Masters in Education

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Obtaining your Masters in Education degree is a great way to begin or advance your teaching career once you have earned your teacher certification. If you have recently graduated from college with a bachelor’s degree and have been considering entering the world of education – a Masters in Education might be just what you’re looking for. There are great programs all around the country offering Masters in Education degrees on campus and, more and more frequently, online.

Most teachers are not required to earn their Masters in Education to teach. There are, however, many tangible benefits in earning such a degree:

There is no doubt that a Masters in Education degree can be very valuable not only in the experience and knowledge gained, but in career incentives as well. To find out more about getting your Masters in Education degree explore the guide below.

If you are considering a Master of Education, you are already a teacher who cares about improving your practice and your students’ learning. But before you apply for a master’s program, you should know a bit more about how the admissions process work. While a Master of Education is not a requirement to be a teacher, it will advance your teaching skills and signal to all that you are a professional interested in consistently improving your practice.

A Master of Education may also provide you with greater job opportunities. Districts and principals look for educators who seek professional development, enjoy collaborating with other educators in communities of practice, have advanced skills and understand the most recent research on teaching and learning. Your ongoing education makes you appealing to more schools and may also help you earn a higher teaching salary.

Keep in mind that teaching requirements vary from state to state. Always make sure that a master’s program is compatible with your state’s department of education teaching requirements before applying.

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There are many different types of programs, ranging from those that focus on curriculum and instruction to those that focus on administration (see our “Degree Specializations” section for additional information). You also need to decide whether you want to apply to a traditional school-based program, an online program or a blended program. Most traditional offer limited flexibility of course offerings and scheduling. If you do not have a full-time job, this might be a good option for you.

Online and blended programs often provide working teachers the opportunity to earn their degree part-time. These programs allow you to learn early in the morning or late at night, which is convenient for working teachers. However, online programs require you to be organized, self-disciplined and you must be able to use the technology. Before you choose your program, consider which type will best meet your schedule and learning style.

Requirements for Masters Degree programs vary by institution and state. Check that the program you choose meets your state’s requirements before filling out an application.

Once you choose programs that interest you, read carefully to be sure you know exactly what is required during the admission’s process. You may want to keep a chart or spreadsheetoutlining the materials you need to send and when you need to send them.

Here are some additional considerations:

Remember, your application is your opportunity to sell yourself as an ideal candidate. Make sure that you follow directions carefully, revise and proofread your documents for errors (this can make or break you) and make sure that you have sent all required documents.

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The best M.Ed. programs focus on the development of skills and knowledge necessary for teachers to become confident and successful in the 21st century classroom. The typical core curriculum not only covers specific academic disciplines, but also focuses on education theory: teaching educators how to develop their methods and become adaptive and responsive to student needs. The curriculum prepares candidates to develop and maintain effective classroom practices and apply appropriate technologies to help students meet their instructional goals.

Coursework integrates theory and practice, giving them an opportunity to practice what they learn. Teachers are not only encouraged to learn and reflect on their existing practices and education trends, but to explore and develop new methods and strategies, always using the classroom as a learning tool to better their teaching. The curriculum also typically includes in-depth research and practice in assessment, pedagogy, curriculum development, reflection and instructional leadership.

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Most Masters programs have you choose a specialization, or a focused area of study. Here are 11 specializations that you can choose, as well as the professions that they are designed to prepare you for.

When choosing your Masters program and any specializations consider factors like job prospects in your area and where your interests lie. You are making a commitment to your education and you will want to use the skills and knowledge you learn for many years to come. Choose an area of study that you enjoy!

Masters of Education Capstone/Thesis
Although each Masters of Education program differs regarding concentration and elective options, the majority of M.Ed. programs consist of a capstone or thesis component, focusing on the development of an action research project in the teaching field. With the guidance of an advisor, current and prospective teachers conduct research in a field of interest and later create and implement interventions, learning experiences or teaching strategies in their own classrooms. Students may be asked to record and analyze data, develop further research and, in some cases, videotape their action research experience to show improvement.

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Teachers today must use technology in the classroom and engage their students in using technology to study, inquire, and problem solve. Teachers are finding that technology has a place in lesson planning, engaging parents in their children’s education and completing simple tasks like taking attendance. If you are a student hoping to become a teacher, it is imperative that you chose a Masters of Education program that promotes technology literacy and learn about how technology is impacting education.

Education World interviewed a group of principals to find out what they look for when hiring new teachers. In addition to “passion” and “heart,”principals mentioned 21st century learning techniques and the ability to make instruction engaging and exciting. Technology enables teachers to create multimedia instruction, engaging all of the senses and appealing to more students’ strengths and interests. Imagine taking your students on a virtual field trip to Zimbabwe, rather than just reading about the country and answering questions in the back of a chapter. Great Masters of Education programs will integrate multimedia literacy and new media literacy into the courses you are taught so that you are prepared to apply these techniques in your own classrooms with your own students.

