A Master of Education is not just an academic qualification; it’s a pathway to a more rewarding and high-paying career. Within the classroom, it sharpens teaching skills, enabling educators to connect with students more effectively. Outside the classroom, the degree prepares you for positions in leadership, curriculum design, student services, and student support.
The expertise you acquire isn’t confined to use inside the school environment. Graduates are influencing online learning, professional development in companies, Commonwealth and state educational policies, and more.
Let’s explore the kinds of jobs you are better positioned to perform with a Masters in Education. Prioritised in this list are jobs where re-training is not essential. These are roles you can potentially step straight into after completing a general or specialised education master’s program.
Should I Do a Masters in Education?
If you’re driven and committed, a Master of Education degree is a valuable investment of your time and effort. While doing further study requires dedication, the resultant opportunities for career advancement and personal growth are significant.
A postgraduate education program is more than an enhancement to your teaching abilities; it’s a strategic step towards broadening your career prospects. When prime opportunities arise, an advanced degree can set you apart, paving the way for promotions and new roles.
A Master of Education is worth doing because of its practical and career value. I chose Educational Leadership as my specialization. The program gave me with practical skills in conflict resolution, resource management, and data-driven decision-making — all of which are now integral to my daily tasks.
What Can I Do with a Master’s in Education?
The breadth of roles available with this qualification highlights its value. By selecting specialisations such as Educational Leadership, Digital Learning, Guidance and Counselling, or Student Wellbeing, you can shape your career path in a targeted way. Moreover, online programs offer the flexibility to complete the degree part-time while you continue in your current position.
Teaching Jobs in Schools
An education master’s degree offers both career and personal benefits, even if you choose to stay in classroom teaching. It sharpens your teaching skills, making you even more effective with students. At the same time, it opens up new career opportunities within the educational landscape, providing a pathway to growth.
1. Classroom Teacher
Classroom teachers design and deliver lessons to students, assessing their progress and providing feedback to ensure their academic success. They cultivate a positive learning environment and nurture student potential.
Job titles: primary teacher, secondary teacher, science teacher, humanities teacher.
2. Special Education Teacher
Special ed teachers work with students who have a range of learning, mental, emotional, or physical disabilities. They develop individualised learning plans and use specialised teaching techniques to cater to each student’s unique needs.
Job titles: special education teacher, inclusion teacher, special needs educator, learning support teacher.
Pay: In Australia, a special ed teacher typically earns around $93,530 annually.
3. ESL Teacher
As an ESL teacher, you focus on teaching English to speakers of other languages, adjusting your instruction to cater to varied linguistic backgrounds and learning needs. The role is important for bridging language gaps and fostering communication skills.
Job titles: ESL teacher, TESOL instructor, ELL educator, English language tutor.
4. Instruction Coordinator
Instruction coordinators oversee school curriculums and teaching standards, collaborating with educators to develop and implement effective teaching methodologies. A key goal is to ensure consistent and high-quality instruction across grades or subjects.
Job titles: instruction coordinator, curriculum lead, teaching and learning advisor, educational program director.
5. Reading Coach
Reading coaches specialise in promoting literacy, providing targeted strategies to help students enhance their reading skills. They also support fellow educators in implementing effective literacy programs.
Job titles: reading coach, literacy coordinator, literacy consultant, reading specialist.
Non-Teaching Roles in Schools
A postgraduate degree in education isn’t just for the classroom. It primes you for influential administrative, coordination, and other key roles within the school setting. Harness your degree to shape educational strategies, streamline processes, and drive impactful school-wide initiatives with these Masters in Education jobs.
6. School Principal
A school principal leads the academic and administrative functions of a school. With responsibility for setting the school’s vision, the principal also manages staff and builds community relationships.
Job titles: principal, deputy principal, head of school, school director.
7. Education Administrator
Administrators handle the logistical and operational aspects of educational institutions. Duties may include collaborating with staff, managing resources, and coordinating events.
Job titles: education manager, academic director, school operations manager, school coordinator.
Pay: In Australia, an education coordinator earns an average annual salary of $97,373.
8. Curriculum Developer
Designing and refining educational content, curriculum developers ensure alignment with standards and student needs. Their collaborations with educators drive updates and improvements to school programs.
Job titles: curriculum designer, instructional designer, education program developer, curriculum specialist.
9. Special Education Coordinator
Guiding programs for students with disabilities, special ed coordinators ensure supportive environments. Their partnerships with educators, parents, and external agencies make a difference in student outcomes.
Job titles: special needs coordinator, inclusive education facilitator, disability education planner, special education program leader.
10. School Counselor
School counsellors provide emotional, academic, and career guidance for students. They nurture both personal and academic growth for every student.
Job titles: guidance counsellor, student advisor, pastoral care coordinator, student welfare officer.
Jobs Outside the School System
Stepping outside the traditional school setting with a Master’s in Education can be both rewarding and challenging. Prospective employers span from corporate entities to government agencies and nonprofits. While it means navigating unfamiliar territories, the payoff often includes higher salaries and access to dynamic career paths.
11. L&D Officer
Learning and Development Officers collaborate with businesses to design and execute training initiatives, ensuring the enhancement of employee skills. Their focus is often on the day-to-day implementation and monitoring of these training programs.
Job titles: corporate trainer, L&D officer, training consultant, L&D coordinator.
Pay: In Australia, a learning and development officer earns an average salary of $79,339 annually.
12. L&D Advisor
Learning and Development Advisors take a strategic approach, offering expert guidance and recommendations to businesses on training strategies and methodologies. Their role leans more towards high-level planning and evaluation, making them essential for shaping long-term training visions.
Job titles: L&D strategist, professional development advisor, corporate training strategist, senior L&D consultant.
Pay: A learning and development advisor earns an average of $101,565 per year.
13. Adult Education Instructor
Adult education instructors specialise in teaching mature learners, adjusting their approach to the unique needs of adult students. They might teach vocational skills, foundational academics, or even leisure courses at community centers or colleges.
Job titles: adult literacy teacher, vocational trainer, continuing education lecturer, TAFE instructor.
14. Education Policy Analyst
Education policy analysts research and evaluate educational policies to recommend improvements or new strategies. Their insights often influence decision-making at governmental or institutional levels, impacting wider educational landscapes.
Job titles: policy researcher, educational policy consultant, academic policy advisor, education reform analyst.
15. Educational Technologist
An educational technologist harnesses technology to enhance the learning experience in both K-12 and higher education settings. They design and implement digital learning tools, often partnering with educators, universities, or businesses to drive innovation in online environments.
Job titles: edTech specialist, digital learning coordinator, e-learning designer, instructional technology coordinator.
16. Education Consultant
Education consultants provide expert insights and recommendations on educational trends, practices, and strategies. They might be hired by schools, businesses, or government agencies to improve learning outcomes or design new curricula.
Job titles: educational advisor, academic consultant, instructional strategist, pedagogical specialist.