So is it worth it? I can't really recommend the masters in curriculum unless you have some experience. This is a real risk. So is it worth it? In this case, pursuing an online graduate-level degree in education can help you balance a full-time or part-time job while still working. Then, check to see what the requirements are for that incentive. So it may behoove you to wait and see what offerings are available. The opportunity to study under professors with different areas of expertise and to meet like-minded educators can give you contacts that you’ll take with you after you’ve earned your degree. Make sure it meets the requirements of your state to hold an administrative position. If you're not totally committed to this path, then give it time and see how things go first. There are many teachers who pursue their Master’s to further enhance their knowledge of teaching itself. Earn an alternative certification while you teach. One such preference is that MAT graduates have studied at research institutions. If your primary desire is to expand your understanding of and expertise in the education world, the decision is a no-brainer. A Glance at Occupational Therapy Assistant Career, Top Benefits of Reading Books - Why You Should Read Every Day, RCFE Continuing Education - Future Changes Coming Soon, RCFE License's Continuation Education Requirements. If you think you might want to move into k-12 administration at some point (vice principal, principal, etc.) |   The real question is-what makes a good teacher? I want a master's, but I really don't want to just repeat what I've been doing for four years. Since you have your undergraduate degree in secondary ed, an MAT most likely does very little for you. The answer depends on your own idea of what the future holds for you, and whether you are willing to put in the effort to make it worth your experience. Janel N Spencer  |   Master’s degree in education programs typically offer a few possible majors/specialties: curriculum and instruction, counselor education, educational administration, leadership/administration, educational technology, special education or teaching English-language learners. If you're considering leadership positions someday, a master in Educational Leadership could be an excellent option as well. Getting a masters or doctorate in education cannot inherently make a teacher better, but it can give them the opportunity and knowledge to work towards their goals. By If that's what you really want, maybe try out teaching first to see how you like it. Sign up for a new account in our community. Currently, a MAT degree, or Masters of Arts in Teaching, will bump up your prospects as a teacher-increasing your opportunities for leadership positions in your school, and most likely raising your pay at least eleven thousand dollars. A MAT degree doesn't make a teacher a good teacher, but can aid a good teacher in becoming a great teacher. This decision, and the selectiveness of these schools, helped teaching in Finland become a prestigious profession. If you are VERY lucky you may be able to get a full time position at a community college but those are very rare. Some high end private schools will not consider any candidates without a master in CONTENT but there aren't many schools of this caliber. Basic PLUS Author This is also a good option if you really enjoy a topic and want to explore it. I know the American College of Education has affordable master degree programs online (I think under $10k for the entire program), and there's many other universities that have similar programs. Why Are RCFE Continuing Education Classes So Important? A MAT degree doesn't make a teacher a good teacher, but can aid a good teacher in becoming a great teacher. If you can’t wait to get into the classroom but have … Some argue that it isn't enough to say "the more education, the better the teacher. You mentioned history, do you really like history? Janel N Spencer. "We are persuaded that university-based preparation is key to acquiring the knowledge and skill we value," said C. Kent McGuire, dean at Temple University. An MST is largely made for newcomers to the education field. A MAT degree is ideal for aspiring teachers who want to advance their career as a leader in the classroom. Your networking opportunities may also increase with a master’s degree. Studies show no correlation between advanced degrees and student performance. You need to be a member in order to leave a comment. ", Patrick Welsh, English teacher at T. C. Williams High School in Alexandria, Va., believes that credentialing has become an "absurd process," that plagues schools who have to follow rules that don't improve them. https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Janel_N_Spencer/1393184, Reference and Education: Continuing-Education But it’s important to know the ways in which you hope the degree will pay off for you. Submitted On October 17, 2012. After exploring different on-campus and online degree options, only you know which program is right for you. You're correct that you would be much better off either getting a content Master's or some sort of education degree like in curriculum/instruction or even admin if that is a path you are interested in. If so a master in history (or any other topic you enjoy) would typically get you a pay raise at most public k-12 schools. Those who pursue this degree may desire to be classroom teachers but may also be interested in administration positions or in teaching outside the traditional K–12 classroom (e.g., working in adult literacy). While not all teaching positions require a master’s degree, some do. A master’s degree in teaching allows for more exploration of education theory, classroom practices, education policy and management, field research on particular topics of interest, leadership opportunities and technological innovations.