The most obvious choice for graduates of a Masters in Education program is a traditional teaching position at an elementary, middle or high school. While elementary school teachers are expected to be generalists and teach a broad range of subjects, high school teachers are expected to be specialized in their instruction. Some middle school teaching credentials are for individual areas of study, and some are for multiple topic teaching.
If you have an interest in supporting children with behavioral or emotional challenges, then a role as a special education teacher might be a good fit for you. Special education teachers also work with students who have learning or physical disabilities. The profession is often subdivided by age group, and there are different areas of specialization. If a position as a special education teacher is what you are after, a Masters in Education can be a huge help towards reaching your goal.
Many school principals and superintendents have received a Masters in Education degree, and some even have a Ph.D. If you have outstanding diplomatic skills and wish to manage a group of educators, then a position as a school principal might work for you. School superintendents should also have a knack for politics, because they collaborate closely with an elected school board. In addition, both principals and superintendents often have to communicate with parents who are actively involved in school activities.
A Masters in Education can also equip you to become a school counselor. Students usually seek out assistance from school counselors if they are having difficulties in the classroom or exhibiting emotional or behavioral issues. A critical component of this position is communicating with parents, because a student's challenges at school are often connected to challenges the student may be facing at home. Working with parents can sometimes be the most difficult aspect of the job.
Another option for graduates of a Masters in Education program is a position as an instructional designer or a curriculum and instruction specialist. An instructional designer is a specialist who designs the format of lessons, presentations and long-term academic planning. A curriculum and instruction specialist provides oversight for classroom activity and collaborates with teaching staff. Both curriculum instruction specialists and instructional designers are expected to have a firm grip on ways to incorporate technology in the classroom.
If you enjoy working with technology and wish to find a position that will enable you to combine your tech savvy with your Masters in Education degree, then working as an instructional technology director might be up your alley. With all of the advances taking place today in technology, a school's instructional technology director plays an integral part in ensuring that students are educated with the most up-to-date tools available.