Identify learning goals within the course or curriculum.
Develop interactive resources that can be used as part of the instruction.

Curriculum developers and instructional coordinators specialize in creating curriculum plans that align with established standards. This ensures that all students enrolled in a particular course or school are receiving the high-quality education that they deserve.

4. School Administrator (Principal, Vice Principal)

At all levels of education, administrators are required to oversee the day-to-day operations of a school. Working as a school administrator allows you to explore career opportunities outside the classroom, without sacrificing that daily interaction with students. School administrators, such as principals and vice principals, are often responsible for overseeing daily operations, managing staff members and ensuring overall compliance with educational policies and regulations. They play a significant role in developing and nurturing the culture and atmosphere at the school and are primarily responsible for creating a positive learning environment for all students.

5. Higher Education Instructor or Lecturer

You may reach a point in your career when you no longer want to work directly with young students, but rather, you would like to inspire and guide the next generation of educators. One of the leading jobs with a master's in teaching is higher education instructor or lecturer. In this role, you will have the opportunity to teach courses at the collegiate level, and you may be able to focus on areas that you are particularly enthusiastic about.

6. Educational Consultant

Educational consultants are professionals who work independently, often providing expertise and guidance to schools and other educational institutions to help them streamline operations and enhance educational programs. An educational consultant may be hired by an individual school, an entire school district or an educational organization to:

Develop new security policies and procedures.
Provide better programming opportunities for special needs students.
Enhance educational practices to create a more positive learning environment for students and teachers.

7. Corporate Trainer or Learning and Development Specialist

People often think of educators as professionals who work inside classrooms, but professionals across all industries and fields can benefit from the insight and experience of teachers. One of the leading alternative careers for teachers is that of a corporate trainer or development specialist. In this role, MAT graduates design and deliver training programs designed for employees in specific industries. Many of these training programs focus on skill development, ultimately allowing them to grow and advance their own careers.

8. Non-Profit Education Program Director

Non-profit education program directors are educators who work with non-profit organizations or other charitable organizations that offer training programs and initiatives to the populations that they serve. Education program directors can oversee the development, implementation and evaluation of these educational programs, ensuring that they reach their targeted goals.

9. Educational Policy Analyst

Educational policy analysts are professionals responsible for analyzing educational policies and making recommendations to policymakers or organizations that lobby for improved policies. As part of their role, educational policy analysts conduct research, collect data regarding educational trends. They then create reports that outline possible provisions that will improve the educational experience for students and teachers alike.

10. ESL (English as a Second Language) Teacher

An English as a Second Language Teacher, or ESL teacher, is an educator who works with students who are non-native English speakers to help them become proficient in reading, writing and speaking in English. ESL teachers often work with students in small-group settings, giving them an opportunity to develop personal and lasting relationships with their students.

Advancing Your Education Beyond a Master's Degree

While a graduate degree in teaching will allow you to pursue some of the most in-demand MAT degree jobs, you may find that you want to expand your education beyond a master's degree. Terminal degree programs, such as a doctorate degree in education, can allow you to elevate your career beyond the classroom. Specialist certificates or additional degree programs can allow you to carve out your own niche, ultimately giving you a chance to explore careers in education other than teaching.

Doctorate in Education (Ed.D or Ph.D.) - Paths and Possibilities

Master of Arts in Teaching graduates who go on to earn a Doctorate in Education will be able to continue to build upon their expertise in education while preparing for a specialized role in the field of education. Those who earn an Ed.D. or Ph.D. in education will have the opportunity to contribute to the field through both scholarship and leadership.

Some possible career pathways that you can explore with a Doctorate in Education include:

Working as a higher education professor.
Becoming an educational researcher.
Working as an educational administrator.
Serving as a policy analyst.

Specialist Degrees and Certificates for Further Specialization

After you have earned your Master of Arts in Teaching, you may want to further specialize by enrolling in a certificate program or additional degree program, such as:

Educational Leadership Specialist Degree
School Counselor Certification
Special Education Certification

Leveraging Technology in Education Careers

Technology will continue to play a critical role in the learning experience of all students, and modern educators will need to know how to effectively leverage technology to enhance and advance their careers. Can use advanced technology to their advantage to reduce administrative tasks and increase their efficiency, ultimately giving them more time to work directly with the students that they love and care about.

