Teachers should carefully consider pros and cons before enrolling in a master's degree program.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nearly half a million students received master's degrees in 2001, and education was one of the most common areas of study. Many graduates with bachelor degrees also majored in education, as did doctoral students, illustrating the high priority teachers tend to put on higher education. But should teachers strive for master's degrees?
Money
Many teachers obtain a master's degree to get a bump in pay. BLS statistics indicate that elementary and middle school teachers with a master's degree make about 30 percent more salary than those with a bachelor's only. That means the cost of the higher degree can be made up in just a couple of years, so expense may not be a valid point against the degree. In a district facing a salary freeze, obtaining a higher degree may be the only way for teachers to raise their salaries.
Knowledge
Teachers return to school in order to become better teachers. Master's education programs focus on research with some pedagogy, but little if any content-area study. Those seeking more knowledge of their subject area should consider a master's in the content area instead of education. Most telling, some studies compiled by the Center for American Progress indicate no clear correlation between teachers with master's degrees and student performance.
Coursework
Some teachers consider the master's in education a good base for Ph.D. or Ed.D. work, and the statistics and basic research courses typically part of a master's program are similar to those required in doctoral programs in education. Doctoral programs are heavily research-based, however, making them largely inappropriate for the classroom teacher. Teachers who wish to pursue careers within education but outside the regular classroom, such as with government education departments or in administration, may find a master's in education a good base.
Opportunities
Having a higher degree opens more job possibilities for teachers, and gives them opportunities to learn from each other. Colleges usually require instructors to hold at least a master's degree, although the degree may be in either education or a specific subject. Networking achieved by attending classes helps teachers learn about other teachers' methods, struggles and successes. The Internet makes earning a master's degree easier and more convenient, as well, since many institutions offer online education master's degrees.
Tags: master degree, higher degree, master degrees, consider master, education good
