According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), in Fall 2021, there were around 49.4 million students enrolled in public elementary and secondary schools. Additionally, there are 5.5 million students in private elementary and secondary schools. When it comes to postsecondary schools, there are 19.0 million students in colleges and universities. 

In order to understand the similarities and differences between K-12 and higher education jobs, it is important first to know what the primary functions of these institutions are. In both K-12 and higher education, teaching and learning is important. However, depending on the age and needs of students, there will be varying aspects to the education of the student. There are a variety of teacher career pathways in K-12 and higher education. Taking a deeper look at career pathways allows for a clear understanding of the similarities and differences between these two career fields.

K-12 Education Jobs

For educators who want to work with younger students, a job in K-12 education is a good fit. This includes teaching at the elementary, middle, and secondary levels. Teachers in the K-12 spectrum must obtain a teaching certificate/ license in a specialized area. For elementary and secondary teachers, a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood, Elementary or Secondary Education will qualify the educator to teach. Those who want to lead outside of the classroom will go on to pursue a M.Ed. in Educational Administration or Education Leadership.

Obtaining an administration degree or certification will allow the holder to pursue jobs involving school leadership. Jobs in K-12 vary depending on the interest of the degree holder. Elementary teachers teach a broad range of subjects from math, language arts, science, and social studies to students K-5. In middle school and high school teachers have a specific subject they teach, such as biology, chemistry, algebra, or world history.

For K-12 educators, there are a variety of training and degree programs to become a teacher. Additionally, many teachers may move outside the classroom and become a guidance counselor, assistant principal, or principal. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for school principals in 2022 was $101,320. K-12 educators are passionate about student success and teaching and learning. After years of service, many veteran educators move on to district office jobs. Examples of these are Directors of Elementary or Secondary Education, Chief Student Service Officer, Assistant Superintendents, and Superintendents. 

Higher Education Jobs

Higher education jobs cover many aspects in teaching as well. However, there are both similarities and differences when compared to K-12 education. One similarity is that both K-12 and higher education have a focus on teaching and learning. When it comes to Higher Education instructors there are a variety of subjects that can be taught.

Teachers in the college setting can come in the form of adjunct professors, assistant or associate professors, or tenured professors. Additionally, administrative jobs include Directors of Admission, Deans, Provost, Vice Presidents, and Presidents. For educators in higher education, many go on to pursue degrees such as a M.Ed. in Higher Education, a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) or an Ed.D. or Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the average salary for postsecondary teachers is $80,840 and $99,940 for higher education administrators. 

There is also an option for teachers in the K-12 sector to move into higher education as well. Many teachers and administrators in the elementary and secondary sector go on to instructor in teacher education programs that prepare new teachers and school administrators. 

Similarities and Differences 

Both K-12 and higher education jobs are similar in the fact that they are focused on the concepts of teaching and learning and preparing future leaders in a classroom setting. However, for those who want to work with students from grades K-12 this will be in an elementary or secondary school setting.

The difference with higher Education is that education programs cover a broader range of subjects such as Business Administration, Social Sciences, Teacher Education Programs, and Interdisciplinary Studies. In the K-12 and postsecondary setting there are school administrators. In the formative years of K-12, assistant principals and principals run the school’s day-to-day operations, including curriculum and instruction leadership, student discipline, and school operations and financial management.

In higher education, Deans, Provost, and cabinet-level leaders such as Vice Presidents and Presidents handle the administrative side of a community college or four year university. For those who aspire to impact students’ lives, choosing K-12 or higher education is a great way to impact the local community and abroad in a diverse and global market. Choosing to work in the elementary or secondary setting versus in a college setting depends on the goals of the educator and their specific passion for helping and leading students.

Whether it is leading and guiding elementary and secondary students or preparing the future generation of leaders in a college setting, the benefits of working with students are positive and create great opportunities for others in leadership, communication, and social growth and development.

Educators never stop learning; check out our available graduate degree programs  to hone your skills and promote lifelong learning and academic excellence.

