Which one first? Masters or Teaching Credential?

Question

I want to go into teaching in CA. and also get my Masters from an accredited online program. If I get my Masters first, I start at a higher pay rate, have more knowledge and can give more to the students.

Then again, if I get my credential with just my BA, they might be more likely to hire me because I will be cheaper to employ.

If I go that route, I will work for a year or two at a school and then go for my MA.

Which is better to do?

Answer 1

Teaching credentials first, then masters. Just make sure they ACKNOWLEDGE your master's degree. Some schools won't.

Answer 2

Although I do not know in what subject areas or levels you wish to teach, in this economy and for the near term, I would recommend that you earn your credential and begin teaching before pursuing an M.A. degree.

In addition to the economics of the decision, I also believe that after you have taught for "a year or two," you will be better able to take full advantage of an M.A. program.  In a manner of speaking, after your early teaching experience, you will have a better sense of what you don't know :).  

You may also find that a good school district and/or an experienced mentor will be able to provide some assistance to you (e.g., time; modest tuition credit; other developmental opportunities) that would not otherwise be available.

My concern is that you may find teaching exciting and arduous, especially if you are a good teacher; and, thus, you may not pursue the advanced degree.  However, my counsel remains the same.  Your thoughtful question tells me that you will not be sidetracked.

Good luck!

Answer 3

I'm a lecturer in the UK, and I did teaching for commercial companies first, so that got my foot in the door, and now I work lecturing at a University - and they are paying for me to do a Masters! Woo! I'll earn more when done, but I've saved time where I wouldn't have been paid at all by getting in there now!

Answer 4

Get the teaching credential first. You can work a year or 2 and then begin your MA. In my school board, certain studies are reimbursed (partially or fully) by the board. (I didn't do mine that way, so I can't give you all the information.) The public boards I've worked for recognized my MEd, but the private school I taught at did not. Check to be sure that your MA work wil be recognized for pay purposes before beginning the degree.

Answer 5

Definitely get your teaching degree and a job first.  You have a much better chance of being hired at a BA salary rather than a Masters salary.  Then, go back and do the online thing, but make sure your school district will accept that university.  Some districts are much pickier than others.

Answer 6

get your credentials first so you can teach while doing your master's...there are several tuition reimbursement programs available for teachers willing to teach in low performing schools...most states give you upto 5 years to complete your master's...