Teaching is a noble profession. It takes a passionate educator and leader to work in the education field. Both K-12 and higher education have many different pathways for educating students. There are similarities and differences between K-12 and higher education, which all are unique to the particular learning environment. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) has compiled a comprehensive data set regarding students in the United States of America.
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.
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