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Members of underserved communities face barriers and disparity in accessing and using resources – such as higher education, including advanced degrees – for reasons of race, religion, language group, or social status. Examples of underserved communities are communities of color, low-income households, the homeless population, and individuals with disabilities. Barriers for these communities could be income related, issues of mental health, lack of transportation, lack of medical insurance or assistance, or non-proficiency in the English language.

The barriers that members of these communities face are often not isolated or singular, but combine to create situations that make overcoming these circumstances seem like a pipe dream and often perpetuate socio-economic status of the family for generations. For decades, it has been known that education is key for reducing poverty.

According to “Education, Key to Overcoming Poverty,” “maintaining education will increase the employment rate and earning potential, which will ultimately impact long-term economic and family security. Education is also critical for children because it will give them more opportunity for development and growth and will point them in the direction of long-term success, which will help with breaking the poverty cycle.”

As a principal of an urban school, I have seen and experienced firsthand how difficult graduating high school can be at times for students who live in poverty. It is not uncommon for high school students to be fully responsible for earning the sole household income, without transportation, while caring for younger siblings. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are also prevalent and prove a barrier to education for students. That is not to say that these students do not strive to reach institutes of higher education for themselves and their families. Thanks to their teachers and counselors, they do understand the benefits of persevering to earn their high school diploma and continuing their education after high school.

Benefits of Earning a Degree of Higher Education

Earning a degree of higher education opens doors for graduates. According to the APLU, bachelor’s degree holders are half as likely to be unemployed as their peers who only have a high school degree and they make $1 million in additional earnings on average over their lifetime.

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York shows that the jobless rate for bachelor’s degree holders is just 2.5 percent in 2021. The APLU also states that “bachelor’s degree holders are 47 percent more likely to have health insurance provided through their job and their employers contribute 74 percent more to their health coverage.” Additionally, the incidence of poverty among bachelor’s degree holders is 3.5 times lower than it is for those who hold high school degrees.

These facts mean that the additional barriers to transportation, language learning, medical care, and mental health services can dissolve with a degree of higher education. This access is not only created for the graduate but also their family, breaking the cycle of generational poverty and generally providing access to better neighborhoods and schools, as well.

The Importance of Promoting the Benefits of Higher Education

In my positions in urban school districts with high poverty rates, I’ve often witnessed and worked alongside alumni of those schools who returned after earning degrees of higher education to mentor, coach, and lead youth from their alma mater. They recognize the importance of giving back in the name of helping other students who are in similar circumstances to those they were in at their age. It is extremely important that students see adults who can understand and relate to their struggles and have succeeded in breaking that cycle for themselves and their families. Seeing that someone similar to them has succeeded inspires and empowers students to achieve beyond the barriers that are designed to keep them in their underserved community.

Students who live in underserved communities also do not have access to many experiences outside of their neighborhood or location due to lack of transportation and funds. Without a car, public transportation limits the geographic locations those living in underserved communities can reach. Income below poverty level also means that most students will not experience family vacations or trips that provide unique opportunities for growth and learning. Compounding that barrier is the fact that those who live in underserved communities also lack access to properly funded schools, leading to another barrier of resources.

Inequitably funded schools in underserved communities most often do not have budgets that support field trips or transportation costs that can widen a student’s world. Although funds for field trips are likely not in a school budget, the burden of schools providing opportunities to visit institutes of higher education is even heavier. When families are not able to or do not recognize the importance of these trips, the responsibility becomes the school’s so that students are empowered to seek access to the potential to earn a degree of higher education. In addition, college and career readiness programming, school counselor supports, and college counselor visitation are crucial to promoting the benefits of higher education.

Lastly, while working to promote higher education, schools must also plan for and implement drop-out prevention strategies. “Students who drop out of high school or college are disproportionately low-income, particularly students of color; black and Hispanic students are 12 and 9 percent less likely than their white peers to graduate from high school in four years. These inequalities have far-reaching consequences, not just for individual kids, but for society as a whole. They hamper social mobility, exacerbate income inequality, and stifle economic growth,” (NextCity.org).

Interventions such as credit recovery programs, flexible learning hours, blended courses, daycare for children of students, and free pantries can all assist students in staying in school to earn their high school diploma. Once that has been achieved, higher education seems much more accessible to students and families.

