For someone pursuing a special ed credential and a masters degree, is the masters degree in special ed more beneficial than a masters degree in education?
2007-01-08 14:00:06 · 9 answers · asked by Debbie A 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Special Education
I did the same thing. I earned a masters in education with certification in early childhood, elementary, and special education. If you are dedicated to being a special education teacher and want to be thoroughly specialized, then go for the special ed. masters degree. You don't have to have a Masters in special ed. to be a special education teacher...it is not mandatory. Most states do require a masters degree in some aspect of special education. You should check with your state's department of education website. That should give you the specific requirements. Also...go to the respective schools and find out what they have to offer and weigh your options based on the information they give you.
The most important thing for getting a job is the certificate. I earned my certificates before my masters and was able to get a job. I completed my masters during my first year teaching. You'll get a lot of suggestions....but do what works best for you time-wise and financially.
It's a great career choice. Good luck to you no matter what you choose.
2007-01-09 12:51:13 · answer #1 · answered by lolabellaquin 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have a masters in early childhood special ed. There are more jobs in special ed, but the pay is generally the same as the union will negotiate pay scales for all teachers with masters degrees. You shouldn't worry too much about 'benefits', I would advise you to figure out if you want to do regular ed or special ed and then take it from there to determine what age you want to work with. The special ed credential probably wouldn't give you nearly as much education and training as the masters in special ed would, so you probably would be a much better special ed teacher if you went for the masters in special ed. Good luck!
2007-01-09 01:03:03 · answer #2 · answered by prekinpdx 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have my masters and bachelor degree in special education. I also have my perm NYS cert in special education.
Depending on where you live and where you plan on teaching, special ed may be enough. However New York state may be changing their cert requirements and want people to get a content area (SS math English) degree as well. If you have the time and the ability I would suggest doing both a special ed and content degree.
Good luck hope this helps.
And a P.S. to Robin B.. God I hope there is a Masters in Special ed cause I am looking at one on my wall right now... and if its fake... it was an expensive piece of toilet paper...
2007-01-11 20:48:17 · answer #3 · answered by akholler 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A Masters in Special Ed is not mandatory in all states but would certainly broaden your horizons when employment possibilities are a concern. It also gets you a salary raise if you teach in public ed.
A Masters in Ed will usually ONLY get you a salary raise if you a teacher in public education.
Either one could help you land a teaching job at the entrance level in colleges (quite often in community colleges). Still, the Masters in Special Ed would be the stronger credential.
2007-01-08 22:14:18 · answer #4 · answered by salty 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure a Master's in Special Education is even available. (Like you don't "Master" to be a foot doctor or cardiologist, you Master in Medicine and then specialize). An undergrad or alternative license/degree is Special Ed and Masters of Education is the way to go. For teaching in general and the minimal difference in salary for Master's or not, it might not be worth the money and extra time out of the work force to pursue unless of course you plan to teach at the college level, then it is required.
2007-01-09 20:20:23 · answer #5 · answered by Robin B 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
My course work was to complete the learning handicapped credential, but I believe the diploma says Masters in Education. Either way, the MA is only about 15 units beyond the credential...why not go for it!
2007-01-08 23:07:27 · answer #6 · answered by Judy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to www.motivatestudents.com.
There is so much demand for good special ed teachers, you could possibly write your own ticket. The salarys are very good, the perks are nice. One systems program cordinator in New York City has three teachers and a staff of 19 under her. She does not teach at all, but plans the programs for the teachers to follow. She has already been courted by government to work for them at much higher salary.
2007-01-08 22:10:22 · answer #7 · answered by Anne2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it seems the trend these days is to get a dual degree in special ed/regular ed. i have my masters in spec. ed. and that alone is very marketable. if i had to choose between which is more marketable, i would assume spec. ed. if there is any way to get it in spec. ed/reg. ed.....that seems to be the new way to go. you are golden then. can go almost anywhere. have you considered becoming nationally board certified where you can go and teach anywhere in the U.S....maybe check out what they suggest...i would also look at the specific districts/areas in which you are interested in and search their job listings, you will see a pattern and can then figure out what is best for you.
of importance, to assist your decision, you need to decide where you would be happiest or where you would shine more...are you a type that wants to teach the 'reg. ed.' type learners, or do you want to teach students with disabilities, deficits, etc.? that might guide you
2007-01-08 22:09:47 · answer #8 · answered by greenjewelz 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want to be a special educaiton teacher, get the masters in special ed, it is usually mandatory.
2007-01-08 22:03:53 · answer #9 · answered by fancyname 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