If you are considering earning your Master’s in Education , finding time to do a student teaching requisite may be a problem. But, this is not a problem because the degree is designed for people who already hold a teaching license and who want to gain more certifications. In other words, you are probably already be working in education. People who are new to teaching generally follow the Master’s degree in Teaching, or the MAT. Certainly, that degree will require supervised teaching observation at some point.
What does an Master’s in Education Involve?
First, the programs are usually completed in two to three years, though there are some programs that can be completed in as little as a year. The difference is often whether a dissertation or thesis is required. In addition, the programs generally contain about thirty credit hours and many schools offer the courses in a sequence. Online students who don’t have to take certain classes at prescribed times can finish faster. Because students have already learned the basics of teaching in their bachelor’s programs, these degree paths often involve concentrated study in a specialty. Some of the specializations offered, according to Teach.com, are: Early Childhood, Elementary, and specializations in the areas taught, such as English. Teachers can also specialize in special education, in counseling and in curriculum development, among other areas. Most programs require a dissertation or research project in the form of a thesis, as well as a final comprehensive exam.
Does the Thesis Replace the Supervised Teaching Practicum?
It does not. The thesis is intended to give students an opportunity for original thought and demonstrates a student’s problem-solving abilities. Generally speaking, most programs may forego the thesis but require some sort of practical experience. The form this takes is not always student teaching. At the baccalaureate level, most education students participate in a hands-on learning experience under the observation of a licensed teacher. These are non-paid practicums that involve a lot of classroom observation and some limited teaching responsibilities. Graduate students need practical experience in their specialty areas; they may often fulfill their requirements as full-time teachers for a year or more, while still remaining under the supervision of a licensed professional. This approach is called an internship. Interns work as teachers and supervisors evaluate them regularly and assist them in planning their workloads and curriculum. They may be paid for their work. Graduate students may also be hired as teaching assistants in colleges and universities. They may do much of the lecturing and grading of class assignments. Education graduate students who do not expect to teach may be assigned internships in their specialties, such as research and/or curriculum development. Requirements vary from state-to-state and by school, but the practicum is a generally accepted component of most Master’s degrees and even online students must meet the standard.
Because practical experience is vital to ensure the proficiency of new or practicing students, teaching practicum or an alternative hands-on experience is generally required for an advanced education degree. In addition to offering insight not gained from lectures of books, the paid practicums may satisfy some of the experiential requirements for state licensing. Student teaching is an important component of most Master’s in Education degrees.
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