Your Top Questions About Jobs in Education Answered

Are you passionate about working with kids, supporting their growth, and improving their lives? If you’re destined to be in the field of education, it’s something you just know! Working with kids is in your heart, and there’s no denying it.

Although you may feel sure about wanting to help kids, you might still have questions about various career opportunities in education. It’s important to be well-informed before you embark on any career. That’s why we’ve answered commonly asked questions about some of the top jobs in education we staff at Cross Country Education. Read on for a Q&A on topics like salary, job outlook, roles, certification and more on teaching jobs, substitute teaching jobs, special education jobs, teacher’s aide and paraprofessional jobs, speech language pathologist jobs, school counselor jobs and much more.

Education Jobs

What types of positions do education agencies staff?

Positions that education agencies staff vary. At Cross Country Education, we have job opportunities for a full range of school-based positions, including:

Academic accessor
Adapted PE teacher
Audiologist
Behavior aide/BII/CPI
Board certified behavior analyst
Campus aide
Case manager
Certified nursing assistant
Certified occupational therapy assistant
Credentialed school nurse
Credentialed/certified teacher
Deaf and hard of hearing teacher
Early childhood education teacher
Preschool assistant teacher
Program administrator
Psychologist
Registered behavior technician
School counselor
School psychologist
Sign language interpreter
Social services
Social worker
Educational audiologist
Educational diagnostician
Future teacher
Instructional assistant
Licensed practical nurse
Licensed vocational nurse
Marriage and family therapist
Occupational therapist
Orientation and mobility specialist
Paraprofessional
Physical therapist
Physical therapy assistant
Preschool teacher
Special education aide
Speech language pathologist
Speech language pathologist assistant
Substitute teacher
Teacher
Teacher assistant
Travel teacher
Visually impaired teacher

Teaching Jobs

About Teaching Jobs

What types of teachers are there?

There are many types of teachers, including general education teachers, special education teachers, English as a second language (ESOL) teachers, subject-area teachers, online or virtual teachers, early childhood education teachers, co-teachers, traveling teachers, and substitute teachers.

What are the perks of being a teacher?

The perks of being a teacher are working with kids, making a difference, enjoying summers and school breaks off, having excellent work hours, having lots of professional development opportunities, enjoying job security and outstanding benefits, having fun, collaborating with others who are passionate about teaching, and more.

Is teaching a stressful job?

For some, teaching can be stressful, but coping strategies can help. Some everyday teaching stressors are dealing with disruptive student behaviors, challenging parents, a high volume of paperwork, grading, lesson plans, limited time in the school day, curriculum demands and assessment criteria. However, strategies that can help teachers reduce stress include implementing classroom management practices, organizational systems and time management skills, maintaining work-life balance, practicing self-care, resting and recuperating during breaks, and relying on friends and colleagues for support.

Becoming a Teacher

What type of education is required to be a teacher?

Educational requirements to become a teacher depend on the location you want to work, whether you work for public or private schools and the type of teacher you want to become. For example, to teach in most public school systems, if you pursue the traditional certification route, you must earn a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in education covering teaching methods, classroom management, subject-area content, student teaching hours, etc. You’ll then take your competency exams and apply for certification. There are alternative routes to gaining teacher certification if you’ve majored in another subject area or are switching careers.

What percentage of teachers have master's degrees?

Across the U.S., 2.7 percent of teachers had less than a bachelor’s degree, 39.3 percent of teachers had a bachelor’s degree, 49.2 percent held master’s degrees, and 8.8 had higher than a master’s (ed.gov).

What is the fastest way to get a teaching certificate?

The fastest way to get a teaching certificate (once you’ve obtained a degree, of course) would be through the traditional route. Once you’ve finished your bachelor’s degree in education (which takes about four years), you would take the exams and apply for certification. If you work in a different field but want to switch to teaching, you can pursue an alternative certification program designed to streamline the path to education so you don’t have to go back to get another different degree. This process will take around two years, but it will save you from having to start a four-year degree program all over. In this case, you would complete the alternative certification program, pass your exams, and apply for certification.

