Teachers and Teaching - Educational Attainment Of Teachers

The graphed data are based upon sample surveys conducted by the National Education Association⁴. Not all teachers surveyed are certified, however. The number of teachers with less than a bachelor's degree dropped substantially. In 1961, more than 205,000 teachers had less than a bachelor's degree (14.6%). In 1996, the number dropped to 6,500 (0.3%).

The number of teachers with master's or specialist degrees soared. Starting in the early 1980s, the number of teachers with a master's or specialist degree outnumbered those with a bachelor's degree! The number of those with a bachelor's degree rose dramatically from 1961 to 1971, but the number has trended downward ever since. There was a slight increase in 1991, but the number dropped again for 1996. The drop in numbers for bachelor's, master's, and specialist degrees between 1991 and 1996 may partially be explained by the drop in the percentage of teachers surveyed (86% in 1991 compared to 70% in 1996).

Although not shown in the graph, the number of teachers with a doctorate has also increased. In 1961, 5,600 teachers had doctorates. In 1996, 36,800 had doctorates. The next table shows the growth in the levels of educational attainment among teachers.

Growth in Educational Attainment Among Teachers, 1961-1996

	% growth in the number of teachers holding degrees (1961-1996)
Less than bachelor's degree	-97
Bachelor's degree	8
Master's or specialist degree	263
Doctor's degree	557

The educational attainment of teachers has risen dramatically. Many people, however, judge teacher competency by certification status. Certification typically requires taking courses in teacher education followed by passing certification tests. These examinations test the applicant's skill in pedagogical subjects. If the teacher is a subject-matter specialist, special certification tests related to the subject must also be passed.

In recent years, there has been an outcry among parents and those in government about the number of uncertified teachers across the United States. The next panel will discuss elementary and secondary teacher certification.

Source: U.S. Department of Education. National Center for Education Statistics. Digest of Education Statistics, 2001.