Top Universities for Teacher Education in 2022-2023

Top Colleges and Universities for Teaching Degrees in the World

About Teacher Education

Teacher education refers to the training imparted to a new generation of prospective teachers to prepare them for educating pupils. The role of a teacher can significantly affect a student’s academics and personality. Modern trends in education have brought measurable changes in society’s expectations from teachers. With the growing number of challenges facing the youth today, teachers are expected to showcase exemplary behavior and guide students along their journey. Therefore, prospective teachers’ training ensures they are equipped with the necessary skills and attitudes to handle school environments effectively.

Duties of a Teacher

• Planning course content and determining the teaching method that would best explain concepts
• Conducting classes as per the schedule and ensuring maximum classroom attendance
• Making each session interactive and encouraging students to participate
• Engaging in alternative teaching methodologies that provide hands-on training and promote creativity
• Testing students’ progress through tests and other assessment techniques
• Resolving student queries promptly and ensuring students understand the concepts well
• Maintaining a safe and assuring environment for the students
• Overseeing the overall development of students, especially building the right attitudes, and healthy professional relations with classmates.
• Constantly updating knowledge in the area of expertise to keep up with the latest developments
• Being a guide to students and addressing their concerns beyond academics and classrooms.

Qualities of a good teacher

Because of teachers’ prominent role in a student’s life, they are expected to put their best behavior forward. A quality that teachers must have is communication. 

The skill of communication is not limited to explaining concepts to students during classroom sessions but extends to giving out correct instructions, discussing with the management, and meetings with parents. Teachers also need to exhibit excellent listening skills, patiently listening to students’ queries and concerns with empathy and compassion. 

Leadership and management abilities ensure students are guided towards the curriculum as planned. Teachers are expected to thrive in groups, encouraging the participants to be collaborative and fair. Finally, the ability to further their knowledge by being updated with developments and trends can help teachers be seen as a source of reliable information.

Popular degrees for pursuing a career in teaching

Bachelor’s level

• Bachelor of Education
• Bachelor of Arts in Educational Science
• B.Ed. in Mathematics and Mathematics Education
• B.Ed. in Art Education
• Bachelor of Teaching

Master’s level

• Master of Education
• MSc in Teacher Education
• Master of Studies
• Master of Teaching

Doctoral level

• MPhil in Education
• DPhil in Education

Specializations in teaching

Early Childhood Education

Early education involves kids as young as infants up to eight years of age. Teachers who graduate from the best universities for early education are skilled in recognizing and enhancing children’s emotional and cognitive abilities. Early education specialists work in preschool, nursery, prekindergarten, or kindergarten.

Elementary Education

Elementary teachers can work with kids from grades one to six, depending on their jurisdiction. As the curriculum in elementary education is the same for all students, elementary teachers are expected to know all the subjects. 

Middle School Education

Middle school is concerned with teaching kids through grades six to eight. Teachers of this level are expected to be specialized in a subject area during their B. Ed studies as they teach students in one subject, or a maximum of two subjects, unlike elementary school teachers who cover most subjects.

Secondary Education

Grades from nine to twelve are considered secondary school or high school. The work nature of high school teachers can be deemed more rigorous and intensive, as they need to meet course completion deadlines and may have to prepare students for college. It is upon high school teachers to guide students in their further education.

Higher Education

Classes above 12 fall in the higher education or post-secondary education category. Teachers at this level are usually holders of a master’s degree in education or a master’s degree in their subject. They may also possess some work experience in the industry. In addition, professors or college-level lecturers typically have other responsibilities apart from teaching, such as co-ordinator, in-charge, or dean.

Average salary of teachers

The teaching profession is heavily influenced by the experience an individual has accumulated over the years Teachers at the entry-level tend to draw lower salaries which gradually increase with experience. . 

United States– $49,178

Canada– $54,560

United Kingdom– $42,453

Australia– $59,702

Note: All prices mentioned in USD are for reference only. Exchange rates may vary from time to time and country to country.

Duration of completing teacher education

Top teacher education universities in the world

Students who wish to pursue their training for a teaching profession have the opportunity to enroll in some of the world’s best programs. Several high-ranking universities across the globe offer undergraduate and graduate-level courses with an equal focus on theory and practice. A few of the many universities are listed below

Top universities for teaching degrees in the USA

The United States is home to some of the best universities globally. Students can study in the US to be exposed to some of the best opportunities in the teaching profession.

Popular bachelor’s programs in teacher education in the US include:

• Bachelor of Education
• Bachelor of Arts in Education
• Bachelor of Arts in Early Care & Education
• BS in Special Education
• Bachelor in Educational Studies

The duration of undergraduate-level programs in teaching in the US is usually four years. The annual tuition fee in top-ranked universities can range anywhere from USD 11,000 to 45,000.

Students can opt to continue their further studies in teaching by pursuing a master’s degree and even further through a doctorate. Master’s degrees in teaching education in the US are usually research-based and may focus on a specialization.

Some popular graduate-level courses include:

• Master of Education
• Master of Arts in Teaching
• Master of Mathematics for Teaching
• Master of Education in Elementary Education
• MS in Special Education

A master’s in education degree in the US is usually two years. Annual tuition costs can range from USD 35,000 to 54,000.  