How do I apply for a teaching job?

To apply for a teaching job, you must prepare a resume, cover letter, transcripts, teaching philosophy statement, copies of your certifications and other requested materials. You’ll want to tailor your information for each position you’re interested in. Next, you’ll complete an application, and if you hear back, you’ll have interviews and be asked to submit references to be considered for the position.

Demand for Teachers

Which teachers are most in demand?

Types of teachers that are in high demand include special education teachers, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) teachers, bilingual ESL teachers, teachers in rural and remote areas, and early childhood education teachers.

What states need teachers the most?

Arizona, California, Texas, Nevada, Florida, New Mexico, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, New Jersey, and New York are states that have the most significant shortages of teachers.

Is there a teacher shortage in California?

Yes! California has a teacher shortage. There were more than 10,000 teacher vacancies during 2021-22, according to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). California has recently implemented financial incentives to those who want to become teachers and has taken actions that make it easier for retired educators to return to the classroom (ca.gov). To learn more about becoming a teacher in California, talk with Cross Country Education or visit the California Department of Education.

Teaching Salary

What is a teacher’s salary?

Teacher salary varies based on location, length of service, specialization, degree, and other factors. The average elementary and secondary school teacher salary in the U.S. as of May 2022 was $70,410, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Preschool teachers (early childhood educators) made a median salary of $30,210 in 2021 (money.usnews.com).

What is the starting salary for a teacher?

The average starting salary for elementary and secondary school teachers was $42,742 (salary.com).

How much do teachers make an hour?

Teachers generally are paid an annual salary, but the average national teacher salary breaks down to an hourly rate of $27, according to salary.com.

How can I make more money as a teacher?

If you want to make more money as a teacher, you can pursue a higher level of education (such as a master's, specialist or doctorate degree) or earn additional certification in a specialty or national board certification. Other ways to make more as a teacher are to teach in a high-need area, teach summer school or after-school programs, become a leader, or move to a state that pays more. Generally, public school teachers earn more than private school teachers.

What state pays teachers the most? Rhode Island is the state that pays teachers the most, with an annual mean wage of $111,010 (BLS). Other top-paying states are Massachusetts, California, the District of Columbia, Maryland and New York (edweek.org).

What state has the lowest-paid teachers? Mississippi has the lowest-paid teachers, with an average salary of $48,530, followed by South Dakota and Florida (edweek.org).

Traveling Teacher Jobs

What is a traveling teacher?

A traveling teacher is a certified teacher willing to travel and teach in areas where they’re most needed. It’s a wonderful way to see new places in the U.S. and make a meaningful impact on the lives of others. Travel teachers typically work with agencies that specialize in their placement and can work in public, private and charter schools. Teachers who travel with Cross Country Education are matched with a skilled recruiter who can find an ideal position and design a travel package that fits their needs. Our travel teachers enjoy housing and meal stipends, travel reimbursement, health benefits, professional liability insurance, professional development, CEU opportunities, and more!

Substitute Teacher Jobs

About Substitute Teaching Jobs

What does a substitute teacher do?

Substitute teachers help ensure the classroom runs smoothly when the teacher is out, providing structure and support for students. Substitute teachers’ roles and responsibilities include managing the classroom when the teacher is away, ensuring student safety, delivering lesson plans, following classroom routines, providing academic support, communicating with school staff, documenting student behaviors, keeping work and grades, taking kids to lunch and recess, and more.

What do substitute teachers do in the summer?

In the summer, substitute teachers can teach summer school, take on another temporary job for the season, develop curriculum, attend school to become full-time teachers, teach camps, or enjoy the time off!

Becoming a Substitute Teacher

What do you need to be a substitute teacher?

The requirements to become a substitute teacher vary by state and whether you sub at a public or private school. Most school districts require a high school diploma, and some require an associate’s or even a bachelor’s degree. Substitute teachers must complete a background check and sometimes obtain a sub teaching license or hold a valid teaching certificate. Subs also have to undergo training and orientation and complete an application process.

What degree do you need to be a substitute teacher?