The Rise of E-Learning and Digital Education Platforms

In recent years, technology has played an increasingly prominent role in the learning experience of all students. Defined as learning that takes place on the Internet or using electronic devices, E-learning has opened a world of new possibilities for students and teachers alike. Today, modern educators must work to effectively incorporate E-learning and digital education platforms into the curriculum without replacing traditional approaches to education.

Integrating Educational Technology Into the Curriculum

By integrating educational technology into the curriculum in a way that complements the standards and outcomes of the program, educators can provide students with an experience that allows them to learn the material while mastering the pivotal digital skills that they will need to succeed in the 21st century.

Building a Network in the Education Field

Another one of the most significant advantages of pursuing a master's degree in teaching is that this degree program provides you with an opportunity to build and expand your professional network in the education field. By actively growing your network and increasing the number of contacts that you have in the field, you will be able to access the best jobs with a master’s in teaching.

Professional Associations for Educators

Professional associations provide educators with an opportunity to network with other leading professionals in their field, while also accessing the valuable tools, resources and events that the association provides. Some of the top professional associations for educators include:

The National Education Association
National Council of Teachers of Math
National Council for the Social Studies
American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages
Association of Secondary School Principals
International Society for Technology in Education

Attending Conferences and Workshops for Career Development

Many professional organizations and other education advocacy groups host conferences and workshops designed for educators interested in professional development. Regardless of the master’s in teaching careers that you are interested in, you will find that attending conferences and workshops benefits you in several ways. These experiences can help you grow your network, learn new skills and become more aware of the trends shaping today's educational landscape.

Transitioning to Non-Teaching Roles: Alternative Careers for Teachers

If you are pursuing a master's degree in teaching because you are ready to transition outside the classroom, you may be interested in some of the careers in education other than teaching.

Opportunities in Educational Policy and Administration

These kinds of opportunities are careers focused on shaping and implementing policies and administrative strategies that impact educational institutions and systems. Master of Arts in Teaching graduates may be qualified to pursue opportunities in educational policy and administration, such as:

Policy Analyst: Specializes in researching, analyzing, and advising on policies affecting education sectors, helping to shape informed decisions and reforms.
Education Administrator: Manages operations and strategic planning at educational institutions to ensure a high standard of academic performance and administrative efficiency.
Program Director: Oversees the development and execution of specific educational programs, ensuring they meet goals and benefit participants effectively.

These managerial positions allow experienced teachers to utilize their strengths and refined skills in a way that impacts the educational field at large.

Careers in Educational Products and Services Companies

These are roles dedicated to developing, marketing, and distributing educational products and services that enhance learning and teaching experiences. Master of Arts in Teaching graduates may be able to step beyond the educational landscape and pursue opportunities in the corporate world. Some of the career paths in educational products and service companies include:

Curriculum Developer: Designs and revises educational curricula to meet evolving academic standards and learning objectives across various educational levels.
Instructional Designer: Creates engaging learning materials and experiences tailored to specific educational needs and outcomes, often utilizing technology.
Educational Technology Specialist: Focuses on integrating and optimizing technology in educational settings to enhance learning and teaching processes.

These positions allow you to take your career beyond the classroom, ultimately giving you an opportunity to explore your passion and utilize your skills in a creative yet impactful way. By working in the educational products and services sector, you can rely on your expertise as a teacher to continue to shape the student learning experience.

Prepare For the Best Jobs With a Master’s in Teaching from UofM Global

The educational landscape is constantly evolving, which is increasing the demand for highly skilled, qualified teachers who understand how to address the complex challenges facing modern students and educators alike. At UofM Global, we offer graduate degree programs ideal for teachers who want to build upon their existing foundation and future-proof their skill set. Both our Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary Education and Master of Arts in Special Education degree programs prepare teachers to advance their careers both within and outside the classroom environment.

Request more information about our online graduate degree programs today.

Sources

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/master's-in-education-jobs

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-an-educational-consultant

https://www.cosn.org/leveraging-technology-to-reduce-teacher-stress/

https://www.linkedin.com/advice/1/what-professional-organizations-do-you-recommend-teachers