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If youā€™re eager to become a teacher, you may wonder whether having an associateā€™s degree is enough.1

Naturally, this depends on your definition of ā€œenough.ā€ For some, the opportunities afforded by an associateā€™s degree in education provide ample satisfactionā€”from the possibility of making a profound impact in anotherā€™s life to the joys of working with children. For others, the diploma serves as a launching pad to a higher degree and a lifelong career in teaching. 

So, can you be a teacher with an associateā€™s degree? 

If you have an associate's degree, you can typically teach preschool and prekindergarten, as most K-12 teaching positions require a bachelor's degree. However, working in preschool education gives you classroom experience and this can be a stepping stone toward earning a higher degree for teaching elementary, middle, or high school.

Letā€™s examine what you may encounter if you choose this educational route to understand if it aligns with your goals. 

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What Can You Do With an Associateā€™s Degree in Education? 

An associateā€™s degree in education is typically a two-year commitment (or the successful completion of at least 60 credits).2 With your degree in hand, you may have the chance to explore a role as a:3

  • Preschool teacher
  • Substitute teacher
  • After school program teacher
  • Paraeducator (teacher assistant)
  • Child counseling assistant
  • Childcare employee
  • Nanny
  • Adult education consultant
  • Library assistant
  • Special education aid

Additionally, an associateā€™s degree in education may enable you to become a tutorā€”a rewarding profession that allows you to hone in on your passion, whether thatā€™s English or algebra, and advance your teaching skills.4

What Are the Job Outlooks for These Occupations?

Educators are sought after across the nation.5 Yet, as with many professions, your prospects will hinge on the specific job you choose, as well as your location.

The need for teacher assistants, for example, is expected to increase across the board over the next several years, while the outlook for early childhood educatorsā€”such as preschool teachersā€”is terrific: itā€™s deemed the third most in-demand position in the country. 6,7 

As expected, the jobs listed above require particular aptitudes, such as:8

  • Interpersonal dexterity
  • Strong communication and leadership skills
  • Time and classroom management
  • Superior organization 
  • Empathy and patience

Take some time to reflect on your strengths and passions. You can also talk to a loved one to help you as you navigate considerations like your region, professional interests, and organic gifts (like critical thinking).

Do I Need Additional Licenses or Certifications to Teach With an Associateā€™s Degree?

The answer to this depends entirely on the state where you choose to seek a job, as well as the organization to which you apply and the role youā€™re after. If you choose to specialize in a certain subject area, that can require additional accreditation.

For example, if you have your heart set on becoming a paraeducator at a Title I school, you must obtain a teacherā€™s aide or assistant certification.9 Meanwhile, Special Education aids must be certified specifically in Special Education.10 In some states, including California, youā€™ll need a bachelorā€™s degree and a full licensure to serve as a substitute teacher.11 Gain additional tips from our guides like How to Become a Substitute Teacher in California to explore all possible career paths in education.

Is An Associateā€™s Degree in Education Worth It?

Benjamin Franklin once remarked that ā€œan investment in knowledge pays the best interest.ā€ Few would disagree. An associateā€™s degree in education can supply students with advantages that go beyond gaining an understanding of the skills needed to work in childcare and school settings. These include:12

  • Reduced tuition costs ā€“ Whether you choose to stick with an associateā€™s degree or apply your credentials to a four-year program (or longer), an associateā€™s degree tends to be less expensive than a bachelorā€™s degree. 
  • Less time ā€“ One of the most appealing aspects of an associateā€™s degree in education is that it requires less time than a bachelorā€™s degree. This may equip you to enter the workforceā€”and start earning a livingā€”sooner.
  • Superb flexibility ā€“ You might have a penchant for art, or a desire to teach children the basics about health. Whatever your interests may be, many associateā€™s in education degree programs permit students to focus on a specialized topic.

Further, an associateā€™s degree in education empowers you to explore the field of learning before committing to a bachelorā€™s, masterā€™s, or doctorate degree.

