Students who want to pursue a career as an elementary school teacher typically receive their bachelor's degree in elementary education. Because most elementary school teachers, unlike middle and high school teachers, do not specialize in a particular content area, elementary education typically includes coursework in all of the subjects the elementary school teacher will be expected to teach, as well as pedagogy coursework covering child development, classroom management and teaching methods particular to younger children.
A master's degree in education prepares the student for a variety of roles in the education system by exploring methods, theories and research related to the education field. While a master's degree is rarely required for initial certification, some school districts require teachers to obtain a master's degree in order to maintain their certification. A master's degree also opens positions in counseling and administration in some districts, and teachers with master's degrees are more likely to be hired. Graduate education programs may terminate in an MA or MS degree, and some programs specialize, offering degrees in teaching, counseling or administration. Students seeking certification should check with their program, as not all master's programs result in certification.
A master's degree in special education prepares teachers to work with students with disabilities and special learning needs. Special education teachers design instruction for individual students based on their individualized education plans, or IEPs. Because of the nature of special education, teachers must know about different disabilities, how they affect a child's ability to learn and succeed in school and what strategies help a child achieve equally to his nondisabled peers.
Teachers who want to move into high-level, decision-making positions in the educational system often need a doctoral degree in education. While bachelor's and master's programs teach strategies related to instruction, assessment and classroom management, doctoral programs focus on theories and research being conducted in the field of education. The doctoral degree prepares teachers to conduct research, publish journal articles and teach future teachers at a college or university.