Top Five Reasons for Teachers to Pursue a Master’s in Education
- Gain Expertise
- Earn More Money
- Increase Opportunities
- Take on More Responsibility
- Become a Better Educator
Teachers can enhance their careers as well as their teaching skills by pursuing a master’s in education. Not only does a master’s degree increase employment opportunities, but it helps teachers develop a professional sense of achievement. Master of education programs put the focus on learning practical skills that translate into results in the classroom. Teacher education is a rapidly growing discipline that is increasing in demand as more schools add administrators and education faculty to their payrolls. Teachers who want to stay up-to-date on the latest techniques and trends in the education system can get the information they seek by pursuing a master’s in education.
Gain Expertise
A master’s degree confers expertise on the degree holder, and employers throughout the education system value the master’s in education degree. Most university education departments offer several degree-track options, so students can choose the degree focus that matches their preferences. The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree is specifically designed for teachers in the K-12 education system. Degree focuses include MAT in special education, elementary education, secondary education and primary education. The Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree is a generalized degree that prepares students for positions of responsibility in faculties and administrations throughout the education system. Depending on a teacher’s goals, he or she may choose to pursue the MAT or M.Ed. while continuing to teach or taking classes full-time. Online courses are available at many schools, and a few master’s in education programs are available fully online.
Earn More Money
Getting a master’s degree is a good choice for working professionals looking to earn more money. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top-earning 10 percent of high school teachers take home over $95,000 per year, and the median annual salary for all high school teachers is around $59,000. Most states do not require primary and secondary educators to have master’s degrees. In most cases, teachers are required to have bachelor’s degrees in the subject they intend to teach. Some states do require primary and secondary teachers to obtain master’s degrees after becoming employed at a school. These schools tend to pay higher salaries than schools that don’t require teachers to have master’s degrees.
Increase Opportunities
With a master’s in education, a teacher can find a secure teaching position at most schools throughout the country, including in states that require primary and secondary teachers to have master’s degrees. The additional opportunities will translate directly into more income and less time spent looking for employment. It will also help teachers ascend the ranks of their faculties and administrations more efficiently. As the education system continues to evolve and adopt new technologies, teaching opportunities will become increasingly technical and dependent on specialized knowledge. High-paying positions of responsibility in the teaching profession will require more advanced education as well as specialized knowledge and training.
Take on More Responsibility
The majority of public school K-12 teachers belong to unions, and advanced education can help teachers take on positions of greater responsibility at their schools. A master’s in education is the ideal degree for a teacher looking to increase his or her value to an institution. With a MAT or M.Ed., a teacher can demonstrate to upper-level administrators that he or she has leadership potential.
Become a Better Educator
Any teacher who is thinking of getting a master’s degree is probably also concerned about providing the best possible education to students. A master’s in education gives teachers the training and expertise they need to be more effective and responsive educators.
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When it comes to teaching students in K-12 schools, having an advanced degree can be a big advantage. Specialized knowledge will become increasingly important for teachers as the education system plays a greater role in the lives of young people across the country. A master’s in education is a good choice for passionate and dedicated teachers.