So how are you going to make an impact? Explore our available graduate education programs and start your next journey today!

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In addition to personal reflections when making career choices, one should ask a couple of critical questions: What is available in my area of interest? Do I have the skills required, or can I acquire the necessary skills? Higher education is an area for lifelong professionals and those seeking career changes. In higher education, many positions that require a variety of skills are available.

Types of Higher Education Jobs

Administrative, faculty, and executive positions are categories of jobs in higher education. Administrative positions are those in which personnel oversee or work in departments, support faculty and staff, participate in the development, implementation, or work in student services, programs, buildings, grounds, finances, curricula, and more. Specifically, administrative positions include academic advisors, faculty development specialists, student services administrators and coordinators, communications and marketing specialists, computer and information technology specialists, and business and financial services specialists. Specialists may advise students, develop training opportunities for faculty, organize events for students, promote the university through public relations and communications, develop plans for and conduct maintenance of technological resources, and support students in their business affairs and financial needs.

In addition to administrative positions, faculty positions are available in higher education. Faculty involves academic personnel. Academic faculty promote the educational mission of the institution through quality instruction. They also must keep abreast of the newest developments in their fields; so, professors and instructors are also learners. They learn through reading, faculty development, and research. Faculty positions include instructors, researchers, and professors.

Another category of higher education jobs is executive positions. Executive positions are those in which the professionals make decisions, manage budgets and costs, conduct outreach, and more; ultimately, these professionals guide departments and the entire organization toward growth and success. Their specific roles may differ depending on the size and needs of the institution. Executive positions include presidents, vice presidents, provosts, chief academic officers, and deans of departments.

Many jobs exist in higher education, and most jobs fall into one of the categories mentioned earlier: administrative, faculty, or executive. Regardless of the category or the specific position, individuals filling positions in higher education need to have the required skills to be successful.

Skills Needed for Positions in Higher Education

To be successful in a job or career in higher education, an individual must have several impactful skills. Many of the skills for success in higher education are transferrable, meaning other careers require the same skills. The transferrable skills needed for success in higher education careers include (but are not limited to) oral and written communication skills, professionalism, collaboration and teamwork, critical thinking and problem solving, and networking skills.

Oral and written communication skills are a must. Individuals must clearly articulate their thoughts, opinions, and information in conversations, group presentations, phone calls, emails, letters, documents, and more. Poor communication skills lead to misrepresentations, misunderstandings, poor relationships, and ultimately poor performance and outcomes. On the other hand, high-quality communication skills lead to clear, consistent messages, more substantial presentations and products, the dissemination of accurate information, and more desirable outcomes.

Oral and written communication is a part of the following required skill, professionalism. Professionals communicate clearly, consistently, and promptly. Professionalism also includes such practices as being punctual, dressing professionally, having a positive, enthusiastic attitude on the job, and refusing to entertain unprofessional acts like gossip, unlawful behaviors, unbecoming social media conduct, etc. Being professional while on and off the job is important because higher education personnel represent the institution for which they work.

Next, collaboration and teamwork are essential. People work in departments or teams to accomplish department or team goals and, ultimately, to help meet the institution’s overall vision. One person cannot achieve a team’s goals and the vision of the institution alone. One person must complete many independent tasks; however, this often involves consulting others, organizing or participating in focus groups with others, asking for or providing input, sharing, and, once again, communicating.

While collaborating and while completing independent work, one must be able to think critically and solve problems. No perfect situation or person exists, which means there will be problems to solve and improvements to make. Progress and success require critical thinking, problem-solving, and action.

Finally, networking skills are essential. As in professionalism and collaboration, communication is vital in networking. Networking, or getting to know and build professional relationships with others, opens the door for more cooperation and support.

Many crucial skills relate to other essential, transferrable skills; if one is weak, the others are weaker. Or if one is strong, the others are stronger. For example, and as previously discussed, one cannot collaborate and network without communication. If one’s communication is strong, their collaboration and networking abilities are more substantial. These skills and others are crucial to success when working in higher education, an excellent area for a life-long profession, a career start, a career change, or a place to make a difference.

