It’s a well-known fact that teaching is not a profession chosen for its lucrative potential — the typical image of the overworked and underpaid teacher, self-funding classroom necessities, illustrates that those pursuing this career path are driven by a genuine desire to make an impact. In actuality, teaching salaries are relatively competitive when compared to other professions necessitating a degree. Moreover, unlike many professionals, teachers have multiple avenues to enhance their earnings.
A CLOSER LOOK AT ADDITIONAL ROLES
Many teachers willingly assume extra roles to augment their income. For instance, a math teacher might concurrently coach a sports team or oversee an after-school activity. Suitable and experienced teachers might also climb the career ladder to administrative roles like assistant principal or principal, significantly elevating their income.
REWARDS, INCENTIVES, AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
In the era of initiatives like ‘No Child Left Behind’, numerous school districts have introduced incentive schemes that link teachers’ salaries directly to student performance and overall school results on standardized exams. Additionally, teachers willing to work in disadvantaged areas or under-resourced school districts may qualify for financial rewards.
Various award programs and grants also exist to monetarily reward high-performing teachers. The Milken Educator Awards, for instance, present exceptional elementary and secondary school teachers with cash prizes of $25,000. Since its inception, Milken has granted over $65 million to extraordinary educators.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND HIGHER EDUCATION
As with most professions, teachers tend to receive incremental raises as experience is gained. In the majority of school districts, teachers’ salaries are negotiated either by teachers’ unions or set by the state board of education. Advancing one’s education by achieving further certifications or degrees is a common strategy for broadening salary prospects. With advanced degrees such as a master’s or doctorate, teachers can garner substantially more in their annual salary.
While previously furthering education might have impinged on summer vacations, today’s online programs such as NSU Online provide a more accessible solution. Ongoing professional development may also prove advantageous and can even be compulsory in certain jurisdictions. Particularly large school districts may operate their own professional development programs, with completion capable of securing pay raises.
DIVERSIFYING TEACHING ROLES
Many teachers supplement their income by teaching during summer breaks. Those possessing advanced degrees may also choose to teach across various educational levels; for example, a teacher could teach high school English during the day and offer college courses in the evening — a choice often seen at community colleges and in remote areas with satellite campuses.
Generally, the most effective strategies for augmenting your salary involve enhancing your own qualifications. While knowledge is a reward in itself, continuing education can open up new income opportunities by increasing your marketability and potentially making you an even more adept educator.
