Teachers across the country have a difficult job and are often under-appreciated and underpaid. For that reason, many continue to pursue higher education in order to advance themselves further in their positions and in pay grade. Doing so online is a convenient way for many because it allows them to continue their jobs as teachers while they complete their coursework.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, plenty of job opportunities in the coming years should be available for those who choose to get a Masters degree in Education.

Advancement into Administration

Teachers can move into higher paid administrative positions without a Masters degree but it often takes many years of experience with a good reputation as teachers. Some of the people they compete with for the positions already have higher degrees.

In private schools, principals are more commonly found with just Bachelors degrees, but competition is sometimes greater in public schools, giving those with higher degrees better chances. Also, in some states, principals and other administrators may need to be licensed or certified to work those positions. In those cases, a Masters degree is also required for the license or certification.

Advancement into Post-secondary Teaching

To work in post secondary teaching positions at colleges and universities, Masters degrees are often a requirement for faculty positions. While you go to school to continue your education, it is possible to hold a job at a university as a graduate teaching assistant. Some institutions provide financial support to do so.

Why Online?

For this advanced degree, taking it online is popular because it offers flexibility in time. An online degree program’s schedule allows students to complete work when ever they have time instead of showing up to class on a regular basis.

For some, getting a Masters degree is a priority that gets pushed back a few years later while the basic teaching career kicks off, so it’s a good idea to develop a plan early on that details where you want to go in your career.

Will it pay off?

While teachers at public schools can earn around $50,000 per year, administrators at public schools such as principals make more than $85,000 per year according to data gathered by the bureau of labor statistics. Some administrators at post secondary institutions like Deans, make more than $100,000. In addition to pay, these positions offer good benefits and tenure that protects their job security.

Even if you want to continue teaching and not pursue administration or post-secondary teaching, teachers who have higher degrees can earn significantly more money in the same teaching positions.  The amount that the employer can compensate for your higher degree can vary, however.  One student, in Colorado, reported a $8,000 increase in pay after receiving his Masters in Education online.  Since advancement to administrative positions is not for everyone, consider the cost of the degree based on the pay increase you will see if you stick in the same teaching position.

View a list of online teaching degrees to find a program that’s right for you.