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What Can a Career Path in K-12 Education Entail?

For K-12 educators there are multiple positions including general education and special education teachers, school counselors, department heads, curriculum specialist, and instructional coaches. Elementary and secondary education are the two main areas for teachers and their colleagues. Teachers must obtain a license to teach in a particular subject area in either elementary or secondary grade levels. Depending on the subject area and grade level, teachers work in an elementary, middle, or high school. Elementary teachers are trained to teach students from kindergarten to fifth grade and foster emotional growth and responsibility during the foundational years of a child’s life. Middle school teachers teach and provide structure, and uphold academic expectations for students in grades sixth through eighth and high school teachers instruct, coach, and guide students in grades nine through twelve.

Teachers who want to move beyond the classroom and into administration can choose from becoming an assistant principal or principal, director, or superintendent.

Furthermore, for those who want to focus specifically on students’ socioemotional needs and character development, becoming a school counselor is another career pathway in K-12 education. Although some school counselors may have a degree to teach this is not required to become a school counselor. Generally, teachers who have mastered teaching and learning and want to make a broader impact with students, there is mobility within a school and in a district. This mobility can come in the form of leading a school building or directing initiatives and programs within the school district. In order to become a building-level and district administrator there must be an additional degree or add-on credential to go into administration. Principals are the instructional leaders of their school and provide the vision of the school through the support of the community and education programs in the school building. Directors supervise and implement programs that are a reflection of the school district’s goals for student learning. These various positions contribute to the growth and development of K-12 students. While these pathways are directed teaching and leading students ages five through eighteen, higher education focuses on adult students eighteen and above.

What Can a Career in Higher Education Entail?

Postsecondary teachers serve students in the field of higher education. In higher education, the career pathways are professor, finance or admissions counselors, deans, vice presidents, and presidents of a college. It is important to note that higher education entails community colleges and four year universities. One key difference between K-12 teaching and higher education are the various job titles. Job titles for teaching in higher education include adjunct professor, associate professor, assistant professor, full professor, and tenured professor. Just as there are teachers and administrators who support students K-12, there are teachers and administrators in higher education.

The trajectory for someone in higher education typically goes from instructor, to dean, and to a vice president in a specific area such as finance, academic affairs, or enrollment management. Deans supervise and lead programs at colleges that impact students and the teacher that are providing instruction. For individuals who want to go further, the position of provost or president of the college/university is the final step. Careers in Higher Education Administration allow for the support of students on multiple levels. Helping students understand the completion of a degree program is vital. Students need guidance on how to complete a two-year program and four year degree. Leaders at community colleges and four year universities have pathways that began with teaching and continue to influence students and the communities they serve.

Are there Different Qualifications for Each?

Whether the career pathway is K-12 or in higher education, both fields have various qualifications for each. Teachers in K-12 education must hold a bachelor’s degree in a particular area such as elementary or secondary education with a concentration in science, English, social studies, or math. For career advancement, a teacher may obtain a masters in curriculum and instruction or educational leadership. The masters in educational leadership or educational administration allows the individual to lead schools in the capacity as an assistant principal or principal. District or central office personnel such as assistant superintendents and superintendents typically hold an educational specialist degree. However, in many cases superintendents hold a Ph.D. or Ed.D.in Educational Leadership.

In higher education, instructors and adjuncts are required to hold at least a masters degree in the field they teach. For example, an adjunct instructor at a community college who teaches economics will have a masters in economics. For those who aspire to be a professor, a Ph.D. is required. There are various Ed.D. and Ph.D. programs that give students the credentials to teach as a professor and be an administrator in higher education. Obtaining a Ph.D. in Teaching and Learning or a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration will foster career advancement in colleges and universities. There are various qualifications for both K-12 and higher education for career advancement and increased professional development. These qualifications benefit the degree holder and the students they support on a daily basis.

What are Your Career Goals?

Working with students can be a fulfilling endeavor. Determining your teacher career pathway will allow for learning experiences and finding roles that contribute to your career success. For individuals who want to work in the K-12 field, there is a direct influence on students and interaction with parents. Higher education does focus on the student, however, there is an individual approach and a focus on preparing the student for their adult career and work path. While both of these educational fields make an impact on students it is important to establish which career path is best for you. Having a focus on individual career goals is important to deciding which teacher career pathway while being influential in your life and impactful on the students who are growing into future leaders.

