Become a Teacher in Illinois

Get the information you need to make a difference in your community. Learn about teaching in Illinois.

From 2008 to 2009, when many industry sectors were losing jobs, education was one of just two industries to show job growth in Illinois. Not only that: job projections for the next ten years show even more cause for optimism.* All this suggests that it's a great time to become a teacher in Illinois.

Besides providing future generations with a strong educational foundation, Illinois teachers also enjoy the 8th highest teacher salaries in the nation. The National Education Association reports that average Illinois teacher salaries amount to $62,077 per year. Add to that benefits such as health and dental insurance, pension plans, and teachers' summers off, and a teaching career in Illinois sounds very tempting indeed.

Future Illinois Teachers
If you want to become a teacher in Illinois, all you have to do is see the statistics to know that education is a growth industry. The Illinois Department of Employment Security projects a 16 percent growth rate for teachers, with average annual job openings totaling 8,830.*

But to take advantage of those job openings, you'll need to apply for Illinois teacher certification. To become a certified teacher, you'll complete a state-approved teacher-preparation program and meet the other coursework and testing requirements for the state of Illinois. Teachers generally need at least a bachelor's degree to get a classroom of their own.**

Current Illinois Teachers and School Administrators
Illinois has a three-tiered certification system. After four years of teaching experience, educators with Illinois teacher certification at the Initial level can complete additional professional development and move up the ranks to apply for a Standard or Master teaching certificate.

Not only can additional teacher certification boost your salary, but the professional development you acquire through mentoring or additional college coursework will benefit you...and your students.** To learn about the requirements to become a school administrator, contact the Illinois State Board of Education.

Illinois Teachers in Demand
Thanks to the recently established federal Education Jobs Fund, Illinois will receive over $400 million for the 2010-2011 school year to help save or create jobs in early childhood, elementary and secondary education.*** Prospective and current teachers alike should keep an eye out for all those new job openings. But even if you don't have a degree in education, you can still become a teacher in Illinois as long as you hold a bachelor's degree and have begun an appropriate Alternative Certification Program.**

Teacher World is here to help you become a teacher in Illinois. Start today by researching the accredited teacher training programs below.

Sources:
* Illinois Department of Employment Security
** Illinois State Board of Education
***U.S. Department of Education

Find Campus Locations in Illinois and Online Schools Accepting Students from Illinois

Online

Grand Canyon University

Campuses: Online

Degrees Offered:

  • B.S. in Early Childhood (Online)
  • B.S. in Elementary Education - Math (Leads to initial teacher licensure) (Online)
  • B.S. in Elementary Education - Science (Leads to initial teacher licensure) (Online)
  • B.S. in Elementary Education / Special Education (Dual Major) (Online)
  • B.S. in Secondary Education - Business Education (Online)
  • B.S. in Secondary Education - English (Online)
  • B.S. in Secondary Education - Math (Online)
  • M.A. in Teaching - Professional Learning Communities (Online)
  • M.A. in Teaching - Teacher Leadership (Does not lead to initial teacher licensure) (Online)
  • M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction - Reading - Elementary Education (Online)
  • M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction - Reading - Secondary Education (Online)
  • M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction - Technology (Does not lead to teacher licensure) (Online)
  • M.Ed. in Early Childhood (Does not lead to initial teacher licensure) (Online)
  • M.Ed. in Early Childhood (Leads to initial teacher licensure) (Online)
  • M.Ed. in Education Administration (Online)
  • M.Ed. in Educational Leadership (Does not lead to initial teacher licensure) (Online)
  • M.Ed. in Elementary Education (Does not lead to initial teacher licensure) (Online)
  • M.Ed. in Elementary Education (Leads to initial teacher licensure) (Online)
  • M.Ed. in Secondary Education (Does not lead to initial teacher licensure) (Online)
  • M.Ed. in Secondary Education (Leads to initial teacher licensure) (Online)
  • M.Ed. in Special Education (Online)
  • M.Ed. in Special Education - Certified Special Educators (Online)
  • M.Ed. in Special Education with Credential (Leads to initial teacher licensure) (Online)
  • M.Ed. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) (Online)
  • Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership - Christian Ministry (Online)
  • Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership - Higher Education Leadership (Online)
  • Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership - K-12 Leadership (Online)
  • B.A. in English Literature (Online)
  • B.A. in Christian Studies (Online)
  • B.A. in Christian Studies - Biblical Studies (Online)
  • B.A. in Christian Studies - Youth Ministry (Online)
  • M.A. in Christian Studies - Christian Leadership (Online)
  • M.A. in Christian Studies - Pastoral Ministry (Online)
  • M.A. in Christian Studies - Urban Ministry (Online)
  • M.A. in Christian Studies - Youth Ministry (Online)

