I just graduated a year ago in May. This year will be my 2nd year of teaching 4th grade and I love it. I have always thought I would get my masters one day, but I have heard it's ridiculous to get it in just "Education."
My question is, if your degree was El Ed, what did/would you get your masters in? Why? Is it really worth it (career/paycheck-wise) I don't think I want to puruse anything else in my career other than to be a teacher, so I wouldn't go after Administration, for example.
Also, I have this year and next year to complete successfully before I have tenure. Do I need to wait longer to obtain my masters?
My friends at school have mixed opinions and haven't been much assistance. Thanks for your input!
2006-08-27 15:33:59 · 6 answers · asked by Adje J 3 in Education & Reference ➔ Teaching
I am not a teacher yet. I am still in my Junior year majoring in Elementary Ed. I too have heard that getting your master's in El. Ed. is not the best thing to do. So, I have looked around at some of the colleges to see what they offer in Master's degrees that is closely related to education. I have chosen to get my Master's degree in Language, Literacy, and Reading. After I complete this I will be able to be a Reading Specialist if I want or I can just take this information I learn and apply it in my classroom. I don't know what state or district you are in but I do know that in the state of Georgia, most counties are now requiring teachers to obtain their master's degree with in 8 years of them being hired. And the pay difference is about $5,000 a year. So, yes I think it is worth going to school for an extra 18-24 months. My advice to you, if there is a particular subject you teach or would like to teacher, you may want to consider getting your master's in that. If nothing else it will enhance your knowledge and therefore enhance your classroom teaching. Below is a website link that you may find helpful in deciding where and what to get your master's in. I hope this helps and Happy Teaching!
http://www.gradschool.com
2006-08-27 16:08:17 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I have a BBS in Business Management '76, an MS in Industrial Engineering '78, a second MA in Culinary '99, and a PD in Administration '90. We are required to have 30 above our Master's to receive top pay. Did that immediately after earning the first MS. I have been teaching for 30 years. I now teach A+ Computer Repair Certification, and yes, some Culinary classes.
2006-08-29 05:32:43 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go for the Master's ASAP. I got my MA in 1974 before I started teaching. That immediately moved me over on the pay scale. I got my BA in secondary education and my MA in Special education K-12. This allowed me to work at any grade level.
A popular MA I am seeing many people in my area go into in the last few years is technology. This opens up many tech jobs within school districts , as well as other professions. Everyone needs tech savvy people nowdays. Literacy is another popular area. In some areas, they are paying bonuses for math/ science expertise.
AN MA opens up another teaching career opportunity: teaching at junior colleges and colleges. My husband and I have each taught one evening course a semester for years. In our state, this increases our retirement, as well as a little extra income along the way. One of the teachers at our school likes the college teaching so well, that she is now job sharing at the elementary level and teaching college classes two days a week. She is considering moving to college teaching full time. Another teacher is getting her MA in Bilingual education. Being fluent in a second language is very useful.
Think of an MA as a way to extend your knowledge and career choices. In what areas are you interested ? If you were not a teacher, what would you like to do?
Be sure to check to see if your district offers tuition reimbursement. There are sometimes tuition breaks or scholarships for employed teachers. Some colleges allow some latitude in class selction. There are some classes which are under $100 for credit. Look around.
Also, most states require additional classes to maintain certification. Consider the timing when taking your classes, so that they will serve as double duty towards MA and certification.
2006-09-01 19:42:08 · answer #3 · answered by bizime 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I just finished my Master's in Education. I cannot say whether it will help me in the long run or not. I know that it will put me in a much better pay bracket. To be honest, there are only a few classes in an actual Masters in Education program. I want to say 6 classes. It's really up to you. Do you want to further your education right now or stay put?
2006-08-27 16:23:04 · answer #4 · answered by beepbeepbaby 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I got mine in reading. Yes, the pay is worth it, for nothing else. You can start anytime, regardless of tenure or experience. Check with your district and see what portion they cover for this additional learning (it's called tuition reimbursement). You see, the schools LIKE their teachers to have additional certifications, since that makes them look good (it's reported to the public as a school - not by teacher).
2006-08-27 22:41:48 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you are interested in working with special needs students, go for a masters in special education, speech pathology, or beahvior analyst
2006-09-04 06:00:09 · answer #6 · answered by rachel l 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