Posted on August 13th, 2025 in Blog, Education

What Can I Do With a Master’s in Teaching?

Education is more than just a classroom experience — it’s a field that’s adapting to the evolving needs of students and the latest evidence-based learning practices. As these changes unfold, demand is growing for individuals, both in the classroom and behind the scenes, who are passionate and ready to shape the future of education.

A Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) prepares educators for a diverse range of career opportunities in this ever-evolving discipline. This guide takes a closer look at the benefits of an MAT degree and answers the question that many professionals may be asking: “What can I do with a master’s in teaching?”

What Does a Master’s in Teaching Entail?

MAT programs provide an in-depth look at the education field, giving graduates a holistic perspective on effective teaching strategies and the operational complexities of educational environments. They primarily explore instruction methods and the advancement of teaching skills, though they’re not limited to those pursuing a teaching career.

Students in MAT programs can expect instruction in core areas such as assessment and evaluation, curriculum planning, classroom management, and education research, as well as courses dependent on their chosen track (early childhood/elementary or middle/high school). Earning a master’s in teaching usually takes one to two years.

Although they share some similarities, a master’s in teaching differs from a master’s in education (Master of Education, or MEd). With a focus on classroom instruction, MAT programs are often geared toward individuals new to the teaching field who are pursuing licensing. MEd programs are generally more suited to licensed teachers who want to pursue a specialty or an administrative position.

Reasons to Earn a Master’s Degree in Teaching

From enriching skills to broadening career options, earning a master’s in teaching provides many advantages.

Advanced teaching skills: A key reason that students pursue a master’s degree in teaching is to develop or build upon their teaching skills. Graduate-level teaching degree programs help students develop and hone their skills in classroom management, student engagement, and assessment development.
Higher earning potential: Although many factors determine salaries, both public and private schools commonly provide higher base salaries to teachers with a master’s degree compared with those with only a bachelor’s degree. The National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) found that teachers with a master’s earn about $5,200 more on average than teachers with only a bachelor’s.
More job prospects: Individuals with a master’s in teaching can pursue many different career paths, both in and out of the classroom. Earning this degree can open up specialized instruction roles and nonteaching roles as well.

Careers for Individuals With a Master’s in Teaching

For those wondering, “What can I do with a master’s in teaching?” an MAT degree can help prepare them for licensing and careers in the classroom, from elementary school classrooms to high school classrooms. However, this program can also provide a solid foundation for specialized teaching roles — for example, in special education or bilingual teaching — as well as nonteaching roles such as education consultant, textbook developer, or curriculum developer. Additional experience or certification may be required for some roles.

Education Consultant

Education consultants provide their clients with insight on the latest educational policies, curriculum standards and development, and evidence-based teaching practices. They work with a broad range of clients, from individual students to entire school districts. When working with students and parents, an education consultant may help their clients identify the best school for their educational needs and goals.

Median annual salary: $75,000 (Payscale, the source of all salary data in this article)
Job outlook: Although the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn’t provide specific data for education consultants, it projects 11% job growth for management analysts in general between 2023 and 2033.

Special Education Teacher

Another career that individuals with a Master of Arts in Teaching can pursue is a special education teacher. The training and knowledge gained through an MAT program equips educators with the right tools to support students with learning, emotional, mental, or physical disabilities. One of the primary responsibilities of special education teachers is creating individualized plans for students that promote their academic, social, and emotional well-being.

Median annual salary: $64,000
Job outlook: About 35,900 job openings for special education teachers are anticipated each year between 2023 and 2033, according to the BLS.

Bilingual Teacher

Becoming a bilingual teacher gives multilingual educators the opportunity to instruct in two languages. Job duties for bilingual teachers can vary based on where they work, which may include tutoring centers, elementary and secondary schools, language schools, and higher education institutions. Those pursuing an MAT can include a bilingual specialization if they’re interested in becoming a bilingual teacher.

Median annual salary: $62,000
Job outlook: In 2023, the U.S. Department of Education’s National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition (NCELA) projected a need for over 76,000 bilingual teachers over the following five years.

Curriculum Developer

MAT graduates may also consider curriculum development as a career. Curriculum developers collaborate with educators and administrators to establish a curriculum that’s cohesive and that aligns with educational standards. After clients implement changes, curriculum developers review the efficacy of different curriculum materials and instructional resources to ensure that they’re fostering positive learning experiences for students and professional growth for educators.

Median annual salary: $75,000
Job outlook: The BLS projects the employment of instructional coordinators (a related field) to grow 2% between 2023 and 2033.

Textbook Developer

Textbook developers design and develop the content and layout for textbooks at varying educational levels. They typically work for publishing companies and are tasked with following guidelines for providing informative, well-researched, and accessible content. Experience teaching and a deep understanding of academic processes and curriculum are advantageous, and often required, for textbook developers.

Median annual salary: $75,000 (grouped with curriculum developer)
Job outlook: Although the BLS doesn’t provide specific data for textbook developers, it projects 12% job growth for training and development specialists between 2023 and 2033.

Advance Your Career With a Master’s in Teaching

Whether you’re seeking a teaching license and a career in the classroom or you want to establish a foundation to move into educational consulting or curriculum development, a master’s degree in teaching is a good option to consider. It can expand your career prospects and improve your earning potential.

The Master of Arts in Teaching program from Warner Pacific University and WPU Online offers flexible in-person and online options for students to build a course schedule that works with their commitments outside the classroom. It also provides accelerated completion formats.

Discover how the MAT curriculum can strengthen your teaching skills and prepare you for a lasting career.

Sources:
Indeed, How to Become a Curriculum Developer
Indeed, How to Become an Education Consultant in 5 Steps (With Tips)
Indeed, The Pros and Cons of Being a Bilingual Teacher
National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition, Educators of English Learners: Availability, Projected Needs, and Teacher Preparation
National Council on Teacher Quality, “ Paying Teachers More for Master’s Degrees”
Payscale, Average Curriculum Developer Salary
Payscale, Average Education Consultant Salary
Payscale, Average Special Education Teacher, Preschool, Kindergarten, or Elementary School Salary in Chicago, Illinois
Payscale, Salary for Certification: Bilingual Education
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Instructional Coordinators
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Management Analysts
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Special Education Teachers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Training and Development Specialists