Masters degree in teaching?

Question

Is it smarter to get your Masters after youve been hired and got to school while you have a job or go directly after you earn your Bachelors?

Answer 1

I'm in my second year of teaching with just a bachelors degree.  The school district I work for offers reimbursement for graduate classes, so I'm glad that I waited to begin my masters.  (I'm thinking of starting next summer).  While you will get paid more for having a masters to begin with, having the school district pay some/all of the bill could be nice.

Answer 2

Depends upon what you wish to teach.  I wanted to be a media specialist (librarian) in South Carolina's public schools so I was required to have the master's degree prior to applying for a job.  You need to investigate the requirements in the state in which you want to work - all states are NOT the same.  And, SC requires 6 hours of recertification every 5 years so you need to know that too.  if you are hired with a BA or BS, the work toward the master's could count in your favor if your state requires maintaining your area of certification or keeping up with changes in your area of choice.

Answer 3

Speaking from personal experience, I decided to get my masters right after my bachelors.  I was an RA in college so I worked as a hall director and the school paid for my masters.  It was a great experience.  

I'm coming to the end of my 3rd year teaching.  The first two years I taught 5th grade, then they switched me to 4th.  I can't imagine trying to get my degree while teaching these first few years, especially after having to change grade levels.  

Good luck!

Answer 4

It really depends on your personality..............I started teaching and after three years I entered my master's degree program.  I needed a break from classes.............teaching by itself is a wonderful but very demanding profession.  I am in a position that does not require as much take home work so I am free to devote more time to my classes.  It would be nice to have completed your master's degree before you start teaching.  

So you can handle a number of different tasks then teach and go back to school........... if not continue on after undergrad to grad..

Good luck!!!!