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Keiser University

Campuses: Online

Degrees Offered:

  • Education Specialist in Instructional Design and Technology (Online)
  • Master of Science in Education (Online)
  • Master of Science in Education - Teaching & Learning (Online)
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership (Online)
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Instructional Design and Technology (Online)
  • Education Specialist in Educational Leadership (Online)
  • Graduate Certificate in Career College Administration (Online)
  • Joint Master of Science in Education and Master of Business Administration (Online)
  • Master of Science in Education - Allied Health Teaching and Learning (Online)
  • Master of Science in Education - College Administration (Online)
  • Master of Science in Education - Leadership (Online)
  • Master of Science in Education - Online Teaching and Learning (Online)
  • Associate of Arts in General Studies (Online)
  • Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (Online)

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University of Southern California - Rossier School of Education

Campuses: Online

Degrees Offered:

  • Master of Arts in Teaching (Online)
  • Master of Arts in Teaching - Gifted Education Certificate (Online)
  • Master of Arts in Teaching - TESOL (Online)
  • Master of Arts in Teaching w/ Teaching Credential (Online)
  • Master of Arts in Teaching with Special Education Credential (Online)
  • Master of Education in Advanced Instruction (Online)
  • Master's of Education - Gifted Education Certificate (Online)
  • Master's of Education with Special Education Credential (Online)

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Capella University

Campuses: Online

Degrees Offered:

  • Master of Science in Higher Education Leadership and Administration (Online)
  • PhD in Leadership for Higher Education (Online)
  • Master of Science in Child & Adolescent Development (Online)
  • EdD in Educational Leadership & Management (Online)
  • EdD in Reading and Literacy (Online)
  • EdS in Curriculum and Instruction (Online)
  • EdS in Leadership in Educational Administration (Online)
  • Master of Science in Adult Education (Online)
  • Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction (for licensed K-12 teachers) (Online)
  • Master of Science in Early Childhood Education (Online)
  • Master of Science in Instructional Design for Online Learning (Online)
  • Master of Science in K-12 Studies in Education (for licensed K-12 teachers) (Online)
  • Master of Science in Leadership in Educational Administration (for licensed K-12 teachers) (Online)
  • Master of Science in Reading and Literacy (for licensed K-12 teachers) (Online)
  • Master of Science in Training and Performance Improvement (Online)
  • PhD in Curriculum and Instruction (Online)
  • PhD in Instructional Design for Online Learning (Online)
  • PhD in K-12 Studies in Education (Online)
  • PhD in Leadership in Educational Administration (Online)
  • PhD in Management Education (Online)
  • PhD in Postsecondary and Adult Education (Online)
  • PhD in Professional Studies in Education (Online)
  • PhD in Special Education Leadership (Online)
  • PhD in Training and Performance Improvement (Online)
  • PhD in Information Technology Education (Online)

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Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Campuses: Online

Degrees Offered:

  • Graduate Certificate - Child & Adolescent Psychology (Online-Blended)

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Ashford University

Campuses: Online

Degrees Offered:

  • Bachelor of Arts - Cultural Anthropology (Online)
  • Bachelor of Arts - English (Online)
  • Bachelor of Arts - English Language Learner Studies (Online)
  • Bachelor of Arts - History (Online)
  • Bachelor of Arts - Library Science and Media (Online)
  • Master of Arts - Education (Online)
  • Master of Arts - Education - Assessment & Measurement (Online)
  • Master of Arts - Education - Child Development (Online)
  • Master of Arts - Education - Culturally Responsive Education (Online)
  • Master of Arts - Education - Curriculum & Instruction (Online)
  • Master of Arts - Education - Distance Learning (Online)
  • Master of Arts - Education - Early Childhood Education (Online)
  • Master of Arts - Education - Educational Technology Leadership (Online)
  • Master of Arts - Education - English Language Learner (Online)
  • Master of Arts - Education - Family and Community Services (Online)
  • Master of Arts - Education - Higher Education (Online)
  • Master of Arts - Education - Library and Media (Online)
  • Master of Arts - Education - Mathematics Instruction (Online)
  • Master of Arts - Education - Reading Literacy (Online)
  • Master of Arts - Education - Special Education (Non-Licensure) (Online)
  • Master of Arts - Education - Teacher Leader (Online)
  • Master of Arts - Teaching & Learning with Technology (Online)
  • Bachelor of Arts - Child Development (Online)
  • Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education (Online)
  • Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education - Infant and Toddler Care (Online)
  • Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education Administration (Online)
  • Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education Administration - Infant and Toddler Care (Online)
  • Bachelor of Arts - Education Studies (Online)
  • Bachelor of Arts - Health Education (Online)
  • Bachelor of Arts - Instructional Design (Online)
  • Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Arts (Online)
  • Bachelor of Arts - Organizational Management - Early Childhood Education (Online)
  • Bachelor of Arts - Organizational Management - Education (Online)
  • Bachelor of Arts - Organizational Management - Elementary Education (Online)
  • Bachelor of Arts - Social Science - Early Childhood Education (Online)
  • Bachelor of Arts - Social Science - Education Studies (Online)
  • Associate of Arts - Early Childhood Education (Online)
  • Bachelor of Arts - Military Studies (Online)
  • Bachelor of Arts - Organizational Management - English/Language Arts (Online)
  • Bachelor of Arts - Organizational Management - History (Online)
  • Bachelor of Arts - Organizational Management - Liberal Studies (Online)
  • Bachelor of Arts - Social Science - English/Language Arts (Online)
  • Bachelor of Arts - Social Science - History (Online)

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Kaplan University

Campuses: Online

Degrees Offered:

  • Master of Science in Higher Education - Educational Assessment and Evaluation (Online)
  • BSPY - Child Development (Online)
  • Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Development (Online)
  • Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies (Online)
  • MSE - Instructional Technology - Adult Learning/Higher Ed (Online)
  • MSE - Instructional Technology - Adult Learning/Organizations (Online)
  • Master of Arts in Teaching (for Aspiring Teachers Grades 5-12) (Online)
  • Master of Science in Education (for Existing Teachers Grades K-12) (Online)
  • Master of Science in Higher Education - College Administration and Leadership (Online)
  • Master of Science in Higher Education - College Teaching and Learning (Online)
  • Master of Science in Higher Education - Online College Teaching (Online)
  • Master of Science in Higher Education - Student Affairs (Online)

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Walden University

Campuses: Online

Degrees Offered:

  • Master of Science (M.S.) in Adult Learning (Online)
  • Master of Science (M.S.) in Early Childhood Studies (Online)
  • Master of Science (M.S.) in Education (Online)
  • Master of Science (M.S.) in Higher Education (Online)
  • Master of Science (M.S.) in Instructional Design and Technology (Online)
  • Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) (Online)
  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Education (Course-based) (Online)
  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Education (KAM-based) (Online)
  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Education (Mixed-Model) (Online)
  • Education Specialist (Ed.S.)
  • Teacher Preparation Program with Master of Arts in Teaching (Online)

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Pacific Oaks College

Campuses: Online

Degrees Offered:

  • Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction (Online)
  • Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education (online)

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California Lutheran University

Campuses: Online

Degrees Offered:

  • EdD in Higher Education Leadership (Online)

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American InterContinental University

Campuses: Online

Degrees Offered:

  • MEd - Adult Education and Training (Online)
  • MEd - Classroom Integration of Technology (Online)
  • MEd - Curriculum and Instruction (Online)
  • MEd - Educational Assessment and Evaluation (Online)
  • MEd - Instructional Design (Online)
  • MEd - Leadership of Educational Organizations (Online)

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University of Phoenix

Campuses: Online

Degrees Offered:

  • Associate of Arts in Elementary Education
  • Bachelor of Arts in English
  • Bachelor of Science in Education/Elementary Teacher Education
  • Continuing Education for Educators
  • Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership
  • Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership/Curriculum and Instruction
  • Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership/Educational Technology
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration
  • Educational Specialist
  • Master of Arts in Education/Administration and Supervision
  • Master of Arts in Education/Adult Education and Training
  • Master of Arts in Education/Curriculum and Instruction/Reading
  • Master of Arts in Education/Early Childhood Education
  • Master of Arts in Education/Elementary Teacher Education
  • Master of Arts in Education/Secondary Teacher Education
  • Master of Arts in Education/Special Education
  • Master of Arts in Education/Teacher Leadership

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Western Governors University

Campuses: Online

Degrees Offered:

  • B.A. Interdisciplinary Studies (K-8) (Online)
  • B.A. Mathematics (5-9 or 5-12) (Online)
  • B.A. Science (5-12 Biological Science) (Online)
  • B.A. Science (5-12 Chemistry) (Online)
  • B.A. Science (5-12 Geosciences) (Online)
  • B.A. Science (5-12 Physics) (Online)
  • B.A. Science (5-9) (Online)
  • B.A. Special Education (Online)
  • Endorsement Prep Program in ELL (PK-12) (Online)
  • Endorsement Preparation Program in Educational Leadership (Online)
  • M.A. English Language Learning (PK-12) (Online)
  • M.A. Mathematics Education (K-6, 5-9, or 5-12) (Online)
  • M.A. Science Education (5-12 Biological Science) (Online)
  • M.A. Science Education (5-12 Chemistry) (Online)
  • M.A. Science Education (5-12 Geosciences) (Online)
  • M.A. Science Education (5-12 Physics) (Online)
  • M.A. Science Education (5-9) (Online)
  • M.A. Teaching (K-8)
  • M.A. Teaching --Mathematics (5-9 or 5-12) (Online)
  • M.A. Teaching --Science (5-9 or 5-12) (Online)
  • M.A. Teaching --Social Science (5-12) (Online)
  • M.Ed. Instructional Design (Online)
  • M.Ed. Learning and Technology (Online)
  • M.S. Curriculum and Instruction (Online)
  • M.S. Educational Leadership (Online)
  • M.S. Special Education (K-12) (Online)
  • Post-Baccalaureate in Teacher Preparation - Mathematics (5-9 or 5-12) (Online)
  • Post-Baccalaureate in Teacher Preparation - Science (5-9 or 5-12) (Online)
  • Post-Baccalaureate in Teacher Preparation - Social Science (5-12) (Online)
  • Post-bacc Teacher Prep Prgm (K-8) (online)

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Colorado Technical University

Campuses: Online

Degrees Offered:

  • Associate of Science in General Studies (Online)
  • Doctor of Management in Graduate Level Instructional Practices (Online)
  • Doctor of Management in Private Sector Higher Education Leadership (Online)

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Northeastern University - College of Professional Studies

Campuses: Online

Degrees Offered:

  • Master of Science in Commerce and Economic Development (Online)

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Full Sail University

Campuses: Online

Degrees Offered:

  • Master of Science in Education Media Design and Technology (Online)

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Post University

Campuses: Online

Degrees Offered:

  • Master of Education (Online)

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University of San Diego

Campuses: Online

Degrees Offered:

  • M.Ed in 21st Century Literacies (Online)
  • M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction (Online)
  • M.Ed in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) (Online)
  • M.Ed in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Inclusive Education (Online)

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Concordia University

Campuses: Online

Degrees Offered:

  • M.Ed in Career and Technical Education (Online)
  • M.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction - Adolescent Literacy (Online)
  • M.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction - Career and Technical Education (CTE) (Online)
  • M.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction - ECE (Online)
  • M.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction - ESOL (K-Adult) (Online)
  • M.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction - English Language Development (Online)
  • M.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction - Environmental Education (Online)
  • M.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction - Equity, Ethics, and Justice
  • M.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction - Mathematics (Online)
  • M.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction - Methods & Curriculum (Online)
  • M.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction - Reading (Online)
  • M.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction - Science (Online)
  • M.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction - Teacher Leadership (Online)
  • M.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction - The Inclusive Classroom (SPED) (Online)
  • M.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction - eLearning/Technology Education (Online)
  • M.Ed in Educational Leadership (Online)
  • M.Ed in Special Education - Early Childhood/Elementary Education (Online)
  • M.Ed in Special Education - Middle Level/High School Education (Online)
  • BS in Career and Technical Education (Online)
  • BS in Early Childhood Education (Birth - 5 Years) (Online)
  • Ed.D in Educational Administration (Online)
  • Ed.D in Teacher Leadership (Online)

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Keller Graduate School of Management

Campuses: Online

Degrees Offered:

  • Graduate Certificate in Educational Technology (Online)
  • Master's in Educational Technology (Online)

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University of the Southwest

Campuses: Online

Degrees Offered:

  • MSEd - Curriculum and Instruction
  • MSEd - Early Childhood
  • MSEd - Education Administration
  • MSEd - Special Education
  • Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction: Bilingual
  • Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction: TESOL

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Columbia Southern University

Campuses: Online

Degrees Offered:

  • A.A. General Studies

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Queens University of Charlotte

Campuses: Online

Degrees Offered:

  • Master of Arts in Educational Leadership (Online)

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DeVry University

Campuses: Online

Degrees Offered:

