Aspiring teachers often wonder who should enroll in a master’s degree in education when choosing a degree level. While teachers can teach with a bachelor’s degree, there are many benefits to having a master’s degree. Earning a master’s in education may not be the right choice for every individual. Here is some information on enrolling in a Master’s Degree in Education program and when it’s the right choice.
Desire More Job Opportunities
Desiring more job opportunities is generally the main reason show teacher’s enroll in a Master’s Degree in Education. As much as they may enjoy teaching grades K-12, earning the master’s degree makes teachers eligible to teach in universities and pursue administrative positions. They’ll also have a wider variety of teaching positions available to them.
Master’s degree programs generally consist of more hands-on training, so the teacher will have more experience leading a classroom, which can be monumental when applying for a teaching job. U.S. News & World Report states that going from a bachelor’s degree to a master’s degree in education can positively affect both career opportunities and income.
See our ranking of the Top 30 Most Affordable Master’s in Early Childhood Education Degrees Online.
Desire More Income
Although most teachers say they’re definitely not in teaching for the money, everyone enjoys earning the best possible income they can. Earning a master’s in education can increase the teacher’s wages substantially. With more job opportunities, they’re also going to have the potential for better wages. Once they earn a master’s degree, they can obtain specialized teaching positions. Working with special-needs students or gifted students pays more than teaching regular classrooms.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, teaching wages increased substantially when master’s degrees were earned. The amount of the increase depends on the position. Education administrator wages increased by 44 percent when going from a bachelor’s degree to a master’s degree, while secondary school teacher wages increased 24 percent.
Fulfilling a Requirement
Unlike some occupations that require you to earn a degree and never open another book, education is a field that requires constant learning. Teachers need to be certified and must complete continuing education to maintain that certification. In some states, it may be necessary for a teacher to earn a master’s degree in order to maintain certification. They may also need to earn a master’s degree to be able to obtain certification in a specific area of teaching.
Professional and Intellectual Development
Putting aside the increased income and job opportunities, sometimes a teacher may enroll in a master’s degree just for professional development and to be a better teacher. Master’s degree programs teach much more in-depth than at the bachelor’s degree level. They also offer more hands-on training and education technology coursework, so the graduate is equipped with more learning tools to bring into the classroom. An advanced degree can give the teacher more knowledge in the subject area he or she teaches. It can also provide training in new teaching methods and concepts that can improve the way they teach.
Being a good teacher can make all the difference in how a student perceives learning and education in general. Enrolling in a Master’s Degree in Education program can make a huge difference not just in jobs and income but also teaching options that may become available.
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