Education Teachers, Postsecondary
Education teachers at postsecondary institutions instruct students in education-related subjects including counseling, curriculum design, guidance, instruction methods, teacher preparation, and teaching English as a second language. They work at colleges and universities, typically dividing their time between classroom teaching and research activities that advance knowledge in their field.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against education teachers, postsecondary and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week includes preparing and delivering lectures to education majors, grading assignments and evaluations, meeting with students during office hours, and serving on departmental committees. Teachers may develop new curriculum materials, conduct research on educational practices or policies, review grant proposals, or present findings at conferences. Administrative responsibilities and departmental meetings fill additional time.
Who this work suits
Holland code SIC. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely thrive in this role if you're drawn to social interaction and investigation. You're interested in understanding how people learn and develop, enjoy analyzing educational systems and practices, and want to help shape the next generation of teachers. Strong communication skills and the ability to handle complex, theoretical material are essential.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold doct.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Teacher (Special Education) · Bureau of Indian Education · Eagle Butte, South Dakota · $36.23–$72.13
- Teacher (Special Education) · Bureau of Indian Education · Kaibito, Arizona · $36.23–$72.13
- Teacher (Special Education) (Special Education Teacher) · Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System · Aliceville, Alabama · $57765–$83131
- Teacher (Special Education) · Bureau of Indian Education · Aneth, Utah · $36.23–$72.13
- Transitional Teacher (Special Education) · Bureau of Indian Education · Aneth, Utah · $36.23–$64.52
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $79,040 | $111,850 | $132,730 | 3,100 |
| Louisiana | $59,780 | $83,710 | $106,290 | 460 |
| New York | $65,580 | $82,020 | $107,710 | 5,430 |
| District of Columbia | $64,800 | $80,810 | $104,330 | 230 |
| Connecticut | $62,720 | $80,620 | $101,030 | 900 |
| Rhode Island | $62,810 | $80,030 | $103,170 | 190 |
| Massachusetts | $65,160 | $79,980 | $104,760 | 2,050 |
| Michigan | $60,080 | $79,910 | $109,200 | 1,140 |
| Minnesota | $62,790 | $78,950 | $98,040 | 950 |
| Nebraska | $61,460 | $78,950 | $96,060 | 600 |
| Maryland | $50,740 | $78,820 | $97,460 | 870 |
| Arizona | $64,500 | $78,520 | $104,910 | 1,590 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Postsecondary Instructor (CPI) — National Center for Competency Testing
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against education teachers, postsecondary and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 25-1081.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.