Is it worth it to get a Master's in Education just to make $35,000 a year?

Question

I got my original teacher certification in a state where only a Bachelor's degree is required. I moved to New York, and I am now required to get a MS in order to continue my career as a Biology teacher. I can't get an online degree, or a cost-effective public university degree. The only college in my area that offers the degree and courses I need is private, and tuition for a Master's usually totals around $100,000. Does anyone else think this is ridiculous? My dream was always to teach high school science, I have the scientific knowledge and have taught successfully. Yet the old crones at the high school, who have lost their fire and could care less, are perfectly qualified. Won't increasing requirements for teacher certification coupled with low pay drive more candidates away from the profession?

Answer 1

I am going to school to be a spanish teacher. I am going to have to move out of pa because the teachers here in spanish won't give up their jobs but like you said they have lost their spark. plus, the schools only want native speakers and just because someone is native to the language doesn't mean they have good grammar, the students will respect them or they can teach effectively. But the $100,000 is too much. Try going to community college first like me and take some classes, you will save money. even going to school out of state will be better than 100,000 dollars... good luck!

Answer 2

I got a Masters because my state required it.  I got a $1500 raise.  It cost me more than $3000 for the tuition and other stuff.  (not to mention the processing fee of $50 for updating my license at our Education Department)

Now my state has dropped this requirement because, "Alas...we have to pay these teachers more if they have a higher education!"

Bless the politicians for knowing more about education then you or I.

Answer 3

i think that you are somewhat misinformed...there are plenty of cost effective master's programs for teachers in ny state...it would help to know where specifically  you were teaching but i know plenty of people who do weekend classes or summer classes...there is also something called a degree completion program offered by cambridge college...you need to do more research on the nysed web site...look into the college of st. rose and also touro college, both have master's programs designed for working teachers...the resources are out there...you just have to do the research....

Answer 4

Being in the Education field you should want to further your education.  Who knows, you might want to become Principal someday, you will need a Masters you might after that want your PHD in Education.

Answer 5

Because of your situation, I think you may have to modify your ambitions.  I'm assuming you want a MS in Biology, which is why you can only find the courses at a private college.  I really wanted an MS in my field of study (History) but couldn't afford the tuition for the only university in the area that offered it.

I reluctantly decided to get my Master's in education, which is NOT what I wanted to do.  However, because a master's is needed and the corresponding pay raise (regardless of field) is slight, I compromised my goals and am going for a literacy Master's instead.

I think if you look around, you'll find lots of programs, local and online, for getting  a Master's in education. Have you asked your Human Resources dept?  They may know of local programs that you do not know about.   And let's face it, a Master's in education is not going to be as challenging (especially since you have to complete the coursework during the school year) as a Master's in science.

However, to address your last question, I think we should be expecting Master's degrees for teachers.  After all, a highly educated teaching force not only will help students, but it will help reduce the stigma that only people who couldn't get jobs elsewhere teach.  Plus, fewer candidates for jobs mean the pay will have to (eventually) increase as schools compete for highly trained teachers.

Answer 6

Yes it will. Most people opt to become Nationally Board Certified instead since that is more cost-effective and many states offer these teachers bonuses. Also, just because you have a Masters doesn't mean you can be a principal. You have to have a Masters in Educational Leadership to do that, so having a regular Masters in Science won't help there as someone else had mentioned. Crappy situation.

Answer 7

Yes, but no

Im in California and most of the teachers here had to go back to school and get new certs to be able to teach. Some lost there credentials all together.

no it is not worth it to make 35,000 a year...that is nothing

in my opinion there are greater things to do with that knowledge and I could think of lots of things to do that are alot more money with alot enjoyment behind it, Ever thought of taking your knowledge to research or hands on?....If I were you i would look into that.  But whatever you do good luck and have fun : )

Answer 8

Yes, it did it for me.  I used to teach Special Ed on the secondary level (grades 7 thru 12).  I just changed jobs because it required more and more without that much pay increase.  Since you like science, the pay is much better in the health fields at hospitals and clinics, etc.  I don't know where you are, but all state universities offer the masters degree courses in biology where I am, in Missouri.  Good luck.

Answer 9

Don't limit your thinking to the here and now.  The Master's Degree will reap benefits through the years.  If money is your driving force, consider a different profession other than education and/or teaching.  Either way, get a Master's Degree, it is worth it.  You can then join an elite 5% of the world's population that has a Graduate degree.

Answer 10

I agree with you completely. It's ridiculous.