  • Certificate - Education Leadership (Online)
  • Certificate - Educational Technology Leadership (Online)
  • Graduate Certificate - Curriculum Leadership (Online)
  • Master's - Education (Online)

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Saint Joseph's University

Campuses: Online

Degrees Offered:

  • Bachelor of Science in Professional and Liberal Studies (Online)
  • Bachelor of Science in Professional and Liberal Studies w/ an Autism Studies Concentration (Online)
  • Certificate of Proficiency in Autism Studies (Online)
  • Graduate Certificate Instructional Technology Specialist (Online)
  • MS Organization Development & Leadership - Adult Learning & Training Concentration (Online)
  • MS in Education of the Deaf & Hard of Hearing w/PA Hearing Impaired K-12 (Online)
  • Master of Science in Instructional Technology (Online)
  • Master of Science in Instructional Technology Specialist (Online)
  • Master of Science in Secondary Education with OATCERT Certification (Online)
  • Master of Science in Special Education (Online)
  • Master of Science in Special Education (with Wilson Reading Certification) (Online)
  • Master of Science in Special Education with Autism spectrum Disorders' Endorsement (Online)
  • Online Accelerated Teacher Certification (Online)
  • Pennsylvania Hearing Impaired K-12 Certification (Online)
  • Special Education Certification (Online)

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Sullivan University

Campuses: Online

Degrees Offered:

  • Master's in Public Management - concentration in Educational Management (Online)

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Purdue University

Campuses: Online

Degrees Offered:

  • Master of Science in Education in Learning Design and Technology (Online)

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Lewis University

Campuses: Online

Degrees Offered:

  • Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership - Higher Education - Student Services (Online)

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Illinois

Kendall College

Campuses: Chicago

Degrees Offered:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education - Certification Only
  • Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education - w/IL Type 04 Certification
  • Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education - w/out Certification

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Keller Graduate School of Management

Campuses: Chicago

Degrees Offered:

  • Graduate Certificate - Management of Public and Private K-12 Educational Systems

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Rasmussen College

Campuses: Romeoville, Aurora, Rockford, Mokena

Degrees Offered:

  • Associate's - Early Childhood Education: English Language Learner
  • Associate's - Early Childhood Education: Special Needs
  • Associate's - Early Childhood Education: Child Development
  • Certificate - Early Childhood Education
  • Associate's - Early Childhood Education: Child and Family Studies

DeVry University

Campuses: Schaumburg, Tinley Park, Chicago, Gurnee, Elgin, Lincolnshire, Naperville, Addison

Degrees Offered:

  • Master's - Education
  • Certificate - Educational Technology Leadership
  • Certificate - Education Leadership
  • Graduate Certificate - Curriculum Leadership

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Read Our Testimonials

"I decided to go to graduate school and earn my Master of Arts in Education because I am inspired by new knowledge. I feel in order to perform my job to the best of my ability, I need to keep up with current practices and trends in the field of education."
- Sara Marvez -- 6th grade science teacher

"Gaining my Master's degree has earned me respect from administrators and colleagues. Also, my salary has benefited greatly. The cost of graduate school was paid off in only a couple years."
- Thomas Bjornson -- high school English teacher

"Postgraduate study was a personal goal of mine, and completing my Master's degree has given me a great sense of personal satisfaction. It has also increased my efficiency in the classroom and my marketability in the job market."
- Janet O'Reilly -- 8th grade social studies teacher

"I found my online courses efficient and friendly. I had a desire to go to graduate school, but I didn't want to go through the nonsense of another undergraduate degree, bumping shoulders with students a third my age who have very little understanding of real life or the benefits of real knowledge. A friend recommended online education and I haven't looked back since.

At the age of 53, I love my job more than ever. I get so much satisfaction knowing that many of my students respect me for what I do as a teacher.

I am able to face any sort of situation that arises in my classroom with complete confidence."
- Jonathan Lloyd -- high school chemistry teacher



*Teacher Salary Information For 2008—2009

Average Beginning Teacher Salary: $31,753 Average Teacher Salary: $47,602 Average Administrator Salary: $77,740 Elementary School Principals: $82,414 Middle School Principals: $87,866 High School Principals: $92,965
On average, teachers with masters degrees will earn $8,000 to $10,000 more each year than those with only a bachelors degree.

Consequently, in order to attain a position as an administrator, a masters, PhD or Ed D. is required.

On average, Administrators will earn around $30,000 more each year than their hard working, teacher cohorts!

* BLS Statistics