Best institutions to study Teacher Education
A program that prepares individuals to teach students at more than one educational level, such as a combined program in elementary/secondary, early childhood/elementary, elementary/middle school, or junior high/high school teacher education.
279 U.S. institutions graduated 9,066 Teacher Education students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 13.1206, a specialization of Teacher Education and Professional Development (CIP 13.12), and leads most directly to the Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education occupation (BLS SOC 25-2011).
About Teacher Education programs
A program that prepares individuals to teach students at more than one educational level, such as a combined program in elementary/secondary, early childhood/elementary, elementary/middle school, or junior high/high school teacher education.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Teacher Education program, specifically designed for multiple educational levels, prepares individuals to teach students across various age groups. This program encompasses combined teacher education tracks such as early childhood/elementary and junior high/high school, making it ideal for those seeking a versatile teaching career.
Students in this program develop essential skills such as active listening, critical thinking, and effective communication. Coursework covers knowledge areas including education and training, psychology, and public safety, equipping future educators with the tools necessary to adapt teaching methods to diverse student needs.
Credentials awarded
What Teacher Education graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Master's degree3,975 graduates / yr · 124 institutions44%
- Bachelor's degree2,421 graduates / yr · 86 institutions27%
- Associate's degree1,260 graduates / yr · 62 institutions14%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate701 graduates / yr · 24 institutions7.7%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year298 graduates / yr · 18 institutions3.3%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years201 graduates / yr · 19 institutions2.2%
- Post-master's certificate167 graduates / yr · 5 institutions1.8%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship29 graduates / yr · 4 institutions0.3%
- Award of less than 12 weeks13 graduates / yr · 2 institutions0.1%
- Award of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years1 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.0%
Graduates over time
Teacher Education completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 8,918 |
| 2013 | 7,706 |
| 2014 | 7,403 |
| 2015 | 7,488 |
| 2016 | 7,419 |
| 2017 | 7,551 |
| 2018 | 7,935 |
| 2019 | 7,754 |
| 2020 | 8,083 |
| 2021 | 9,812 |
| 2022 | 9,446 |
| 2023 | 9,240 |
| 2024 | 8,632 |
| 2025 | 9,066 |
Top 50 institutions for Teacher Education, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Relay Graduate School of Education New York, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 400 | — | — | — |
| 2 | Texas State University San Marcos, TXPublicBachelor's | 316 | 55% | — | — |
| 3 | Sam Houston State University Huntsville, TXPublicBachelor's | 311 | 55% | — | — |
| 4 | Washington State University Pullman, WAPublicPost-degree cert. | 250 | 60% | — | $46,998 |
| 5 | University of Oregon Eugene, ORPublicPost-degree cert.Master'sMaster's | 246 | 72% | — | — |
| 6 | University of California - Irvine Irvine, CAPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 233 | 87% | — | — |
| 7 | Pennsylvania State University - Main Campus University Park, PAPublicBachelor's | 217 | 86% | — | $45,795 |
| 8 | Georgia Southern University Statesboro, GAPublicMaster's | 214 | 55% | — | $40,641 |
| 9 | University of West Georgia Carrollton, GAPublicMaster's | 196 | 43% | — | $41,744 |
| 10 | University of the People Pasadena, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 181 | 34% | — | — |
| 11 | The University of Tennessee - Martin Martin, TNPublicMaster'sBachelor's | 156 | 53% | — | $41,834 |
| 12 | El Paso Community College El Paso, TXPublicAssociate's | 148 | 24% | — | $19,141 |
| 13 | University of Missouri - St Louis Saint Louis, MOPublicMaster's | 147 | 57% | — | $35,731 |
| 14 | George Fox University Newberg, ORPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 140 | 72% | $26,564 | $36,733 |
| 15 | Houston City College Houston, TXPublicAssociate's | 122 | 17% | — | — |
| 16 | Grand Canyon University Phoenix, AZPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 106 | 43% | $21,535 | $40,682 |
| 17 | Austin Peay State University Clarksville, TNPublicBachelor's | 95 | 40% | — | $41,743 |
| 18 | Saginaw Valley State University University Center, MIPublicBachelor's | 94 | 48% | — | $43,151 |
| 19 | Arkansas State University - Beebe Beebe, ARPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 92 | 42% | — | $18,025 |
| 20 | University of Notre Dame Notre Dame, INPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 92 | 95% | $19,452 | — |
