Jobs in education
The United States needs well-trained teachers and education professionals more than ever. While private and public school enrollments are projected to be higher in 2027 than they were in 2015,1 the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) confirms an alarming shortage of well-qualified teachers.2
When you choose a career in education, you choose to positively impact the next generation of students. You choose to make a difference. And when you choose the University of Kansas School of Education and Human Sciences, you can rest assured your investment in education will pay off. Alumni across all of our online graduate education programs report a 36% average increase in salary three years after graduating.3
Data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts the following numbers of job openings, on average, per year, through 2032:
- 33,500 job openings for special education teachers4
- 56,300 job openings for preschool teachers5
- 109,000 job openings for kindergarten and elementary school teachers6
- 42,200 job openings for middle school teachers7
- 67,100 job openings for high school teachers8
- 118,800 openings for postsecondary teachers9
We invite you to explore your options for careers in education.
With a KU degree, you're a lot more marketable. I have heard, through word of mouth and from those hiring, KU is such a top program, especially in the field of special education. KU puts us at the forefront for being hired over other candidates. I look forward to all of the opportunities to come and to utilizing the degree that I just earned.
Earn More with a KU Online Education Master’s Degree10
Master’s degrees in education provide a positive return on investment, increasing marketability and earnings.10
Career Paths Within K-12 School Districts
The following reflect career paths for those who want to directly interact with students on a daily basis, lead and guide teachers, and/or influence the policies designed to improve classroom outcomes.
- Preschool teacher
- Elementary school teacher
- Middle school teacher
- High school teacher
- Special education teacher
- Assistant principal
- Athletic director
- Principal
- Superintendant
- Content coach
- Curriculum developer
- Grade-level chair
- Instructional coordinator
KU’s licensure programs strive to maintain accurate and up-to-date information about the educational requirements for licensure in U.S. states and territories. However, regulations are subject to change and varying interpretations. In addition to possible changes in educational requirements, licensure often includes additional requirements, such as specific examinations and additional training or practicum hours. It is highly recommended that students seek guidance from the appropriate licensing agency before beginning an academic program to ensure they know what is needed to obtain the license/certification/registration in the state in which they intend to practice and/or seek licensure. Visit soehs.ku.edu/current-students/licensure/disclosures for more information.
Careers in Education Outside the Traditional School Environment
An advanced degree in education doesn’t limit you to K-12 schools. The following roles reflect a few of the options available for those who want to pursue an alternative career in education in the public or private sector:
Consider Your Career Goals
What do you want to accomplish in your education career? If you enjoy working with students in the classroom, additional skills and credentials can render you a much more effective teacher or advocate in your current role.
If you want to advance your career and pursue a role as a principal, dean or other type of administrator, a master’s degree is often required.
"I’ve received compliments from my administrators on the quality of my teaching and the knowledge that I bring. When I’ve gone to IEP meetings, I’ve been complimented on my knowledge of special education law, my knowledge of different disabilities and ways to support the students. That's all thanks to KU’s high incidence and ASD programs."
Sydney C. ‘20
M.S.E. in High Incidence Disabilities (Teacher Track), Graduate Certificate: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
The Value of KU’s Graduate Programs in Education14
Enrolling in the Secondary Education and Transition Master’s program was one of the wisest decisions I have ever made. I have been a Transition Coordinator for about 10 years, but once I enrolled in this program, I learned so much more. I have been able to—during the program and up to today—elevate the transition program at our school district.
Benefits of Joining the Jayhawk Family
When you enroll in an online graduate program in education at the KU School of Education, ranked the #38 Best Online Master's in Education Program and #14 Best Online Masters in Education Programs for Veterans,15 you become an integral part of a forward-thinking community of educators—and a Jayhawk for life.
We support you both during your time in the program, through your assigned Student Success Coordinator, and after graduation, at which point you can continue to tap into the Jayhawk network and various career resources.
Stay relevant. Increase your earning potential. Advance your career.
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- Retrieved on November 28, 2023, from nces.ed.gov/pubs2019/2019001.pdf
- Retrieved on November 28, 2023, from epi.org/publication/the-teacher-shortage-is-real-large-and-growing-and-worse-than-we-thought-the-first-report-in-the-perfect-storm-in-the-teacher-labor-market-series/
- Based on a limited sample of self-reported data from alumni of the University of Kansas School of Education and Human Services online programs in education from graduating cohorts between 2019 and 2021.
- Retrieved on November 28, 2023, from bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/special-education-teachers.htm#tab-6
- Retrieved on November 28, 2023, from bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/preschool-teachers.htm#tab-6
- Retrieved on November 28, 2023, from bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/kindergarten-and-elementary-school-teachers.htm#tab-6
- Retrieved on November 28, 2023, from bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/middle-school-teachers.htm#tab-6
- Retrieved on November 28, 2023, from bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm#tab-6
- Retrieved on November 28, 2023, from bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm#tab-6
- Retrieved on November 28, 2023, from bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/should-i-get-a-masters-degree.htm
- Retrieved on November 28, 2023, from ed.gov/policy/highered/reg/hearulemaking/2011/collegepayoff.pdf
- Retrieved on November 28, 2023, from nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d22/tables/dt22_211.20.asp
- Retrieved on November 28, 2023, from bls.gov/oes/current/oes119032.htm
- Based on a limited sample of self-reported data from alumni of the University of Kansas School of Education online programs in education from graduating cohorts between 2020 and 2023.
- Retrieved on March 21, 2025, from usnews.com/education/online-education/university-of-kansas-155317