With an ongoing national teacher shortage in the US that has more teaching positions than candidates, the market value of qualified teaching professionals has never been higher.. Schools across the country are searching for dedicated, qualified professionals to fill critical teaching positions, and they are more willing than ever to provide them with reasons to stay on a long term basis. So if you are transitioning from another profession or seeking career advancement within the sector, now is the time to do it, and Moreland University can provide you the ideal pathway to enter and excel in the teaching field.
The Benefits of Becoming a Teacher
Teaching is one of the most meaningful professions a person can ask for. You become responsible for shaping the next generation of lawyers, doctors, politicians, and artists, and you get to see them develop right before your eyes. But not all benefits are so immaterial. Here’s what you can expect:
- Job Security: With the current teacher shortage, certified educators are in high demand. Teaching offers long-term career stability and employment opportunities across the country.
- Competitive Pay: Salaries for teachers continue to rise, with many states offering competitive wages and financial incentives for qualified educators.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Teachers receive essential benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
- Work-Life Balance: Enjoy summers off, holidays, every weekend free, and additional paid time off throughout the year, allowing for personal and professional rejuvenation.
- A Rewarding Career: Teachers make a lasting impact on the lives of students, shaping the future through education.
Take Advantage of Salary Incentives and Bonuses
As we mentioned before, a byproduct of the teacher shortage is that schools are willing to pay more in order to keep you around.. Some of the mechanisms schools use to do that include:
- Step Raises: Many schools have structured pay scales that reward teachers for years of service and additional qualifications.
- District Incentives: Some districts offer bonuses for working in high-need areas, specializing in subjects like STEM, or teaching in underserved communities.
- National Board Certification: Becoming a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) can significantly increase salary potential in many states.
Advance Your Career with Higher Education
One of the most effective ways to increase your income as a teacher is by increasing your value as a professional through further education. Many school districts offer pay increases for teachers with master’s degrees or additional certifications. Educators can pursue specializations in areas such as:
- Educational Leadership – Leading to administrative roles such as principal or superintendent, which come with significantly higher salaries.
- Special Education – Teachers with expertise in special education often receive additional stipends or higher pay due to the specialized nature of their work.
- Teaching Multilingual Learners – With increasing demand for ESL (English as a Second Language) educators, obtaining this specialization can lead to better job prospects and salary increases.
Maximizing Retirement and Investment Options
Educators should also take full advantage of financial planning options to grow their wealth in the long-term. Some key strategies to do that include:
- Participating in a 403(b) or 457 Plan: These retirement savings plans, similar to a 401(k), allow teachers to invest pre-tax income for retirement.
- Exploring Public Service Loan Forgiveness: For educators with student loans, this program offers loan forgiveness after a set number of years of service.
- Investing in Additional Income Streams: Some teachers invest in rental properties, stocks, or other financial ventures to diversify their income.
- real-life challenges and success.
TEACH-NOW: A Key Solution to the Teacher Shortage
The national teacher shortage is a pressing issue, but for those willing to rise up to the occasion, it can become quite the opportunity to achieve a more stable and healthy life. So if you’d like to help future generations and make your own life better in the process, you can start by getting in touch with Moreland University
Moreland University is helping to bridge the gap by preparing skilled educators by offering an accelerated, comprehensive, and supportive certification pathway through their TEACH-NOW program where they equip future teachers with the tools they need to make an immediate impact in classrooms across the country.
If you are ready to embark on a rewarding career in teaching, now is the time. Moreland University is here to help you take the first step toward making a difference in the lives of students and communities.
