I heard that if you are going for a public school teaching job, they might be less likely to hire you if you already have a masters degree because they will have to pay you more. I just finished my student teaching and my MAT requirements last semester. Will I be at a disadvantage?
2007-02-15 13:54:02 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Teaching
Not only does it depend on the district, but it also depends on the grade level and the subject. In the early and mid 90's I was a chairperson for a large district(over 5000 ) students in 2 high schools. We were told flat out by district administration to avoid hiring people with master's degrees. Since my department was math and science, I usually had very few applicants to choose from, so I often had to hire people with master's degrees. One year I needed a secondary physics teacher. There was one applicant for the job. He had a master's and was hired. My friends who chaired com arts and social sciences rarely hired anybody with master's degrees. Of course, if you are going to coach that changes the whole picture.
Ironically, our district requires teachers to have a master's degree by the end of the 6th year of teaching or no more pay raises. From 30 or 40 years ago, they would not even look at a candidate without a master's degree.
So times change. You need to know the district you are applying to and if possible someone to ask what the protocol or practice is. If given the choice, I would have hired people with master's degrees and 4 or 5 years of experience.
2007-02-15 17:43:16 · answer #1 · answered by lizzie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The state you teach will affect your employability, as will the school district. Some prefer you have a masters, and know that it is worth paying for. Personally I believe that is the kind of school district I would want to teach in - - where education is valued.
Good Luck, I'm sure the right job will be out there.
2007-02-15 14:20:05 · answer #2 · answered by Joy K 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
In the Chicago area, you would be at a disadvantage. I have met people who have masters and no teaching experience and are having the hardest time finding a job. A masters with teaching experience is a different story though, and you could probably find a job if you lived in this area.
2007-02-15 17:45:06 · answer #3 · answered by ORDtoSXM 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, I think they would love for you to have a Masters. Many school districts now are paying for teachers to get a higher level degree. Those that have it can teach dual credit classes through a local college. You will be more of an asset.
2007-02-16 14:33:57 · answer #4 · answered by Texas Blonde 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It all depends on the district that you are applying to get a job. Some districts that are always trying to cut their expenses will frown upon a masters degree because they will have to pay you more and the fact that you haven't taught anywhere yet doesn't help your case either. Other districts may see a masters degree as a great asset to you and their district's students and put you in a more favorable position to be hired.
Good luck!
2007-02-15 15:04:57 · answer #5 · answered by Paul E 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't know which state you are in but I taught in both Wisconsin and California...you would definitely not be at a disadvantage but at an advantage...I wish I had your degree when I was still teaching. I would have been earning 10K more than I did per year. If you are in California...you will make bank!
2007-02-15 14:52:48 · answer #6 · answered by Jalapinomex 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No. That's a myth. You will be MORE employable with a Master's Degree. I'm working on mine right now...
2007-02-15 14:30:15 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No I think you will have an advantage.>>Most school systems give credit for those that all ready have their masters. If you don't have your masters, you will probably be expected to get it
2007-02-15 14:14:50 · answer #8 · answered by freckles1063 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