The Benefits of Getting a Masters Degree in Education

Throughout much of the United States, there is a shortage of teachers in both core and specialized subjects at all grade levels. Acquiring a Masters degree in education will not only improve one's job prospects but will also pay off in terms of better expected annual income. Training high school, college and graduate students to be competitive in the global marketplace is, essentially, a national security issue. Without adequate numbers of teachers, the U.S. may soon find itself falling behind in many important industries.

A post-baccalaureate degree is not necessary to teach. The traditional route to becoming an elementary or secondary teacher involves the acquisition of a Bachelors degree followed by a teaching license in a given state. To teach at the community college, university or specialty trade school level, a minimum of a Masters degree is typically required. A Masters of Science in Education (MSEd), however, is as useful for K-12 teachers as for advanced teachers. It is a specialized degree geared towards one of the following disciplines:

* Elementary teaching

* Secondary teaching

* Advanced teaching

* Higher education administration and policy

With the exception of administration and policy, this degree essentially augments the subject-specific teaching skills gained from a Bachelors degree in education. Instructors are certified to teach a specific subject. A Masters of Science in education focuses a teacher's skill set while offering advanced knowledge and pedagogical strategies. It also aims for the development of a personal teaching philosophy and may provide room for advancement. Other than personal and professional development, there are many benefits to obtaining your Masters degree in Education. In a survey of nearly two dozen professions, only firefighters ranked higher than teachers in terms of respect for the professionals. Despite the fact that the national average annual salary for teachers with advanced degrees is nearly $50,000, there is still a shortage in the field. A Masters degree in education can only increase one's earning potential, not to mention improve one's teaching ability. For Bachelors degree holders in a subject other than education, many states offer alternative teaching certification programs designed to more quickly staff urgent need areas while a teacher earns a Masters degree or state certification. These programs vary by state, and areas of greatest need may differ accordingly. However, math, science, special education and ESL teachers are almost universally in demand.

Many of these advanced degree programs allow working teachers to study online to complete their studies. Once it has been received, getting a well-paying job in a high-need area like a rural or urban school, is a near guarantee. While millions of teaching openings are expected throughout the next decade, jobs are less plentiful in wealthier school districts than economically disadvantaged ones. Organization, patience and creativity are desirable characteristics in teachers. MS Education programs are designed to foster these and other intangible elements in teacher-students while building a solid foundation of knowledge in basic teaching fundamentals. The future of this country is in the hands of those committed to education. Because there is so much at stake, it's vital that more people rise to the challenge. A masters degree in education raises the prospective teacher to the level of expert in their particular subject. Students benefit in terms of receiving a superior education while the teachers themselves enjoy greater job satisfaction and a better standard of living.

About the Author

If you're ready to start an exciting and rewarding career in teaching, internet marketing specialist Stephen Daniels suggests you contact National Teacher Education Center. They provide a Masters degree in Education , special education certification programs and more.

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