Teacher's certification vs. Master's degree? Which do you reccomend?

Question

I'm a senior at Penn State University, majoring in Human Development and Family Studies. My focus has been on the childhood lifespan and have worked in several childcare agencies, summer camps, and a Head Start pre-school. I know that I'm interested in working with children, but part of me is curious about teaching.

I am debating whether to look into grad school to get a Master's degree in Elementary Ed. or to check our alternative routes in teacher certification. I KNOW that I'm interested in child/school social work, but part of me is very curious about teaching...

Do you know anything about either? What pathway do you reccommend?

Another question. It was mentioned that you can begin working right away and work towards your Alternate certification-- what is the likelihood of being hired in an elementary school with a degree in Human Development and Family studies? (with plans to work towards certification/further ed)

Answer 1

If you are interested in school social work you will need an MSW. This is a very different pathway than getting certified. If you want to go into teaching you would be better served by going on for an MA as you will enter the system in a better position. The alternative path works well if you can get the school to help pay for your MA later on (though working and an MA is a hard road).

DA

Answer 2

If you're set on a teaching career then the master's will return you more since master's holding teachers are payed significantly more than those with a bachelor's.

That said, a master's is not usually "required" of an elementary teacher so you may face a challenge finding employment because they'd have to pay you more than they can hire a certified bachelor's level teacher.

Most MEd programs require that you already be certified, you'll probably be looking for a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program.

One big advantage of the alternative programs is that you can go to work in the field right away and then start working on your master's part time. Many school districts will fund your master's if you're already employed.

Honestly, the methods are about equal in pros and cons. If you need to be working now, the alternative route would be good -- if you don't have to be working yet, more education is always a good decision.

If you're "just curious", investing in a specialized master's degree might not be a good choice. If you change your mind about teaching later, that MAT in Early Ed. has very little value outside of early education.

Answer 3

Sidenote: If you are interested in teaching, why not talk to or schedule a visit in an Elem. school to help you make that decision. There is a HUGE difference in the social work and educator careers.

I received my BA in English, and then did my Master's at the same time as my teacher's certification program (Master's of Education Secondary English). The average Master's program is 2 years, and with my teacher's certification program, I only had to do one class over the summer and one extra semester--and that was my student teaching. It took a bit of creative scheduling, but I had an understanding adviser that helped me double count some of my classes for both programs. And, if you want to stay in the Big Ten, I did this program at Purdue.

You will be more marketable with your Master's Degree and you will also start on a higher pay scale. In addition, with the push for Highly Qualified Teachers, getting the Master's done now and out of the way would be highly beneficial! BUT, this is a lot of work for something you aren't entirely sure of just yet. As stated above, try to go visit a few classrooms, and talk to as many teachers as you can.....

Most of all, good luck!

Answer 4

I would suggest you do the masters route. First off, you'll be paid more with a masters than just a post-grad certificate so that's a big advantage right off the bat. Second, a teaching certificate locks you into teaching -- it's unlikely you'll be able to switch to the adminstrative layer (which is what counseling is) without going back for a grad degree. And when you're working full time, it can be very difficult going back to school yourself, especially if you have your own family.

Answer 5

Two directions here.

I am a science teacher in Central New York. I went straight from my BS to my MS in Science Teaching. You still have about three years to get into teaching before the transitioning baby boomer's fully retire and all of their positions are filled.

One direction is to get certified and into teaching to see if you really like it.

Another direction is get your Masters so you are more marketable in a school district.

I got my MS and started making a lot more money right away. I didn't have the headache of trying to finish my MS in three years while I was teaching. But, I did start my PhD in my second year teaching, so call me crazy.

Hope this helped.

Answer 6

With NCLB most schools will not hire you if you are not a "highly qualified teacher", (have a degree in what you are teaching).

If you really want to teach elementary students you should get your masters in elementary edu. As I am sure you have seen many other fields are very willing to accept employees from various, but similar, backgrounds and education. Elementary education is not one of these fields though.

Answer 7

I went to a school where all of my ed. classes counted toward a Master's in Education, and when I finished my Ed. classes I only had to take four additional classes and got my Masters (Univ. of La Verne, Ca,)
I am sure other schools have that program as well.
Teaching is demanding but awesome!