| 21 | The University of Tennessee - Chattanooga Chattanooga, TNPublicBachelor's | 92 | 50% | — | $39,481 |
| 22 | Bowling Green State University - Main Campus Bowling Green, OHPublicBachelor's | 91 | 64% | — | $40,271 |
| 23 | Santa Clara University Santa Clara, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 90 | 88% | $44,094 | — |
| 24 | Middle Georgia State University Macon, GAPublicMaster's | 89 | 25% | — | $41,634 |
| 25 | East Tennessee State University Johnson City, TNPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 88 | 53% | — | $40,276 |
| 26 | The College of Saint Scholastica Duluth, MNPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 86 | 71% | $21,150 | $40,320 |
| 27 | The University of Texas at Tyler Tyler, TXPublicBachelor's | 81 | 54% | — | — |
| 28 | University of West Alabama Livingston, ALPublicBachelor's | 78 | 35% | — | — |
| 29 | San Antonio College San Antonio, TXPublicAssociate's | 78 | 26% | — | $21,184 |
| 30 | University of Redlands Redlands, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 75 | 67% | $22,706 | — |
| 31 | Reach University Oakland, CAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 74 | — | $13,695 | — |
| 32 | Pacific Oaks College Pasadena, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 73 | — | — | $43,320 |
| 33 | Central New Mexico Community College Albuquerque, NMPublicAssociate's | 68 | 31% | — | $29,708 |
| 34 | Adams State University Alamosa, COPublicMaster's | 67 | 39% | — | — |
| 35 | William Paterson University of New Jersey Wayne, NJPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 67 | 44% | — | $54,093 |
| 36 | American InterContinental University System Chandler, AZPrivate for-profitMaster's | 63 | 9% | $15,785 | — |
| 37 | Delta State University Cleveland, MSPublicMaster's | 62 | 48% | — | $39,008 |
| 38 | College of Southern Nevada Las Vegas, NVPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 62 | 19% | — | $19,662 |
| 39 | Stockton University Galloway, NJPublicMaster'sBachelor's | 62 | 69% | — | $59,371 |
| 40 | United States University Sandy Springs, CAPrivate for-profitMaster'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 60 | — | $21,557 | — |
| 41 | Christian Brothers University Memphis, TNPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 59 | 55% | $11,063 | — |
| 42 | Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, GAPublicMaster'sDoctoralPost-degree cert. | 59 | 52% | — | $46,077 |
| 43 | Southern Oregon University Ashland, ORPublicPost-degree cert. | 57 | 43% | — | $41,136 |
| 44 | Sul Ross State University Alpine, TXPublicBachelor's | 51 | 30% | — | — |
| 45 | Salt Lake Community College Salt Lake City, UTPublicAssociate's | 50 | 29% | — | — |
| 46 | Troy University Troy, ALPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 48 | 50% | — | $42,788 |
| 47 | Fresno Pacific University Fresno, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 48 | 50% | $14,298 | $33,727 |
| 48 | Camden County College Blackwood, NJPublicAssociate's | 48 | 31% | — | $21,956 |
| 49 | Hamline University Saint Paul, MNPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 47 | 60% | $20,981 | — |
| 50 | Jackson State University Jackson, MSPublicMaster's | 47 | 51% | — | $40,448 |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Teacher Education and Professional Development field (CIP 13.12) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 49 states & territories
Where Teacher Education graduates come from. Each state links to all Teacher Education and Professional Development programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 25-2011, Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Teacher Education program can pursue careers as preschool, elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers. The job outlook for educators is about as fast as average, with an expected 4.1% growth and approximately 65,500 annual openings. The median wage for teachers is $37,120, with an associate's degree typically required for entry-level positions.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 13.1206
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Educationprimary SOC 25-2011 | $38,140 | +4.1% About as fast as average | ~65,500 | Associate's degree |
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education SOC 25-2021 | $63,970 | -2.0% Decline | ~91,000 | Bachelor's degree |
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education SOC 25-2031 | $72,040 | -1.6% Decline | ~66,200 | Bachelor's degree |
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education SOC 25-2022 | $64,370 | -2.0% Decline | ~40,500 | Bachelor's degree |
Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education SOC 25-2012 | $62,680 | -1.6% Decline | ~12,800 | Bachelor's degree |
Education Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1081 | $75,350 | +2.1% About as fast as average | ~5,600 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Teacher Education programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Teach basic skills, such as color, shape, number and letter recognition, personal hygiene, and social skills.
- Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order.
- Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Provide a variety of materials and resources for children to explore, manipulate, and use, both in learning activities and in imaginative play.
- Serve meals and snacks in accordance with nutritional guidelines.
- Attend to children's basic needs by feeding them, dressing them, and changing their diapers.
Tools and technology used
Other Teacher Education and Professional Development specializations
The 13 other 6-digit CIP codes under Teacher Education and Professional Development (CIP 13.12).
- Elementary Education and TeachingCIP 13.120242,176 graduates / yr1,131 institutions
- Early Childhood Education and TeachingCIP 13.121033,622 graduates / yr910 institutions
- Secondary Education and TeachingCIP 13.120510,339 graduates / yr530 institutions
- Teacher Education and Professional DevelopmentCIP 13.12996,107 graduates / yr191 institutions
- Junior High/CIP 13.1203
Intermediate/ Middle School Education and Teaching 2,728 graduates / yr273 institutions - Kindergarten/CIP 13.1209
Preschool Education and Teaching 1,689 graduates / yr113 institutions - Adult and Continuing Education and TeachingCIP 13.1201942 graduates / yr67 institutions
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Educational MethodsCIP 13.1213398 graduates / yr21 institutions
- Montessori Teacher EducationCIP 13.1207282 graduates / yr16 institutions
- College/CIP 13.1214
Postsecondary/ University Teaching 95 graduates / yr16 institutions - Online Educator/CIP 13.1211
Online Teaching 59 graduates / yr17 institutions - International Teaching and LearningCIP 13.1212limited data34 graduates / yr1 institutions
Show 1 more CIP codes with no U.S. programs reported+
- Waldorf/
Steiner Teacher Education13.1208
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
See all Teacher Education and Professional Development programs →
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in this program?+
You can earn a Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, Associate's degree, or a Postbaccalaureate certificate.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills such as speaking, active listening, critical thinking, and learning strategies.
What careers can I pursue after graduation?+
You can become a preschool teacher, elementary school teacher, middle school teacher, or secondary school teacher.
What is the job outlook for teachers?+
The job outlook for teachers is about as fast as average, with a projected growth of 4.1%.
What is the CIP code for Teacher Education?+
Teacher Education is CIP 13.1206 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Teacher Education and Professional Development (CIP 13.12). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to teach students at more than one educational level, such as a combined program in elementary/secondary, early childhood/elementary, elementary/middle school, or junior high/high school teacher education.
How many institutions offer Teacher Education programs?+
279 U.S. institutions reported Teacher Education graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 49 states & territories, awarding 9,066 credentials in the year. That is 8.4% of all Teacher Education and Professional Development graduates.
How much do Teacher Education graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education occupation, which Teacher Education most directly leads to, pays a median of $38,140 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Teacher Education and Professional Development field report median earnings of $40,320 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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