For a career in the teaching profession, a degree is needed and a must - that is for sure.

Balderdash, Turnoi.
Some of the best teachers do not have degrees, especially those teaching at technical colleges. Many teachers holding university degrees never teach their majors at the advanced levels that they formerly studied them at while at university. As a matter of fact, they are teaching their majors at much lower levels.
Others with college diplomas are talented teachers too.
Rven some teachers who just have trade certificates as a result of studying at night school for one semester are proficient teachers.
Please get off your high horse!