Go for the Masters or NOT???

Question

i am thinking about going into teaching and should know when the best time to get a masters after you complete the standard 4 year major, minor bachelors degree??

How much more money do you get with it?

Can you have a better chance at a vice pricipal or principal job?

Is it really worth the extra education for the money?

i want to move to upstate New York, maine, North Carolina, Ohio, or just stay in PA...what place would be right for teaching with a great salary??

How many years is a masters?

What should i master in education or the field i like, like history or anthro??

Thanks to all who gave me some input high school is going to get harder in 11th grade and want to be ready for colleges.

Answer 1

You have to have an administrative degree to be a principal or VP, but you can get your masters in Administration, and you'll be set!  If you can afford it, and you have the time, DO IT!  It will only raise your salary and give you more options down the road.  Good career move and very smart of you to think of it.

Answer 2

Lots of questions in there:  

1.  If you haven't started college yet, you should go ahead and get certified during your bachelor's program.  Getting certified in a master's program makes sense for career changers but not for those just beginning college.  

2.  You probably will need to get a masters eventually (or close to it) just to continue your certification after the first 5--10 years of teaching.  At that point you could get a master's in a more specialized area of education  or in the subject matter you are teaching.  Most masters degrees in education run in the evenings and summers so that working teachers can be in the programs.  

3.  The amount of additional money paid for the masters varies by school district.  In most cases it is between  1,500 to 4,000 more a year than not having your masters.  The  pay does not vary based on what the masters is actually in.  

4.  A masters usually takes about 1-3 years depending on how fast you are going.  Most teachers are part-time in their masters program taking 1-2 classes a semester and 1-3 in the summer.  

5.  Get your masters in what you love.  You could get a masters in a subject area (like history or anthro) but it is usually more complicated since those classes are usually offered during the day rather than the evening so you would need to take time off from teaching.  There are masters in education programs to make you a better elementary or secondary teacher or to gain specialized skills such as special education, reading specialist, or educational leadership (training to become a principal).  

6.  To become a principal, you usually need to get a masters in educational leadership and get an additional certificate.  You also need to have several years of experience as a regular classroom teacher (and be a vice-principal first).  

7.  In terms of states, the pay varies a lot but so does the cost of living.  If you really know which state you want to live in, choose an education program in that state to make sure you get prepared for the certification requirments of that state.  You can usually switch your certification from one state to another but some states are pickier than others and might require additional preparation.  All those places are great places to live and work- it is just a matter of your own preferences.  

Finally- is it really worth the extra money.  Absolutely since the additional education makes you a better teacher and that is what it is all about.  

Good luck.

Answer 3

In Maryland, where I am from, they require teachers for receive their Master's degree within 10 years. After I graduated with my Bachelor's degree I started teaching. This summer I am starting on my Master's degree for School Leadership. Most principals are required to have their Master's degree. I think it is worth the extra education due to the pay increase. Not necessarily for being a teacher, but if you make the jump from teacher to administrator. The length of a Master's degree can vary. Some people receive their degree within two years, and some others four years. It depends on how many courses you want to take per semester.