To be a substitute teacher in the following states, you need a high school diploma or a GED: Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin (magoosh.com).

Do you need a bachelor’s to be a substitute teacher?

States that require substitute teachers to have a bachelor’s degree or at least 60 college credits include California, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Nevada, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Wyoming (magoosh.com).

How do I get my substitute teacher certification?

The first step in getting your substitute teacher certification is deciding where to work. Each state is different. Some states require a substitute teacher certification, while others do not. Laws are constantly changing, so check with your state. Generally, you’ll need to complete the educational requirements (high school diploma, GED, associates or bachelor’s, depending on location) and show proof of completion. Then you need to undergo a background check, which involves fingerprinting, criminal arrest record, employment history, reference checks, etc.

How do I apply to be a substitute teacher?

To apply as a substitute teacher, locate a job you want to pursue and prepare a resume, cover letter, transcripts, teaching philosophy statement, copies of your certifications and other requested materials. You’ll want to tailor your information for each position you’re interested in. Next, you’ll complete an application, and if you hear back, you’ll have interviews and be asked to submit references to be considered for the position.

Demand for Substitute Teachers

Are substitute teachers in demand?

Yes! Substitute teachers are in demand. There’s a severe shortage of teachers, and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 600,000 substitutes cover over 30 million teacher absences annually!

Substitute Teacher Pay

How much does a substitute teacher make?

Substitute teacher pay varies by location and other factors. The mean annual wage for short-term substitute teachers nationwide is $42,680 (BLS).

How much do substitute teachers make an hour? Per day?

The mean annual wage for short-term substitute teachers nationwide is $20.52 per hour (BLS). This works out to $164.16 for an 8-hour day.

How much do substitute teachers make an hour? Per day?

The mean annual wage for short-term substitute teachers nationwide is $20.52 per hour (BLS). This works out to $164.16 for an 8-hour day.

How much do long-term or permanent substitute teachers make?

The average salary for long-term substitute teachers in the U.S. is $42,808 or $20.58 per hour (zippia.com).

Where do substitute teachers make the most money?

Substitute teachers make the most money in Connecticut, with an annual mean wage of $63,740, followed by Arizona, North Dakota, Oregon, and California (BLS).

Do substitute teachers get benefits?

Some substitute teachers get benefits from their school districts, but many do not. Substitute teachers who work over 30 hours per week with Cross Country Education do receive benefits! Substitute teachers who work 30+ hours per week with us are eligible for our complete benefits package, which includes paid sick leave, medical, dental, vision, 401(k), Employee Assistance Program, group term life, AD&D coverage, professional development, coaching, mentorship and much more.

Special Education Teacher Jobs

About Special Education Teacher Jobs

What is the responsibility of a special education teacher?

A special education teacher’s roles, responsibilities and duties include developing and implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities, adapting curriculum and instructional methods to meet individual student needs, and collaborating with parents, other educators, and support staff to provide a supportive learning environment. They also offer specialized instruction, assess student progress, and ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to education and academic and social growth opportunities.

Where do special education teachers work?

Special education teachers can work at private, public and charter schools, special education centers, early intervention programs, residential treatment centers, virtual schools, home health and hospitals.

Special Education Teacher Salary

How much do special ed teachers make an hour?

Special education teacher pay varies by location, experience, education, time of service and other factors. Nationally, special education teachers make an average salary of $74,310 per year (BLS) .

Traveling Special Education Teacher Jobs

Are there travel jobs for special education teachers?

Yes! Many schools need special education teachers who are willing to travel. Travel teachers help reach kids who need them most. Special education teachers who travel with Cross Country Education have opportunities to work in exciting locations nationwide.

Teacher’s Aide, Teacher’s Assistant and Paraprofessional Jobs

About Teacher’s Aides, Assistants and Paraprofessionals

What is a teaching assistant?

A teaching assistant, also called an educational assistant, instructional aide, teacher’s aide or paraprofessional, supports teachers and students in the classroom. They may work in general or special education and conduct various tasks under the supervision of a licensed teacher.

What does a teaching assistant do?