After graduating in teacher education, careers can start from USD 25,000 and go up to USD 79,000. Annual salaries for more experienced positions in teaching, such as a school principal, can range from USD 54,000 to 100,000.

A list of top universities in teacher studies is given below.

Top universities for teaching degrees in Canada

Teaching is among the most in-demand professions in Canada. Students should aim to study in Canada at any of the top universities mentioned below for a rewarding career.

Popular bachelor’s programs in teacher education in Canada include

• Bachelor of Education
• Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
• Bachelor of Education (Elementary and Middle Years)
• Bachelor of Special Education

The duration of undergraduate-level programs in teaching in Canada is usually four years. Annual tuition fees for bachelor’s level teacher education programs in top-ranked universities can range from CAD 30,000 to 60,000.

Graduate-level courses in theology are much more affordable at an annual cost of CAD 15,000 to 43,000 depending on the university and are usually two years in duration.

Some popular master’s degrees in teacher education in Canada include:

• Master of Education (MEd) – Higher Education
• Master of Teaching
• Master of Education (M.Ed.) Educational Psychology
• Master of Education in Science Education

After obtaining their degree and valid license, teachers in Canada start their careers with an entry-level salary of CAD 40,000 (USD 31,713*). Average salaries range near CAD 61,000 (USD 48,362*) and experienced teachers, or those in managerial positions earn CAD 50,000 to 90,000 (USD 39,641-71,354*)

*Note: Salaries in USD have been calculated per the current exchange rate of 1 CAD = 0.79 USD. Exchange rates may vary from time to time and country to country.

Top universities for teaching degrees in the UK

The UK can provide some of the best opportunities for prospective teachers. However, the teaching profession can get quite demanding. Having a degree from one of the best universities can provide an edge over others. The list below outlines the best teaching universities you can aim for to study in the UK.

Undergraduate-level courses in teaching education in the UK cost around GBP 25,000 (USD 32,650*) annually, with a program length of three years.

Most universities offer the following Bachelor’s programs in teacher education in the UK:

• Bachelor’s in Education
• Bachelor of Arts in Education Studies
• Bachelor of Science in Education
• Bachelor of Science in Childhood Studies

A one-year graduate degree can cost around GBP 24,000 to 30,000 (USD 31,344-39,180*). 

Popular master’s programs for teacher education in the UK are:

• Master of Education
• MSc in Teacher Education
• MSc in Education (Child Development and Education)
• MPhil in Education

A bachelor of education graduate can expect to receive a starting salary of GBP 20,000 (USD 26,119*). The UK average for teachers’ salaries is GBP 28,000 (USD 36,568*)

*Note: Tuition Fees and salaries in USD have been calculated per the current exchange rate of 1 GBP = 1.31 USD. Exchange rates may vary from time to time and country to country.

Top universities for teaching degrees in Australia

Students who aspire to enter the teaching profession should consider studying in Australia, which is one of the countries to pay the highest salaries to teachers. Graduates with a bachelor’s in teaching can expect a starting salary of AUD 50,000 (USD 36,972*) with more experienced positions amounting to AUD 90,000 (USD 66,560*). The national average salary for teachers is AUD 72,000 (USD 53,240*).

Annual tuition fees for Australian undergraduate programs in teaching are around AUD 35,000 to 52,000 (USD 25,880-38,450*). Graduate degrees in teaching are priced a little lower at a range of AUD 34,000 to 46,000 (USD 25,140-34,014*) per academic year.

*Note: Tuition Fees and salaries in USD have been calculated per the current exchange rate of 1 AUD = 0.74 USD. Exchange rates may vary from time to time and country to country.

The best bachelor’s programs in teacher education in Australia are:

• Bachelor of Studies
• Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)
• Bachelor of Education (Primary)
• Bachelor of Education (Secondary)

Some of the best master’s programs in teacher education in Australia are:

• Master of Studies
• Master of Education (Research)
• Master of Teaching (Primary)
• Master of Tertiary Education

Academic Requirements for studying Teacher Education in top-ranked universities

Bachelor’s level

• An acceptable certificate of secondary school completion with at least 75% or fulfillment of credit hours to a degree plan
• Some universities may state subject prerequisites of Maths, Science, or English.
• Proof of English proficiency with an IELTS score of at least 7.5, or any equivalent score in other internationally accepted English language tests.
• Personal Statement
• Letter of recommendation

Some universities may conduct their internal assessment tests such as an entrance exam or an interview.

Master’s level

• Undergraduate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0
• Some universities may require students to prove work experience in education.
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Letter of recommendation
• Letter of motivation

Exams to obtain a Teaching license

For teaching in the US, students must have a bachelor’s degree in education and prove good work experience. In addition, they may be required to pursue a master’s degree in education if their chosen specialization requires it. For obtaining the certification, students have to clear an examination required by the state. Each state may have different requirements.

Teaching in the UK is determined by the Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), a legal requirement for students who wish to teach in the UK.

Most countries state similar requirements to practice the teaching profession. Some jurisdictions may have specific subject requirements. Students are advised to be thorough with their preferred location’s license or certification requirements and plan their careers accordingly