So, I've always wanted to be a teacher. I've considered teaching high school, but the pay is pretty poor, there isn't much room for advancement, and it isn't as prestigious. I understand that the pursuit of a PhD is largely focused on conducting research and requires vast amounts of effort and passion in the particular subject. There are a few subjects that interest me, but none that I'm willing to dedicate my life to. I'm more interested in the teaching aspect of working as a professor and not so much constantly publishing research. Are there any programs geared towards a student such as me?

I don't know where you got that from. Despite what a lot of teachers say, out of all the teaching sectors compulsory education is very comparatively well paid with more openings and good progression routes. Have you looked what AST teachers, head of departments and headteachers earn! Good luck

By compulsory education, are you referring to K-12th grade? I'm assuming you live in England or some foreign nation because I've never heard the term AST teacher. I'm from the United States, and here non-college teachers are not paid well at all.

Ah right, yes you're right probably not as well paid. I'm in the UK. We now have Advanced Skills Teachers. Our compulsory education is from 5-17yrs of age. Teaching itself here doesn't pay as well as other graduate jobs buut compulsory ed can often pay more than college/university. Hope someone else can give you more useful info. :-)