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Nov 5, 2024
15 Min Read

Unlocking Potential: 8 Upskilling Tips to Boost Your Teacher Salary

teacher salary

Have you ever noticed how some teachers seem to effortlessly advance their careers while enjoying the rewards that come with it? Teaching is an incredibly fulfilling profession, and with the right strategies, you can enhance your journey and boost your salary, too!

Imagine waking up each day excited not only about inspiring students but also about the financial growth that accompanies your dedication. The key to unlocking this potential lies in upskilling. By investing in your professional development, you can expand your skill set, enhance your qualifications, and open doors to new opportunities.

Whether you’re a seasoned teacher looking to refresh your approach or a passionate newcomer eager to make your mark, this blog is designed for you. 

In this blog, we’ll explore eight dynamic ways upskilling can enhance your earning potential, sharing inspiring stories from various teachers, including those who have taken their careers to the next level through courses from Suraasa. Before we get into the blog, take a moment to download our Teacher Skills Self-Assessment Worksheet.

Let’s dive in and discover how you can boost your salary while doing what you love!

8 Ways Upskilling Can Boost Your Teacher Salary

1. Unlock Higher-Paying Positions

Upskilling gives you the expertise to pursue more advanced and higher-paying teaching positions. For instance, if you're currently working as a primary teacher, adding specific certifications to your profile can make you eligible for roles such as TGT (trained graduate teacher) or PGT (postgraduate teacher), which typically offer higher pay. Many schools use structured teacher salary chart that clearly show potential pay increases with each new qualification or added experience.

Take, for example, Ethel Sojo, a Grade 2 teacher. After joining the Suraasa upskilling program, Ethel's professional growth skyrocketed, leading her to become the Head of Department, where she now oversees and guides a team of 17 teachers. 

This new position comes with a significant salary boost. It places Ethel in leadership, demonstrating how upskilling can lead to career advancement and financial rewards.

2. Access Prestigious Institutions

Government teacher salary

With upskilling, you’ll be ready to apply to more competitive institutions that usually offer better salaries and benefits.

Take the story of Mounica Chowdhary, a teacher at Montessori International School. Before upskilling, Mounica was looking for opportunities to enhance her teaching skills. However, after completing the PgCTL course from Suraasa, she learned effective lesson planning strategies and tools, leading to increased student participation in her classroom. Today, Mounica is making the best use of her learnings from Suraasa to excel in her role.

Many private schools, too, seek highly skilled teachers and are more likely to invest in professionals with proven expertise. The right qualifications can significantly impact your career, opening doors to various teaching opportunities in respected schools.

3. Qualify for Specialized Teaching Roles

Schools increasingly value teachers with specialized skills, such as curriculum development, instructional coaching, or special education. By upskilling, you can step into these roles, which are both personally fulfilling and financially rewarding. Specialized roles often include bonuses or adjustments in the school's teacher salary chart.

Take the example of Neha Choudhry. As a special needs educator, she aspired to advance her career in the USA but needed the right credentials and training to achieve this. After completing Suraasa's PgCTL program, which focused on upskilling, Neha successfully secured a position in her dream location. Her story demonstrates how targeted upskilling can help professionals like her reach their goals and open doors to rewarding career opportunities abroad.



4. Earn Additional Certifications

Primary teacher salary

Additional certifications can significantly increase your earning potential and help you advance to senior positions. Suraasa’s PgCTL (Professional Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning) is a popular program for teachers. 

This upskilling program, PgCTL, is a globally recognized course that equips you with essential teaching standards, including knowledge of pedagogy, content mastery, classroom management, and cultural competence. It also covers modern pedagogical strategies, making it ideal for those looking to explore international teaching opportunities. With PgCTL, teachers acquire skills that enhance their desirability as job candidates, ultimately leading to attractive salary increases.

With PgCTL, you can join the ranks of thousands of teachers who have experienced a career metamorphosis. Their stories of landing higher-paying roles and venturing into international schools are a testament to the program's transformative power.

Ready to upskill and climb the success ladder? Suraasa is here to help!
Talk to a Teacher Career Expert at Suraasa to get personalized advice on how to upskill your teaching career with courses that would fit your needs.
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5. Take on Additional Responsibilities

Schools appreciate teachers who go the extra mile, taking on tasks beyond classroom teaching. Taking on roles like leading extracurriculars, mentoring new teachers, or managing school events can enhance your profile and increase earning opportunities.

