Today’s educators are facing unprecedented challenges. Student mental health needs are rising. Teacher burnout is at an all-time high. Engagement in classrooms and across school communities is steadily declining.
At the same time, the role of educators is evolving rapidly, yet most teacher preparation and professional development programs haven’t kept pace. Educators today are expected to teach with empathy, nurture social-emotional skills, and support behavioral and mental well-being, all while adapting to new technologies, addressing systemic inequities, and delivering academic results.
Breathe For Change’s Master of Science in Education in Transformative Teaching and Learning, with a Certificate of Specialization in Social-Emotional Learning, Mindfulness, and Yoga, was designed in direct response to these realities. Grounded in human-centered education, this graduate program equips educators with the skills, strategies, and support to lead meaningful change, for their students, their schools, and themselves.
But what can you actually do with this degree? Whether you’re seeking to deepen your impact, grow into leadership, or explore new opportunities within or beyond the classroom, this program opens the door to a wide range of fulfilling, future-forward career paths.
1. Step into Leadership
Average Salary: $75,000–$110,000+
Graduates of this program have a competitive edge for leadership roles at the school, district, or organizational level. By combining personal development with research-backed pedagogy and practical tools, this degree prepares you to lead professional learning, design inclusive and responsive systems, and support whole-school wellness initiatives.
Potential Career Paths
These positions are growing in number as districts prioritize trauma-informed care, educator wellness, and whole-child learning:
- Instructional Coach: Ideal for educators who want to support peer development through mentorship and coaching. Even in content-specific coaching roles, Breathe For Change alumni bring a human-centered lens that enhances classroom culture and learning relationships.
- Professional Development Facilitator or Director: Leads the design and delivery of adult learning experiences across a school or district. Many graduates begin by facilitating PD, mentoring new teachers, or leading SEL initiatives before stepping into this role.
- SEL or Wellness Coordinator: Designs and implements SEL programs, facilitates educator wellness sessions, and collaborates with leadership to embed well-being and social-emotional development into school systems.
In addition, many graduates pursue broader leadership positions within or adjacent to the school system, such as:
- Director of Social-Emotional Learning or Whole Child Development
- Director of Educator Wellness or Staff Culture
- MTSS/PBIS Implementation Specialist (focused on Tier 1 SEL and wellness supports)
- Restorative Practices Coordinator
- Family & Community Engagement Director
- Curriculum Specialist or Director
All of these roles demand strong leadership grounded in belonging, emotional intelligence, and holistic thinking – hallmarks of this graduate program.
2. Thrive in the Classroom
Typical Salary Increase: $5,000–$15,000+
Not all educators want to leave the classroom, and with the right tools and support, you don’t have to. This degree helps teachers deepen their impact, prevent burnout, and thrive in the roles they love most.
Graduates report feeling more confident, effective, and fulfilled in their teaching. They create inclusive, engaging environments where students feel seen, supported, and empowered… and where deep learning can flourish.
Benefits include:
- Pedagogy with practical strategies that address today’s classroom realities
- Personal development for educators, including tools for mindfulness and wellness
- A community of peers, mentors, and advisors that provides encouragement, accountability, and lifelong connection
- A recognized higher education degree that qualifies you for salary increases and career advancement
- Human skills for educators and students, including empathy, collaboration, self-awareness, and resilience
This degree affirms the power of staying in the classroom and equips you to make that choice with renewed purpose, expanded impact, and increased earning potential.
3. Become an SEL Specialist
Average Salary: $65,000–$90,000
Social-emotional learning (SEL) is essential for student success but few schools have trained professionals to implement SEL systemically. With a specialized focus on SEL, mindfulness, and yoga, graduates are well-prepared to lead SEL initiatives at both the school and district levels.
In this role, you may:
- Design SEL scope and sequence across grade levels
- Facilitate professional learning on culturally responsive SEL practices
- Integrate SEL with trauma-informed and restorative approaches
- Lead staff wellness initiatives and mental health support programs
4. Move into Higher Ed. or Nonprofit Leadership
Average Salary: $80,000–$120,000
This degree can also serve as a launchpad into broader leadership roles in postsecondary education, educational nonprofits, or mission-driven organizations focused on mental health, youth development, or social justice.
Career Opportunities Include:
- Program Director at an Education Nonprofit or Foundation
- Curriculum Designer for SEL or Wellness Programs
- Education Consultant or Coach
These positions allow educators to influence systems, shape professional learning, and advocate for inclusive, human-centered education practices at scale.
5. Facilitate Wellness Programs
Average Hourly Rate: $50–$150
In addition to earning a master’s degree, all graduates receive a Certificate of Specialization in Social-Emotional Learning, Mindfulness, and Yoga. This opens opportunities both inside and beyond the classroom.
Paths to consider:
- Leading school or districtwide staff wellness sessions
- Offering afterschool yoga or summer enrichment programs
- Supporting community organizations with youth wellness initiatives
- Facilitating workshops or retreats for educators and families
Some graduates build independent practices as consultants or facilitators, while others bring wellness programming into schools or districts as part of broader cultural transformation efforts.
A Degree Designed for Today’s – and Tomorrow’s – Educator
This program is grounded in a simple, powerful belief: transformative teaching starts with personal transformation. When educators are empowered to care for themselves, connect with others, and lead with intention, they create ripple effects that reach every student, every classroom, and every community.
Because education isn’t just about academic achievement. It’s about cultivating whole, empowered, compassionate humans. That work begins with educators who lead with empathy, integrity, and purpose.
Through this program, you’ll gain the tools to:
- Design meaningful, inclusive learning experiences
- Build stronger, more connected school communities
- Inspire the next generation to live with wellness, purpose, and agency
The skills you’ll develop – empathy, resilience, adaptability, collaboration – aren’t just essential in education. They’re the human skills our world needs most.
If you’re ready to grow as an educator, leader, and human being, and to help others do the same, this program was made for you.
