Question for educators: If you are a teacher....?

Question

and you have your Masters, will you really be paid more than your bachelor's only counterparts? would a school hire me or hire someone else they can pay cheaper?

I'm trying to decide if it's really worth it for now...

thanks for any help.

Answer 1

I have a Master's degree in teaching and I get paid more for that. Not much- like $1000.00/ year, but still more. School boards like to hire more qualified teachers over teachers with just a bachelor's degree because they can use that in their statistics. In Louisiana, parishes like to brag about how many advanced degree teachers they have. I think your chances of getting hired increase with the amount of schooling you have. The amount they pay you is so minimal that I don't think it makes a difference in hiring choices.

Answer 2

Yes to the first question. As to the second, that's a toss up. It should be based on skill, but, they do have budget constraints and you could lose out. That's just the way of the world.

Answer 3

Yes, you will be paid more, because salaries increase with the amount of credits you achieve, in addition to the length of time you work there.

This is an age-old question:  "will a Masters help or hurt my chances of getting hired?"  Personally, I don't think it hurts a person.  I've never heard of anyone being passed over for a job because her masters degree would cost the school more money.  In all of the hiring discussions I've heard, it was never an issue.  Plus, it looks good for a school to say X% of their teachers have advanced degrees.

Also, for a district that offers tuition reimbursement, if you already have the degree they won't have to pay to help you get it.  If you're in a district that doesn't reimburse, getting a masters now will  save you money because tuition fees are not going down.

Masters degrees (or their equivalent) are being required, so it's not a matter of "if" but "when" you will need to get one.  I say go for it now.  I've really found this age-old question to be one born out of fear, not reality.