Vertika Mishra's
journey is a testament to the power of proactive involvement and professional development. Starting as a dedicated teacher, Vertika's aspirations of leadership led her to join the Suraasa upskilling program. This decision catapulted her from a teacher to the headmistress within a small span of time.

Her active role in school and commitment to professional growth quickly led to her advancement. If you're a teacher who leads extracurricular programs, this could positively impact your overall teacher salary and prepare you for more advanced positions, just as it did for Vertika.

6. Position Yourself for Job Promotions

Promotions can increase your salary but often require upskilling, a record of strong performance, and leadership abilities. Specialized training in areas like educational leadership, curriculum design, or school management can make you a strong candidate for promotion and keep you aligned with your career goals.

Consider the journey of Noor Nazia, a teacher at Credence High School. Initially seeking ways to upskill and drive her professional growth, Noor shared, “Before, I was looking to learn something new and upskill for my career.” After completing the PgCTL program, she reflected, “PgCTL transformed my teaching and learning. The transition I see in myself as a teacher and my professional growth is beyond what I could have imagined.” Noor’s enhanced skills and confidence opened doors for career advancement, highlighting the impact of targeted upskilling.

Taking initiative and showing strong skills can open doors to roles like head of department or lead teacher. Building these skills makes you more valuable at school and can lead to a more satisfying and fulfilling career.



7. Increase Employment Options Globally

High school teacher salary

Teaching abroad is an exciting option that offers higher salaries and added benefits. With Suraasa's globally aligned training programs, you'll gain the skills and certifications needed to teach in countries like the US or UAE, where schools often seek teachers trained in international standards.

Let's take a moment to delve into Saratha's journey. A novice in the teaching field, she was yearning for the confidence to take her career to new heights. Suraasa's PgCTL program became her stepping stone, equipping her with the necessary skills and knowledge. This transformation led her to a fulfilling role as an Elementary STEM Teacher at Kalamazoo Public Schools in the USA. Saratha's story is a powerful reminder of how the right training can turn aspirations into reality.

With specialized training from Suraasa, teachers become strong candidates for roles in these countries, where teacher salaries usually come with added benefits like housing, insurance, and relocation assistance. International teaching positions offer competitive pay, a unique cultural experience, and unparalleled professional growth opportunities.

If you’re a teacher looking for global opportunities, this training could be your gateway to a fulfilling and lucrative career abroad.

Wishing for a global teaching career? Suraasa is with you on the journey.
If you’re excited about the prospect of teaching internationally and want to explore your options, talk to a teacher career expert for guidance.
Book 1-1 Session


8. Boost Your Confidence and Career Satisfaction

Upskilling is a powerful tool that can significantly enhance your job satisfaction and work-life balance. By continuously improving your skills, you not only enhance your teaching experience but also open doors to better appraisals, potential bonuses, and an improved teacher salary. More importantly, the knowledge that you are growing professionally can bring a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction that is hard to match. It's a testament to the importance of continuous learning in your career.

Take the example of Nikhil Menon, who was unfamiliar with modern teaching techniques and concepts. After joining Suraasa, he learned modern-day teaching and pedagogical skills to become a future-ready teacher, which made him confident. Confident teachers are more effective in inspiring their students. When you feel valued in your role, it positively impacts your career progression and salary. Additionally, this sense of value fosters greater student engagement and contributes to their overall success.



Conclusion

To wrap things up, let’s take a moment to appreciate just how valuable your journey as a teacher is—it truly deserves recognition! By focusing on upskilling, you can elevate your career and enjoy the financial rewards that come with it. Whether you’re looking to advance your salary or explore international teaching opportunities, upskilling is your pathway to better prospects.

Programs like Suraasa’s PgCTL and courses in curriculum design and educational leadership can equip you with the skills needed for success in today’s ever-evolving educational landscape. So, why wait?

Now is the perfect time to take charge of your career. Enroll in Suraasa’s PgCTL program and start your journey towards a more fulfilling and financially rewarding teaching profession. If you have questions or need guidance, don’t hesitate to book a one-on-one session with our career experts—they're here to help!

With the right guidance and skills, you can build a teaching career that is not just rewarding but also financially satisfying. Let’s turn those dreams into reality together!

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Written By
Sananda Roy

Sananda Roy

Sananda Roy is a content writer here at Suraasa with a passion for learning and writing. She crafts engaging content that inspires and informs, blending creativity with a deep love for education.

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What is Suraasa?

Suraasa is an international organization that helps teachers achieve greater professional and financial growth in their careers.

What is Suraasa?

Suraasa is an international organization that helps teachers achieve greater professional and financial growth in their careers.
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