A Master’s in Education degree opens many career doors, including the option to teach at a college. The questions become about which schools you are qualified to work at and which courses you are qualified to teach. This article will help you explore some of the higher education teaching possibilities open to you once you complete your master’s degree in education.
Resource: Top 10 Best Online Master’s in Education Degree Programs (M.Ed.) 2016
Community Colleges
The quickest way to get your foot in the door is to start by teaching community college courses. Nationwide, they generally only require a master’s degree for qualification. Sometimes they even accept a bachelor’s degree and some amount of experience, so a master’s degree might put you ahead of some of the other candidates. It is difficult to obtain full time teaching positions at this level without prior experience. Definitely still apply for them, as it shows initiative and confidence, but do not be disheartened if it does not happen for you right away. Instead, simultaneously submit your application for specific adjunct teaching positions as well as to adjunct faculty pools.
Universities
Many universities let individuals with master’s degrees instruct at the associate level. These opportunities are more rare than at community colleges. It is therefore advisable to gain some sort of experience that makes you a unique asset. You will most likely be offered fewer courses, so this is something to do in conjunction with another form of income. It is worth it to work into your schedule if you do get this opportunity, as the level of experience is invaluable. It is easier to find these university level positions if you are referred by people already familiar with your work, so start by contacting your own former professors and supervisors from your master’s and bachelor’s programs.
Adult School
It takes time and patience to work your way up to finally being offered courses in higher education. Having teaching experience will move you up the ladder more quickly. Consider teaching courses at an adult school to build your repertoire. The more you know about teaching adults, the more qualified you will appear.
Types of Courses
With a master’s degree in education, the majority of courses you will be qualified to instruct will be in the education department. Many other field areas include education subfields. Educational psychology is a subfield of psychology, early childhood education is a separate field, educational leadership focuses more on school administration, and many business majors are required to take education courses. Once you find a school and devote your work to it for a few semesters to build up your reputation, you will find yourself being offered a wider range of courses. This is also a positive sign that you are being considered for full time teaching positions.
Teaching collegiate courses is a highly rewarding job, but it is one that takes time to transform into a full time career. The most important quality that community colleges and universities look for is the drive to purse and make the most of every teaching opportunity offered. If you are willing to do this, you already have what it takes to teach at a college with a Master’s in Education!
