As a future teacher, is there any benefit to having two masters degrees?

Question

I want to secure a teaching job right out of college, so I was wondering if having two masters degrees in seperate educational concentrations would help me stand out from the rest. Or is it a waste of time and money?

Answer 1

Hi. I just finished my first masters in special ed, and my second year of teaching in NYC. I am getting a second masters, but in school administration and supervision. I don't know where you teach so the procedures may be different, but when you get 30 credits above your masters you get a salary raise. Even if I don't become an AP right away I will still get a salary increase.

Answer 2

Public school districts are always looking for someone with an endorsement or MA in special education...this is the growing field for today's teacher. Many states, like NJ, have a No Child Left Behind Act which makes teaching every student in a way in which they can LEARN a school district's responsibility.

With Master Degrees, you would start on an upper pay scale for your step.

As an educator with an MA, I can tell you that EXPERIENCE in the classroom is worth so much more than a higher degree. My BA was enough to get me a good job. I have seen teachers who have higher degrees fail because they could not keep control of a classroom or keep the children disciplined while engaged. These individuals are probably some of the brightest out there, but could not execute plans, etc.

Answer 3

Depends on the school district. Most pay more to teachers with a masters, so you would have to convince them that paying more was worth the extra money. It also depends on the subject you plan to teach. Math and special education teachers are in high demand. The rest of us, we're a dime a dozen, and schools can either be picky and go with the teacher that seems the most highly qualified or go for the bargain. An administrator would really be a better person to answer your question. Why don't you call up the human resources director of a local school system and talk to them--they know what their districts would tend to do.

Answer 4

I am assuming that you had a bachelor's degree in something other than education? I would say that although knowledge is always a good thing, you can never know everything about teaching, the more degrees that you have the more a district is going to have to pay you. That might sound good to you, but if they can get someone else at a lower cost they will take the lower cost, especially since neither of you would have any teaching experience.

Answer 5

This is just an opinion from someone who has taught for almost 30 years. Go on and get in the classroom and teach for a while. I have my masters and it gets me $1000 more a YEAR. That doesn't amount to much. Degrees can be impressive to some administrations but I don't know that it would be worth your time and money to pursue it. I admire your ambition and I don't want to discourage you. I am just saying that if the decision were mine to make I wouldn't go after the second masters degree.

Answer 6

It will help you on the Teacher's pay scale. They go by levels - level 1 and up. Level 1 tends to be a teacher with no teaching experience right out of college. Your degrees will get you started at a higher level of pay, but someone with more teaching experience that's specialized might get a leg-up on you, depending on the position. Still, if you can afford it, and have the time, I'd say go for it. Actually, if you already have your Masters, get your PhD. That would be your best bet, IMO.

Answer 7

It should help you stick out from the rest, also if you have two masters depending on wither they are in separate areas, I would think that would make you more valuable to what ever school you decide to teach in.
Keep in mind they are suppose to be getting stricter with teachers and students, expecting more from them in all areas.
Get as much as you can now while you are in college so you don't have to go back or regret not doing it. That way you make sure you cover all your basis.
Good luck

Answer 8

In today's diversified education field it is quite possible two degrees will help you. But you will lose out on your quest if you will be considered stale after two years, which is the time u will require for your second degree. So my suggestion is join as a teacher in the subject of your choice and then pursue your second one if time and circumstances permit. Best of luck.

Answer 9

Districts desperately need people who have flexible "highly qualified" status.

However, it isn't just the quantity... you need to really think through what combination will meet demand.

I would recommend Elementary with Special Ed or Bilingual/ESL/TESOL; or Secondary with multiple subject area abilities (especially math or science) and SPED or TESOL.

Answer 10

I guess it depends where you teach and the level of your students, there is never too much knowledge, but it only helpful if you can pass you understanding so others will be able to understand... Thats just my personal opinion.