I'm an undergrad now and have to decide if I want to become certified as a teacher during my senior year, or if I want to stay one more year and get a Master of Arts in Teaching. I plan to teach physics at the high school level. I've heard that it can be harder to find a job if you have a Masters because the school will have to pay you more compared to another first year teacher who only has a B.A.. However, I know it's harder to go back and get a degree later while teaching and raising a family. Any advice from people who've been there?
2007-03-15 10:25:14 · 10 answers · asked by this is how it works... 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Teaching
I have two answers for you :)
1. Do it now while its easy - its much easier to stay in school and get it done when you are used to studying and don't have a lot of distractions. Physics teachers are supposedly in high demand, so if you are flexible about where you live, you should be able to find a decent job.
2. Wait and get more out of it - once you've been working for 2 to 4 years, you will get so much more out of classes and educational opportunities. A good dose of "real life" allows you a better perspective on what's important in life, and allows you to concentrate on the good stuff in your classes.
I went directly to college from high school, got my degree and got a job. Now, did I learn anything in college? Not much, because to me it was all about getting decent grades and having fun and getting out!
When I went back for my masters, I knew so much more about the real world, I knew what was important in what I was studying, I tried to really learn the material that was useful. On the other hand it was very hard, because when you work full time, and take classes at the same time, there just isn't time for anything else.
It just depends on the person. If you are young (under 25), I would recommend working for a while, only because you will get a lot more out of your education when you go back. But if you feel you are already benefiting from your education now, its sure a lot easier to finish up now, than going back later!
2007-03-15 10:36:10 · answer #1 · answered by Erin Gamer 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I agree with the above answer as I too had to start teaching immediately after getting my credentials. However, there are obvious advantages and disadvantages to obtaining your Master's now or later. The advantage is that getting your Master's now will be "easier" with less work on your plate (once you start teaching, there are lesson plans, meetings, continuing education classes, homework to grade ect ect ect); the disadvantage though is that some districts could possible look you over because it costs more to hire somebody with a Master's degree. So, you'll have to just weigh your options. It is much easier to get a job as a first year BA+30 (depending on your units of course) than it will be to have a MA+
It is very tough to raise a family, teach, and do school; but I was 16 when I had my first son, and I managed to raise him, work part time, and go to school full time (and still spent a lot of time with him). With the right support network, anything is possible. Good luck
2007-03-15 10:37:24 · answer #2 · answered by Jaysgirly 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You'll get more out of your Master's program if you have some teaching experience to relate it to. I don't think the pay issue is really that big. Schools are more looking for someone with experience and a good grasp of the content at your level. If you wait the school district may help pay for some of your master's program. Juggling school, family and a master's program can be done, I've done it twice.
2007-03-15 14:44:53 · answer #3 · answered by lovetotravel 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are able to continue then I would say continue on or do both (school and work) because as you have stated it would be hard to go back. If you wait you will have to pay out of your pocket and that would be rather expensive.
I would like to get my masters, but with the cost of it ($150-200 dollars an hour, most classes are 2-3 hr. long) is just overwhelming so I haven't returned yet. So, if you can do both then try it.
2007-03-15 12:14:56 · answer #4 · answered by Kiss 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Erin... The first few years of teaching can be pretty overwhelming at times. Once you get settled and feel more comfortable with what you're doing, the experience you've gained will make more sense to you while pursuing your Master's.
An added bonus?? Some districts offer a stipend or programs at a reduced cost, even for online degrees. If you are hired by a school or district that does this, it is definitely worth it. (Our district gives us a reduced price, pays for our books, and the cohort meets at one of the elementary schools on Monday evening so we don't have to drive across town two or three times a week - the professors come to us. Woo hoo!)
Hope this helps!
Mon :-)
2007-03-15 11:12:35 · answer #5 · answered by santan_cat 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
okay, I graduated with my bachelor's and got my first teaching job, instead of staying the extra year to get my master's. My parents weren't going to pay for college and I didn't have a job, so that made my decision for me.
I really REALLY wish I had gotten that master's first!!!!
It would have been MUCH easier to get a job WITH the master's than it was without it. A lot of people are overlooked because they don't have a master's degree. It's one of those, "Oh, you only have a bachelor's degree.....why?" questions for them to ask.
It was soooo hard to teach full-time and take graduate level classes at the same time.
If you can afford it, stay and get that master's degree now! I really wish I had done it!!!!!!!!
2007-03-15 10:31:26 · answer #6 · answered by BarbieGurl 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Wow! I'm really surprised by the answers. Many districts will pay for you to get you Masters. I just finished mine this summer before I got a job and I wish I would have waited and had my district pay. I also think it would have been easier to directly apply the things I was learning to my students. But, one year really isn't that much longer. Good luck with whatever you decide!!
2007-03-15 14:25:41 · answer #7 · answered by sunshin 2 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
While it is true that some districts shy away from hiring Master Degree teachers, you are a science teacher, there is a shortage of those, so they will be more than thrilled to hire you with a Masters.
2007-03-15 11:08:37 · answer #8 · answered by fancyname 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was going to get my masters first but I was told that b/c I would be "more qualified" that my chances of being hired would be lower because they didn't want to pay the extra salary due to me having a master's degree.
2007-03-15 13:20:18 · answer #9 · answered by ladybug 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
DO IT DO IT DOOOO IIIIITTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!
I did the same thing, I had several people tell me that I may have a difficult time finding a job as a new teacher with a MEd.. But this was not the case. I think you would have an advantage over other candidates with your MEd. Please feel free to email me if you want to talk about this further!
Kim
(fifth year teacher with my MEd.!)
2007-03-15 12:47:40 · answer #10 · answered by kimberly 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