Engaging students for academic success and support provides an opportunity for self growth and the growth of others. Whether it is K-12 education or higher education, the return on investment by teaching, leading, and guiding students is one that impacts everyone involved. Teaching and learning is an ongoing process that involves multiple people with specific goals and pathways. Your career path may come in the form of a teacher, counselor, or school administrator. All of these pathways provide opportunities for students to grow and for a successful and impactful career in the field of education.

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Hybrid or Fully Online Courses

Although some universities throughout the country are attempting to have all courses run completely face-to-face, the majority of graduate students can expect to find their fall courses either fully online or in a hybrid format. Hybrid formats occur when part of the course is online and part meets face-to-face. Even in the hybrid format, the face-to-face session may look different. Universities and colleges have to accommodate and respond to the constant changes and recommendations by the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

Face-to-face sessions will be met with social distancing rules, mask requirements, and COVID-19 questionnaires to ensure the safety of all students and professors. When courses run fully online, professors will choose to do them in a synchronous or asynchronous manner. When professors choose to do courses synchronously, students will have to log in at the same time on the same day every week.

On the other hand, when professors choose to teach in an asynchronous way, they will post videos, PowerPoints, and assignments at the beginning of each week and will have assignments due at the end of the week. When courses are taught in an asynchronous way, students must be vigilant in completing the assignments on time. Waiting until the last minute to complete and submit assignments can back fire if a student were to run into technological problems.

Furthermore, universities may switch from hybrid to fully online during the semester. Some universities have already stated that students will not be returning to campus after Thanksgiving break and will be completing the semester fully online at that point, including final exams. With federal and state regulations, universities may have to change from hybrid to fully online at any point of the semester due to COVID-19 case increases in their area.

Digital Resources

Throughout the summer, faculty have been participating in workshops and trainings to better their online teaching presence and skills. Universities want their faculty to be able to engage their students at the highest level even if courses are fully online. Students may see their professors using Zoom, Google Hangout, Flipgrid and many other online platforms. Graduate students will want to take the time to learn about the newest methods that their professors may be using. Once you are given your syllabus, investigate the LMS (learning management system) that you will be expected to use. Common LMSs are Moodle and Brightspace D2L.

No matter which system your university is using, take the time to learn all of the aspects of it so that you can fully engage in the course. Reach out to tech support at your school if you run into any problems or obstacles. It is very important to not let technological challenges impede your grade and participation in a course.

Reduced Access to On-Campus Resources

All universities may have different restrictions to on-campus resources. Therefore, students need to check their individual schools. However, students can expect to see restrictions throughout campus. Social distancing rules and capacity reductions are going to change how students operate on campus. The library, science labs, and tutoring centers may have reduced hours and could be by appointment only. Be proactive and find out when you will need access to these areas and make an appointment if necessary.

It may be easier for students to order their books online through their university’s bookstore website than waiting in line to get into the actual store. Student engagement activities may also be by reservation only. If you know of a conference, workshop, or activity that you want to participate, be the first to reserve your spot; otherwise, you will have to participate through a virtual session.

Internships/Field Placements/Student Teaching

Being out in the field is so important to many different degrees. Whether you are studying to become a teacher or a nurse, one must be able to have the real life experience which are required for various certifications. Universities are working with their local placements to be sure that university safety protocols are also in place where a student may have their internship or student teaching. CDC guidelines and  state guidelines may impact which students will be required to still go out into the field during the COVID-19 crisis.

Be Ready for Change

No matter how much planning higher education institutes are doing to adapt to COVID-19 restrictions, changes will continue to occur frequently. Students have to be in constant contact with their professors and be checking emails and the school’s website to see what new regulations may be implemented throughout the semester. It is of utmost importance for universities to keep their students, faculty, and staff safe and healthy during this crisis. Everyone on campus or learning virtually has to do their part to follow the guidelines and recommendations given by their university.

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