Choose your Masters degree or teaching certification program carefully and look for programs that include the integration of technology in education. Without any background or knowledge of technology in education, you will seem ill prepared during interviews or student teaching experiences. If your coursework does not offer much, take some local or online professional development courses and attend workshops. PBS has excellent classroom resources, as well as professional development offerings.

According to the U.S Department of Education, more universities are changing their programs to integrate technology into the classroom. The University of Texas in Austin incorporates technology regularly into their classes, having students take assessments online and preparing teachers to use technology in their future classes. These skills are becoming more imperative as virtual schools and online classes become increasingly popular at the elementary, middle, and secondary levels.

Virtual programs offer schools flexibility while containing program costs, and with similar initiatives spreading throughout the country, schools are looking for new teachers that are technologically savvy.

U.S Secretary of Education Arne Duncan has proposed that all schools convert to digital textbooks by 2017. More schools have embraced the use of netbooks, iPads, interactive white boards, and other technological tools for the classroom. Outside of school, students are already interacting with technology regularly so it makes sense to assist their learning with something that they already find engaging.

With the drive for more STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) programs, as well as the need to compete in a global economy, students do not just want to interact with technology; they need to in order to become successful in the future. Therefore, teachers must catch up with media-savvy students and embrace the new ways of sharing information. Use YouTube and video podcasts to make lessons more entertaining and study geography on Google Earth. There are an infinite number of resources at your fingertips and they are only just a click away.

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A Masters of Education degree can certainly help you advance in your career and further your pedagogical knowledge. However, some students feel uneasy about entering a masters programs due to the costs of higher education. Fortunately, there are many financial aid options available.

This is the primary source of financial aid for college students and includes loans, grants and work study programs. To apply for federal aid, you must fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online.

If you plan on taking out a loan, investigate federal options before looking into private loans as the former usually has more favorable terms. As a teacher, you may also be eligible for loan forgiveness. The Federal Direct Loan program is the largest program available, offering low-interest loans from the U.S. Department of Education. Graduate students can apply for Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Direct Plus Loans and Direct Consolidation Loans. To be eligible, you need to be enrolled at least part time. The interest rates are typically lower than private loans and the Department of Education offers many flexible payback programs. You also do not need to start paying back your loans until after you graduate. The Federal Perkins Loan is also available to students with high financial need. You must check with your college’s financial aid office to see if you qualify for this loan.

Work-study is part-time employment for students who exhibit financial need. Many of the related jobs are on campus and may even be within your field of study. Again, check with your school’s financial aid office to see which programs are available.

Grants and Scholarships for Teachers

This is assistance that does not have to be paid back. By filling out a FAFSA, you may be also become eligible for several federal grants.

The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant is specifically for students pursuing careers in education. Eligibility requirements include enrollment in a school participating in the TEACH Grant program, GPA of at least 3.25 and an agreement to serve a high-needs area in a school serving low-income students for at least four years.

Scholarships are also available to students who show exceptionally performance in specific academic areas. Your financial aid office should have more information on the variety of scholarships on offering and the application processes for each.

Teach.com recommends that you only use private loans as a last option to finance your education. In many cases, private loans will require a credit check and cosigner. While you can usually defer your payments until after you graduate, loans are offered by private institutions, so they set the rates and terms.

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While many graduates of Master in Education programs continue working in the classroom, in addition, it may help you advance to higher paying, specialized teaching jobs, and open the door to other lucrative educational careers.

Here are five education careers that require a Masters degree:

If you are organized, good at working with teachers and parents, and have leadership qualities, you may want to consider becoming a school administrator. Principals, deans, superintendents, and other administrative positions may require a masters degree. Certification requirements vary from state to state so check with your state’s Department of Education. Some universities offer a masters degree in School Leadership, or a similar program.

While many universities look for candidates with Doctorates, community colleges, online universities, and continuing education programs generally require that instructors possess a Masters degree. If you have teaching experience, that is an even greater asset. With a Masters in Education, you can teach education courses, as well as classes in your content If you maintain a typical teaching career during the day, you can teach a night class or an online class, which allows for flexibility.

Do you have a passion for helping other educators? If you excel in a specific area, like the integration of technology into the classroom or effective classroom management, then you might consider becoming an educational consultant. A good way to get started is to get involved in professional development in your district. Some consultants write books or manuals, using social networking to spread the word. There is no specific formula on how to become an independent consultant—it varies depending on your specialty—but a Masters degree may give you more credibility and experience.

The American Educational Research Association (AERA) defines educational research as “a field of inquiry aimed at advancing knowledge of education and learning processes and development of the tools and methods necessary to support this endeavor.” If you are interested in being a Scientist of Education, this type of job is for you. The AERA site includes information on how to obtain grants and funding for projects.

The US Department of Labor considers Curriculum Specialists, or Instructional Coordinators, to be a rapidly growing occupation. This position entails reviewing a district’s curriculum and teaching standards, making specific recommendations on how to improve on them. It can involve selecting textbooks and materials, facilitating professional development, and making sure that state and federal standards are being met. A Masters degree, and sometimes experience as an administrator, is required.

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