With public education districts all over the United States and the world cutting back on employees, people who are looking to pursue careers in education are finding themselves caught in a crossroads. Should they invest the time and the money that it takes to get a masters in education or simply try to get a job using a bachelors degree and experience? The decision is not an easy one, especially when trying to consider a Masters program that will increase a peer network; however, there are some statistics as well as trends that may help individuals make an informed decision.
The Public School Education System
Most people who are looking for jobs in the education system are looking within the public school system or the public university system. In this case, a Masters degree in education is certainly a good investment.
Although the amount of teachers that each public school district is employing may be decreasing, the scrutiny that those teachers undergo is increased. As federal regulations continue to tighten, individual school districts are looking for teachers who can showcase their expertise in a very direct way. Usually, this means hiring teachers who have a Masters degree in education rather than a bachelors degree.
Within a good masters program, there are also direct lines of communication between administrators and school district officials. In most cases, going through a Masters program in education will certainly increase the chances of a person be hired within that local school district.
Balancing the Investment with the Payoff
Certainly a Masters degree in education should be considered if you are being subsidized by the school district or if you can find a grant from the government. However, if you are paying for the education yourself, you must weigh the positives and negatives within your own financial situation.
In order for the investment in a Masters degree to be worth it, you must have a job in mind that will pay you back in a timely fashion. If you cannot see the entire process from beginning to end, then you are better off holding back on spending that money until you have identified a job that requires a Masters degree and will pay back the investment.
Going the Private Route
Too few educators consider going completely private. Private tutors can earn up to three times as much as a public school educator in large metropolitan areas. High net worth individuals who do not want to expose their children to the public school system are more than willing to pay top dollar for private educators with a Masters degree and a history of success with students. Although this route requires a bit of entrepreneurial spirit, there are many Masters programs that are led by people who have gone this route. Vet your professors until you find one that has done this if you are considering it.
Once you have gone over all of the statistics and the trends in your local area, you will be much more likely to make a decision that will positively affect your life about the investment in a Masters degree in education. Consider the alternative methods as well as the tried-and-true methods for employment to increase your chances were following your dreams of creating a career in education.
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