Teaching is an extremely rewarding vocation. Each day in the classroom brings something new and you have the privilege of educating and shaping the next generation. However, you may desire something more tangible from your career. Whether you seek additional responsibility or a higher salary, here are some ways to advance your career in the field of education.

Stick Around

If you love having direct contact with students, the good news is that the longer you work, the higher your salary will be. Typically, a teacher’s salary increases for each year that they work. Because many people leave the teaching profession after a few years, those who choose to stay the course are rewarded with better remuneration.

These salary increments are referred to as ‘steps’ and are awarded to teachers for a minimum of the first ten years of their employment. In addition, there is usually an annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) that is applied based on the economic situation. If your district has a teaching union, the COLA may be negotiated by your union representatives.

Make the Move

The salary difference between schools can be dramatic. If you teach in a rural or low-income area, your salary will generally be lower than average because larger and more affluent areas typically have greater funding for teachers’ salaries. Therefore, switching schools is one of the ways to get a significant increase in salary without too much investment on your part.

Start by researching salaries in the districts around you. In certain cases, you can secure a ten percent raise simply by switching school districts in your region. Often, moving to a different state can yield an even greater salary jump. That said, changing states is a considerably bigger step that may not be possible depending on your circumstances.

Go Back to School

Because most teachers hold a bachelor’s degree, attaining a higher level of education will give you a solid edge in the field. Completing a master’s program will allow you to take on more senior positions and command a better salary. You will also gain credentials that give you the flexibility to move into careers in other industries.

A master’s program will equip you with leadership skills to qualify for high-ranking positions like head of department, principal, or school administrator. You can similarly choose to specialize in a particular subject that you are passionate about or learn how to work with diverse students such as those with learning disabilities.

Some school districts provide tuition support or education credit for teachers who want to take up continuing education. This can help you to pay off a portion of your tuition fees. To save time and guarantee a flow of income, you can consider doing a Masters of Education online program where you can continue to teach during the day while studying after hours.

Supplement Your Income

There are often several opportunities for teachers to earn an extra income within their schools. As you already know the students and the environment, taking on extra work at your school is an easy way to make more money and demonstrate your abilities. You could chaperone school events, coach sports or drama, or be a part-time counselor.

Should you prefer to work outside of your school, you could offer private tuition to students in your area. Parents are more likely to trust qualified, current teachers as tutors and you can build a lucrative base of students over a couple of months. You can also choose to tutor online to share your knowledge with students around the world.

Summer break is a fantastic chance to generate a little income on the side. During this time, you could work as a substitute teacher or a summer school teacher. These temporary teaching positions generally have less demanding schedules and responsibilities. Meanwhile, you can still enjoy a bonus wage and keep your teaching abilities sharp.

Develop Study Materials

Some teachers excel at planning lessons and creating materials while others are not as adept. Teachers who are skilled in this regard can generate steady passive income by selling their lesson plans and study materials to other teachers online. Since you already make these materials for your classes, it only takes a little extra effort to put them up for sale.

For teachers who have a talent for designing curricula, you may be engaged by your school (or other schools) to develop curricula for their students. Although developing a curriculum is a painstaking and challenging task, particularly over multiple grades, you will be able to ensure that students receive the best education outcomes possible—while getting paid.

Education is an interesting field with multiple opportunities and possibilities for career development and income generation. By investing in your own education and making the most of your talents, you can add value to yourself as an educator. This will open the door to career advancement and improved financial rewards as you continue to change lives for the better.