Teaching and K-12 education resources on this page are built for people who are exploring the field and want clear, practical online teaching resources for prospective teachers before choosing a program. As you dive into blogs, FAQs, and quizzes, you'll find online K-12 teaching degree information and discover which California credentials or online teaching degree from UMass Global might be a match for your goals.
If you’re still deciding whether a teaching or education career is right for you, this is a good place to start. Here you’ll find tips for future teachers and education majors, stories from people who started where you are, and explainers to connect real K-12 roles to the online teaching and education degrees that can help you get there.
As you learn more, you can also see how UMass Global's School of Education supports different paths—whether you’re interested in CTC‑approved California teaching and services credentials or online bachelor’s and master’s programs in areas like education, bilingual education, teaching, and educational counseling.
Use these resources to clarify your goals, figure out which roles fit you best, and decide what kind of program might be the right next step—now or in the future.
University of Massachusetts Global's Credential and Authorization Education programs are accredited by California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). In fact, UMass Global is the second largest provider of teaching credentials in California and has been teaching teachers throughout the state for more than 60 years (previously Brandman University).
A Master of Arts in Education (MAE) degree and a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree are both graduate-level educational programs but have different focuses and goals.
A Master of Arts in Education degree typically focuses on advancing a teacher's knowledge of educational theory, research, and policy. The program is designed to give teachers a deeper understanding of the broader context of education, including topics such as educational psychology, curriculum development, assessment, and educational leadership. Graduates of MAE programs may go on to pursue careers in education administration, curriculum development, policymaking, or research, as well as teaching positions.
A Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree is designed to provide students with advanced teaching skills and strategies. The program is often geared toward individuals with bachelor's degrees in a field other than education who want to become licensed teachers. MAT programs typically focus on practical teaching skills and may cover classroom management, instructional design, assessment, and differentiated instruction.
Even if a teacher meets a different state’s requirements, they will still need to apply for a new license to teach there. See the specific guidelines and dig deeper into earning your credential with our resource, "The California educator's guide to choosing the right teaching credential."
Even if you stay in your home state and have no intentions of moving, most teachers still have to renew their credentials every five years. One of the main criteria for renewal is showing proof of dedication to continuing education, whether through in-service training sessions or formal academic study.
Obtaining a master’s degree in teaching can be beneficial for several reasons.
First, it can qualify individuals for advanced teaching roles and can lead to increased earning potential. Many school districts require or prefer teachers to have a master’s degree for certain positions, such as department head or instructional coach.
Additionally, a master’s degree in teaching often provides opportunities for professional development and can deepen an individual's understanding of effective teaching practices and strategies. It can also provide access to specialized knowledge and skills in curriculum development, assessment, and instructional technology.
A master’s degree in teaching can also provide career advancement opportunities for individuals who wish to move into administrative or leadership roles within education.
Whether or not a master’s degree in teaching is worth it depends on an individual's specific career goals and aspirations. It is essential to research and understand the benefits and opportunities that a master’s degree in teaching can provide before deciding.
University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
University of Massachusetts Global's School of Education is accredited by the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing (CTC)
University of Massachusetts Global is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), a national accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation
A good teacher does far more than deliver content; they build relationships, guide student growth, and help create inclusive classrooms where every learner feels seen and supported. Day to day, K‑12 teachers:
If you’re wondering whether a teaching career is right for you, it can help to see the real variety of K‑12 roles and the degrees that support them.
Learn more about these paths and start to see where your interests and strengths might fit in the K‑12 landscape.
Explore what ECE looks like in practice, the roles professionals play, and how an early childhood education degree can prepare you to work with young children and their families.
Dive into the key differences between elementary and secondary education, from the ages and needs of the students you’ll teach to the types of subjects and classroom structures you’ll work in.
A special education teacher is an educator who designs and delivers individualized instruction for students with disabilities, including many learners on the autism spectrum, while coordinating closely with families and school teams.
Becoming a licensed teacher in California follows a clear sequence of steps, but it can feel complex when you’re just starting your research. At a high level, you’ll typically:
It can be easier to picture your own teaching future when you hear from people who started exactly where you are now, wondering if they could balance school, work, and family while making a real impact in K‑12 classrooms. These stories show how UMass Global students used flexible online pathways to turn that uncertainty into action, applying what they learned to solve real classroom challenges, complete degrees, and move confidently into teaching roles.
Explore an early childhood education student whose capstone project turned into a practical tool to help teachers strengthen caregiver relationships in their classrooms, improving connection and communication with young learners.
Learn about a mother–daughter duo completing UMass Global’s online MA in Teaching, Elementary Education together, showing how they balance family, culture, and coursework on their shared path into K‑8 classrooms.
UMass Global staff walk you through multiple teaching career pathways—from elementary and secondary classrooms to special education and beyond—so you can see the different routes into the profession and decide which steps align best with your goals and background.
At UMass Global, we received much more than a degree. We were given a safe space to explore who we are as professionals and be challenged to redefine what we thought we already knew... Our professors pushed us to think past our brain's furthest capacity, directing us through assignments, like our action research proposal.
I felt very comfortable completing my program and never doubted I could because of the supportiveness of the school, teachers, and staff.
My coursework in the Early Childhood Education program provided me with vast knowledge, such as intentionally including children with different abilities, supporting dual language learners, using data to make informed decisions for best practices, and much more. The more knowledge I gained from my courses, my professors, my classmates, and my experiences, the more I began to see myself as a knowledgeable, competent professional who has much to contribute to the ever-evolving field of early childhood education.
I took the Autism classes [through Extended Education] and found the passion of special education, which I really never thought of as an option. I finished the Autism program and enrolled in the Master of Special Education. I have learned to reflect on my teaching and determine if I am reaching all students and on how to better reach any struggling students.
The programs at UMass Global have reinforced my commitment to working in the autism community by equipping me with research-based strategies and practical skills that I can apply directly in my work. This education has not only expanded my knowledge but has also strengthened my confidence in advocating for and implementing best practices in the field.
My experience with autism has greatly influenced my academic journey by allowing me to connect real-life experiences with what I learn in my coursework. I can relate to case studies and classroom discussions, which helps me analyze different perspectives and collaborate with classmates to find effective solutions.
UMass Global, an accredited online university, offers flexible pathways for future and current K‑12 educators who want to make a difference in students’ lives. Through fully online teaching and education degrees, CTC‑approved credential programs, and specialized options in areas like early childhood, elementary, secondary, and special education, you can build classroom‑ready skills, complete required fieldwork, and progress toward licensure on a schedule that fits your work and family commitments.
Begin the next step to becoming a teacher. Have questions about enrollment, degree programs or financial aid? A UMass Global enrollment coach can help.
