Good or bad to pursue masters in Education if i only want to teach elementary (K-6)?

Question

I was thinking about getting my M.A in Education on top of my teaching credential (in CA) but with the current budget cuts and such, I've been hearing that having a M.A will affect my chances of getting hired over someone who only has a credential because of the pay increase. Is this true?

Answer 1

Let me tell you why I would wait on the Master's.  It's true... you would be more expensive to hire with a Master's degree.  But something to consider is that many districts will pay for your Master's degree providing you earn high enough grades.  You may even decide to wait until you are tenured before going for your Master's.  That way you know that if you pursue your Master's they won't simply be able to not renew your contract.  It's a shame, but some administrators are unscrupulous and wouldn't hesitate to try to save a few thousand dollars in the budget if it makes them look better.  In an ideal world, we would want to hire the best-educated and most experienced teachers.  I can assure you that many teachers who retire from somet states to try to teach in others find it extremely difficult: no one wants to pay for over 20 years experience and a Master's degree on top of that.  It's a shame and to the detriment of our children... but some administrators figure, "What the heck, I saved a few bucks."

Answer 2

It probably would ultimately increase your pay, but not by much- especially given the current economic situation. Besides, isn't being a teacher about helping others and not just about money?

Answer 3

wont u be over qualified?? i have been ove qualified for jobs in the past, but they have been kind enough to tell me

Answer 4

Getting the masters give you choices.  I've seen teachers teach beyond their happiness and become mean shells of themselves.  A masters gives you the choice to move within education and not become one of those teachers.

Answer 5

The idea that schools go for the cheapest possible candidate is a myth. They want the best qualified candidate.  Most school systems require teachers to get a master's within a certain number of years in the system and provide incentives for advanced degrees.

Answer 6

First, if you are currently teaching you can deduct the cost of your MA in Education where the classes and other expenses serve to increase or maintain your skills as a teacher./ For many this means that, tuition, textbooks and university fees may be deducted.

There are some districts that do consider the costs of paying teachers more money. To a great extent,however, these costs are more in the realm of credit for years of service than for degrees held. Other districts will look favorably upon additional education.

When retirement time comes what ever you earn will be considered as having an affect upon your pension. If you retire at age 55 you are expected to live at least another 20 years. Multiply the difference in your annual pension by twenty and you will see how much this is worth.

Finally, and most importantly you will probably be a better teacher due to the increased education. There is not just the money points made above but the satisfaction that you will receive in knowing that you are doing a better job in educating your students.

Answer 7

it depends, i believe the more education the better but they could not hire because of it, but then you have to ask yourself do you really want to work for an organization that hires on the basis of most minimally capable. I think a masters makes you desirable to schools who want the best and wouldn't you rather work for them?

Answer 8

Getting your master's degree or not getting it will not effect your chances of being hired, especially in California where the need for teachers is so great.

I am a second year teacher and I am so glad that I have waited before starting a master's program. The vast majority of teachers I work with waited until they had taught 3+ years before beginning a master's program. It gives better perspective for classes and the added experience in education will give you a better idea of what you may want to specialize in (reading, technology, administration, etc).

Bottom line, my advice is to begin teaching and then go back for your master's degrees when you have the wisdom of experience under your belt.

Answer 9

You get paid more if you have a Masters.  And having that degree opens up the possibility to teach at the college level later on.