Philadelphia Teacher Education Programs
Education is no small undertaking in Philadelphia, a city of more than 1.5 million people. The School District of Philadelphia is the eighth largest in the nation. It boasts 214 schools, more than 130,000 students, and almost 8,400 teachers. Philadelphia is also home to some well-known colleges, including Saint Joseph’s University, Temple University, Drexel University, and Strayer University, among others.
If you’re looking to make a difference in the field of education, Philadelphia can offer many opportunities. The city’s public school system has faced serious challenges in recent years, and many students report feeling like they’re not receiving enough support. At EducationDegree.com, we can help match you with the right education program to meet your career needs. Explore our directory of online and Philadelphia colleges to get started, or keep reading to learn more about becoming a teacher in Philadelphia.
Teacher Education in Philadelphia
Your education needs depend on where you’re at in your career. If you’re new to teaching, you will need either a Bachelor’s degree or certification through an alternative teacher certification program (good for those who already have a Bachelor’s in another subject). If you’ve already earned your Bachelor’s, a Master’s in Education is a logical next step. If you’ve already earned your Master’s but aren’t ready for your Doctorate, an Educational Specialist program is a good in-between degree. Earning your Doctorate in Education is the capstone of teacher education.
To maximize your education, consider joining a Philadelphia teachers’ group. These organizations allow you to meet other educational professionals, learn about the field, and potentially find jobs. The most prominent union in Philadelphia is the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, representing more than 16,000 education professionals in Philadelphia’s public schools. Other groups based in this area include the Philadelphia Alliance of Charter School Employees, the Philadelphia Music Teachers Association, and the Association of Teachers of Mathematics of Philadelphia and Vicinity.
Career Outlook and Average Salary for Teachers in Philadelphia
As home to the eighth-largest school district in the entire country, it’s no surprise that Philadelphia has some of the highest teacher employment levels in the United States. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the Philadelphia metro area has the fifth-highest employment level for secondary school teachers, the eighth-highest employment level of elementary school teachers, and the fourth-highest employment level of high school special education teachers. Although teacher salaries in Philadelphia are not as high as other major East coast metros, they are comfortable enough for the city’s cost of living. The annual salaries for popular teaching positions in 2012 included:
- $56,760 for elementary school teachers in Philadelphia
- $63,800 for secondary school teachers in Philadelphia
- $63,320 for kindergarten and elementary school special education teachers in Philadelphia
- $123,550 for post-secondary education administrators in Philadelphia
If you’re ready to become a teacher in Philadelphia or take your current career to the next level, we’re here to help. Explore our listings of Philadelphia colleges, and reach out to several for more information on the benefits of their programs. We recommend contacting multiple schools to help you make a well-rounded decision about the future of your education.
