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Why Teach?

Inspire Future Generations

As a teacher, you will go beyond the important role of fostering students’ academic development. Teachers prepare, motivate, encourage, and inspire. They help students overcome challenges, nurture personal growth, find purpose, and create social change. Great teachers can transform lives and even entire communities.

Behind every advance in medicine or technology is a teacher who left a lasting impression.

Trey Clements

“I’ve always wanted to lead, to make a difference, and to be a positive role model for those who may not have one. In the end, I want to leave this world knowing that I brightened someone else’s future. There’s no better way to do that than by being a teacher...”

Trey Clements ‘15

Competitive Salary

Most teacher contracts are for 180 days of contact time with students. While ranges vary between states, districts and personal experience, most teacher salaries offer a very competitive level of economic comfort and security.

2023 Median Annual Incomes

  • $65,910 - Special Education Teacher
  • $63,670 - Elementary Teacher
  • $64,290 - Middle School Teacher
  • $65,220 - High School Teacher
  • $103,460 - K-12 Principal

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor

Teacher Salaries are for 9 month contracts.
$45K annualized $60K
$80K salary annualized $107K,

Great Work/Life Balance

With summers off, many teachers take this time to grow their skill sets, improve lesson plans, explore new concepts to teach in the fall, earn additional income, or to simply relax and unwind.

Family-friendly work hours: Many teachers are able to sync their days with their own children’s school hours and breaks, saving thousands in child care costs and allowing them to be present.

Regular/Reliable schedule: School schedules are set. In private industry it is not uncommon to learn about travel or other commitments with short advance.

Generous Benefits

Teachers typically get generous benefit packages. In addition to holidays and summers off, teachers also get comprehensive retirement plans, a variety of medical insurance options, additional vacation time, and more.

  • Begin teaching at 22 years old, receive full retirement benefits at 57.
  • Retire < 60 years old with pension (usually ~85% of highest salary)

Career Opportunities

By 2026 the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics calculates almost 1.9 million job openings for preschool through college level school teachers

In High Demand: Special Education, Physics, Mathematics and Chemistry Educators.

DID YOU KNOW...

You can get a job almost anywhere in the U.S. or abroad as a teacher.

Student Loan Forgiveness

There are a variety of programs such as the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program and Teacher Loan Forgiveness and more, which will reduce payments or even erase remaining balances. For those who become eligible, teaching can be a way to eliminate debt fast.

Want to know more about Federal Student Aid?

Visit the Federal Student Aid website

Contact Us

Department of Teaching, Curriculum, and Educational Inquiry
401 McGuffey Hall
Oxford, OH 45056