This is not to say an associate degree is without faultsā€”the primary one being that all 50 states in the nation require public school teachers to have a bachelorā€™s degree from an accredited university, as well as state licensure.13 The upside of this? You can enter a four-year education program with two years already behind you. 

What Can I Expect to Learn Pursuing an Associateā€™s Degree in Education?

In addition to acquiring a broad comprehension of the education industry, an associateā€™s degree in education may furnish you with knowledge on:

  • Contemporary education trends
  • Constructing effective lesson plans
  • Working with children with behavioral, emotional, and cognitive challenges
  • Child development and psychology
  • Education technology

Another huge bonus is that you may gain hands-on experience that will prepare you well for the educational field.

Advance Your Career in Education with Alliant Universityā€™s Education Programs

ā€œCan you be a teacher with an associateā€™s degree?ā€ It isnā€™t just a valid questionā€”itā€™s a critical one to ask if youā€™re interested in teaching.

While you wonā€™t be able to become a fourth grade biology teacher, you may find that an associateā€™s degree suits your needs perfectly, mainly by allowing you to hit the ground running. Alternatively, you might decide that a higher education degree is a wiser path for your long-term goals.

Wherever you may be in your decision, Alliant International University is a stellar place to start. With various degrees and certifications in the education fieldā€”from an MAE and an EdS in school counseling to Arizona and California teaching credentialsā€”Alliant International University provides its students with the expertise they need to make a difference.

Check out Alliant today to jumpstart your journey in education.


Sources: 

  1. Staff, Teacher.org. ā€œTeacher.Org Staff.ā€ Teacher.org, September 15, 2023. https://www.teacher.org/blog/benefits-rewards-teaching-career/. 
  2. ā€œAssociate degree in education: Definition and FAQā€ | indeed.com, June 24, 2022. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/associates-in-educatā€¦;
  3. Green, Alison. ā€œWhat Jobs Can You Get with an Associate Degree in Teacher Education.ā€ Work, November 21, 2017. https://work.chron.com/jobs-can-associate-degree-teacher-education-2620ā€¦;
  4. ā€œ11 reasons to become a tutor: What you need to know,ā€ January 26, 2023. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/reasons-to-become-tuā€¦;
  5. Shelton, Caitlyn. ā€œState-by-State Teacher Shortages (and What Theyā€™re Doing about It).ā€ NewsNation, January 26, 2023. https://www.newsnationnow.com/us-news/education/education-reform/hold-hā€¦;
  6. ā€œSubstitute teacher: Career definition, occupational outlook, and ā€¦ā€ Accessed December 14, 2023. https://learn.org/articles/Substitute_Teacher_Career_Definition_Occupatā€¦;
  7. Sparks, Sarah D., and Gina Tomko. ā€œ6 Challenges for Early Educators as Preschool Growth Halts.ā€ Education Week, August 25, 2023. https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/6-challenges-for-early-educatoā€¦;
  8. ā€œSubstitute teacher skills: Definition and examplesā€ | indeed.com, January 26, 2023. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/substitute-teacā€¦;
  9. ā€œTeacherā€™s Assistant Career Guide.ā€ Teacher Certification Degrees, November 28, 2023. https://www.teachercertificationdegrees.com/careers/teachers-assistant/ā€¦;
  10. ā€œGet the Job You Really Want.ā€ Zippia. Accessed December 14, 2023. https://www.zippia.com/special-education-assistant-jobs/. 
  11. ā€œWhat is required for a substitute teacher certification?ā€ - learn.org. Accessed December 14, 2023. https://learn.org/articles/What_Is_Required_for_a_Substitute_Teacher_Ceā€¦;
  12.   Seiter, Cecilia. ā€œEarning an Associate Degree in Education: Everything You Need to Know.ā€ Forbes, July 28, 2023. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/education-associates-degree/.&ā€¦;
  13. ā€œQ&A: Can I become a teacher without a bachelorā€™s degree?,ā€ March 29, 2023. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/can-i-become-teacherā€¦;

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