Why Teachers Should Move Beyond a Credential to a Master's in Education

One of the biggest surprises in life is that graduating from college rarely means we're free from the burden of learning. While lawyers must stay on top of the latest court decisions, doctors one step ahead of disease, few people are as committed to continuing education as teachers. Most teachers discover quickly that staying atop of the latest trends in teaching is not only a good idea from a practical standpoint but from a logistical one as well.

Why Pursue a Master's in Education?

Regardless of how long you've been teaching, whether it is a few months or a few years, pursuing a Master's in Education can mean more money in addition to preparing you for administrative position in the future. Of course, any teacher can tell you money is rarely a motivating factor in pursuing a teaching career. Regardless of your motivation, you should investigate whether a Master's in Education (or any graduate degree for that matter) is something you'd like to undertake.

Increase Your Salary with A Master's Degree in Education

While a Master's degree results in higher pay in most school districts in the United States, the difference in salaries between a teacher with a Bachelor's degree and one with a Master's degree is smaller than the same degree difference in a business environment. While an MBA might yield an additional $25,000 more per year than someone with a Bachelor's degree in business, a teacher with a Master's can expect, depending on the school district, to make as much as $2000 more per year than a teacher with a Bachelor's degree.

Additional Benefits of Earning Your MAEd

Even if your decision isn't based on the promise of a higher salary, there are benefits to obtaining a Master's degree. Teachers wishing to instruct at some community colleges and all 4-year colleges or universities must obtain a Master's degree.

• A Master's degree in Education is also useful in obtaining leadership or administrative roles such as guidance counselor or principal. Even Master's degree in a particular field of study as opposed to one in general Education, you will possess a deeper, more complete knowledge of your area of expertise.

• An MAEd program offers teachers a fresh perspective on the tools of teaching and learning. Personalized courses of study allow any teacher to strengthen their classroom instruction style, expand their knowledge of their chosen areas of instruction, and enable growth as teachers.

• When a teaching professional pursues a graduate teaching degree or seeks continuing education credits, in addition to core courses in subjects ranging from art to Educational Technology, MAEd students will also concentrate on Humanities, Mathematics/Science, Technology Endorsement, and the Intervention Specialist-Mild/Moderate Educational Needs.

In the end, only you can decide not only what you expect to accomplish with a degree but also how it can help you meet your long-term goals. You will need to ask yourself if the investment of time, money and personal sacrifice are worth it and more importantly if you have what it takes to make it happen. If after asking yourself these questions you are still committed to continuing education, then perhaps a graduate degree is for you.