The roles and responsibilities of a teaching assistant, educational assistant, teacher’s aide, or paraprofessional may include organizing and preparing classroom materials, setting up equipment, providing individualized academic support for students, managing behaviors, supervising students during lunch, recess or other activities, assisting students with special needs to deliver support outlined in their Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).

Becoming a Teacher’s Aide, Assistant or Paraprofessional

What do you need to be a teaching assistant?

The qualifications to be a teaching assistant, teacher’s aide or paraprofessional vary in different states and school districts. Generally, you will need a high school diploma or GED, but in some areas, you need an associate’s degree or higher. You’ll also need to have some experience working with children and to have background and security checks. Working as a teacher’s aide requires practical communication skills, patience, flexibility, classroom management skills and, in some instances, specialized training in special education or other areas.

How do I apply for a teacher's assistant job?

To apply for a job as a teacher’s assistant, teacher’s aide, or paraprofessional, locate a job you want to pursue and prepare a resume, cover letter, transcripts, copies of any certifications and other requested materials. Tailor your information for each position you’re interested in. Next, complete an application, and if you hear back, you’ll have interviews and be asked to submit references to be considered for the position.

Teacher’s Aides, Teaching Assistants and Paraprofessional Salary

How much do teacher assistants make?

Teacher assistants, teacher’s aides and paraprofessionals salaries vary depending on location and other factors, but they earn an average salary of $29,360 per year across the U.S. (BLS).

Speech Language Pathologist Jobs

About School Speech Language Pathologists Jobs

What does a school SLP do?

School speech language pathologists provide therapeutic services for students with communication and swallowing disorders that affect their academic and social performance and well-being.

What are the duties of a school SLP?

School SLPs assess and evaluate students for speech disorders, implement intervention strategies, work on speech and language goals, collaborate with teachers, parents and therapists, provide individualized treatment plans and therapy for students, collaborate with the IEP team, and much more.

Becoming a Speech Pathologist

How long does it take to become a speech pathologist?

It generally takes around 6 or 7 years to become a speech pathologist. First, you’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree in an approved, related field, followed by a master’s in speech-language pathology that includes clinical hours. After completing your education, you’ll need to pass your exam to become certified to practice as an SLP. You’ll then complete a clinical fellowship, which can take around nine months.

Can you travel as a speech pathologist?

Yes! You can travel as a speech pathologist! At Cross Country Education, we have a range of SLP jobs at exciting locations across the nation. It’s the perfect way to reach kids who need your specialized services most!

Speech Pathologist Salary

How much do speech pathologists make an hour? Speech pathologists’ salary varies based on location, work environment, experience and other factors. Nationwide, speech pathologists make an average salary of $79,060 or $38.01 per hour (BLS).

School Counselors and School Psychologists

About School Counselor and School Psychologist Jobs

What are the roles of a counselor?

A school counselor's roles can include counseling students on academic, personal and social issues, career goals, college applications, study skills, time management, self-esteem, conflict resolution, anger management, crisis intervention, student advocacy and more.

What are the roles of a school psychologist?

School psychologists’ roles can include conducting psychological assessments, evaluating students for special education services, intervening during crises, providing behavior intervention and support, consulting with students, teachers, administrators and parents, attending IEP meetings, educating the school community, and more.

School Counselor and School Psychologist Salary

What is the salary of a school counselor?

School counselor salary varies depending on location, experience and other factors, but nationwide, school counselors earn an average of $60,510 per year (BLS).

What is the salary of a school psychologist?

School psychologist salary varies depending on location, experience and other factors, but nationwide, school psychologists earn an average of $87,320 per year (BLS).

We hope this Q&A answered your questions about top jobs in education. If you are an educator or aspiring educator and you still have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our experienced recruiters. At Cross Country Education, we have exciting programs designed to help you build a rewarding career in education, like our Future Teachers and Travel Teachers Programs, no matter where you are along your journey!

Find your next career adventure as an educational professional with Cross Country Education today.

All About Education Jobs: Traveling Teacher, Substitute Teacher, Teacher’s Aide, and More!