Careers in Education

Careers in education may entail teaching in a classroom or supporting students and families through jobs in health, counseling, or education nonprofits. In order to work as a classroom teacher in a public school, you must obtain a teaching license (these are issued by individual states). Many states encourage educators to obtain master’s degrees or pay higher salaries for an advanced degree because of the preparation it offers for this complex profession. However, many states also allow teachers to become licensed through alternative pathways such as through the Teach for America program.

If you are considering becoming a teacher, you will want to think about whether you want to be an elementary or middle/high school teacher.

• Elementary educators work in single classrooms and teach a broad range of subjects to young children, including literacy, math, science, social studies, and more. Prospective elementary school teachers should take undergraduate courses from many disciplines, but should be sure to have some coursework in both mathematics and science.
• Middle and high school educators prepare in a specific subject area. Students choose between English language arts, the sciences, math, social studies, and art. Students interested in middle or high school teaching are encouraged to choose a major related to the subject they wish to teach.

Options for Graduate Study

Lewis & Clark offers a master of arts in teaching program in our Graduate School of Education and Counseling. Our teacher preparation programs are considered among the best in the nation.