Teaching is an extremely challenging and rewarding profession. Teachers make a very tangible difference in the lives of children and adults on a daily basis. They are responsible for creating lesson plans that can help a wide range of people, while still complying with state and school regulations, as well as preparing students for standardized tests. In most states, teachers are required to have a bachelor's degree, certification, and an area endorsement like English or special education. The average annual starting salary for teachers with a bachelor's degree is $33,227, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Master's degrees and additional responsibilities like coaching a sports team or leading a club increase potential earnings.