Coursework in an Education Bachelor's Degree

Most traditional education programs for school teachers center on teaching. Teachers going into elementary education will take courses in general areas like mathematics, social science, reading, art, literature, childhood development, science, and music. Teachers who want to teach specifically in a secondary level of education can specialize in a specific area of study. So, they may get a degree in science or mathematics but also take a program of study in teacher preparation.

Licensing Requirement to Teach Public School

Many teacher programs are accredited by national educational councils like the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Teacher Education Accreditation Council. Graduating from an accredited program isn't absolutely necessary; however, many school districts like to hire public school teachers that graduate from accredited programs. Every state requires public school teachers to have a state teaching license. A bachelor's degree is required to obtain a license and in many states several weeks or months of student teaching is also required. Those teaching in private schools are not required to be state licensed. However, even private schools like to hire teachers with degrees and a state teaching license when possible.

Pay scale for Education Bachelor's Degree Holder

The most common occupation for those with a bachelor's degree in education is to become a private or public school teacher of children from ages 3 to 18. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2008, the average earnings for school teachers in all levels were from $47,000 to $51,000 annually. The American Federation of Teachers found that new teachers with a bachelor's degree earned around $33,000 annually in the 2005-2006 school year. Some other benefits of teaching are that generally public school teaching positions are very steady even in a difficult economy, unless there are state mandated cut backs. Also, teaching jobs generally offer excellent benefits including good health insurance and even pension retirement plans.

There are other jobs where a bachelor's degree in education can be useful. These professions include adult education and corporate training.