Should You Pursue a Master’s? A Guide for Teachers

Earning a master’s can pay off — literally! Although specific amounts vary from one school district to the next, many districts offer increased compensation for advanced-degree holders. According to Pepperdine University, teachers with master’s degrees can expect a 10-15% average increase in earnings, although this varies between states. For example, while California teachers can nearly double their earning potential from $54,810 to $91,090, Delaware educators experience a more modest increase from $61,121 to $76,655.

Advanced training in a master’s degree program can help you develop key leadership skills needed to take on advanced roles within a school or district. More education means greater expertise, and this gives many educators the confidence they need to move into leadership roles on their teams, on their campuses, and in their districts like school administration or counseling. (For a more extensive list, check out the “Career Options List Below.”)

Teachers who obtain their master’s degrees have access to many advancement opportunities that otherwise would be unavailable. For example, some degree holders pursue roles as principals, counselors, or superintendents. But a master’s is also an asset outside of the classroom, offering versatility for teachers who decide to leave the education field. Possible alternate career paths include career counselor, corporate trainer, or museum education director.

There are four main master’s degree categories in education؅ — Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.), Master of Arts in Education (M.A. Ed.), Master of Science in Education (M.S. Ed.), and Master of Education (M. Ed.). However, the specific concentrations within these degrees vary widely depending on the college. Possible tracks include subject-specific focuses, education policy, early childhood education, special education, educational technology, and many more.

It may seem like earning a master’s requires a huge investment of time, but this isn’t necessarily true. Accelerated programs are on the rise, and in some cases earning a master’s can take as little as one year. For example, Eastern Washington University offers many graduate education programs online, most of which take 12-14 months. That’s a quick turnaround for the possibility of more money and enhanced skill in the classroom.

Thanks to the widespread availability of online programs, you can work while earning an advanced degree. Choose a program that allows you to complete assignments on your own schedule, so it’s easier to fit coursework in among your many other tasks and responsibilities. Also, working while earning a degree means you don’t have to sacrifice your income to accomplish your educational goals.

With any job, employers seek the most qualified candidates. Having an advanced degree can move you to the top when it comes to job offers. Teachers who complete master’s programs show potential employers that they’re deeply committed to perfecting their craft, and this drive for improvement makes a big impression on employers. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 51% of teachers held a master’s degree during the 2020-2021 school year, which means a master’s degree could soon become the norm in education.

A few states require teachers to obtain a master’s degree as a condition of continued employment, and some districts have this requirement as well. For example, Highland Park ISD in Dallas, Texas, requires teachers to earn a teaching-related master’s within their first seven years of employment.

A master’s in a specific content area is a great choice for teachers who are passionate about their subject matter. Western Governors University, for example, features master’s programs in English, math, and science education for grades K-6, middle grades, and secondary education. These programs offer you a thorough understanding of your subject matter, enabling you to be more effective in the classroom.

Delivering instruction effectively is the main job of all teachers, and a master’s degree can drastically improve your abilities. Students benefit from your in-depth knowledge of teaching approaches, learning styles, assessment development, and reflective practices. Furthermore, pursuing your master’s while you’re teaching allows you to apply new concepts in real-world situations to see what works.

Technology is an essential component of instruction, and the ability to effectively incorporate technology into your lessons is a common component of teacher assessment. A master’s in educational technology helps you sharpen or develop your tech skills. In addition, the process of completing any master’s online will provide real-life practice with building your technological skills, regardless of your specialization. As a part of your learning, you’ll use various programs and platforms to complete coursework, create projects, and interact with classmates. Some of these approaches are ones you’ll adapt for use in your own classroom as well.

The demands of life, family, and a teacher’s workload are a lot to manage; adding school to the mix can make life hectic. To complete coursework and meet assignment deadlines, you’ll become an expert at honing your time management skills — a benefit that will carry over long after your master’s program is complete.

Every day in the classroom you engage your critical thinking skills, including observation, analysis, and problem-solving. For example, if you observe a negative trend in student performance and analyze it to discover the cause, you’ll be in an excellent position to formulate an effective solution. Because master’s courses are designed to approach content more deeply, they elicit such skills and show educators how to apply them in the classroom.

Evidence-based decision making is a critical concept taught in master’s programs for teachers. It involves utilizing evidence and data to make decisions about instruction and assessment and is widely observed to improve student outcomes. A master’s program prepares educators to effectively apply these concepts for the benefit of their students.

As the head of educational institutions, principals oversee the daily operations of their school. They serve as mentors and guides for students and teachers, ensure everyone follows the policies and rules, occasionally discipline students, and perform teacher evaluations throughout the year. A vice principal may handle many of these same duties, but they have less decision-making power. This role varies quite a bit from one campus to the next. If you want to be the one running the show, a master’s in educational leadership can get you there.

The superintendent and the assistant superintendent work at the district level, which means they might oversee several schools at once. The superintendent handles district-wide decisions, manages district needs, and oversees principals and district staff. The assistant superintendent supports the superintendent, including developing and adhering to district budgets and pay scales and assisting in developing the curriculum. A degree in educational administration is your ticket to this level.

An instructional coordinator collaborates with teachers to create, implement, and improve the curriculum across schools in the district. Some schools will have their own instructional coordinator, so there could be several working under the district umbrella. They may assess teacher performance and provide feedback, monitor student assessment data, and guide teachers toward the most effective strategies and resources. A master’s in instructional design can give you the opportunity to shape what students learn on a day-to-day basis.

Even those with high-level degrees and strong responsibilities will benefit from vocational training to keep them up-to-date on best and latest practices. District trainers lead professional development sessions that often cover new concepts, techniques, and technologies. Microsoft, for example, has an educator trainer program available to district trainers and other qualified presenters.

Although many teaching jobs at the college level require a doctorate, some schools are open and welcoming to candidates with a master’s degree. This is especially true with online schools and community colleges. A college instructor does many of the same things a K-12 teacher does, including planning and delivering instruction and assessing student progress.

Since their students are usually adults who have been well-versed in the educational process in lower grades, their job allows for more in-depth teaching and not as much “housekeeping” to ensure students are turning things in on time or following the instructions. A certificate program in teaching adults might be helpful for those who already have the credentials for K-12 teaching and want to expand their horizons.

Museum educators work closely with museums large and small. They are responsible for developing and implementing public education programs that teach interesting facts and benefit the institution, such as lectures, seminars, gallery talks, and community and school programs. They also develop instructional materials and activities centered around the museum’s current collection.

A childcare director, also known as a daycare director, is in charge of a childcare facility. A person in this directorial role hires, trains, and oversees staff, and might also work directly with students. The director manages the facility to ensure a clean, safe environment meeting all state and federal standards. Additionally, they work with teachers to create a curriculum or program that meets state and federal requirements. All of this begins with programs in early childhood education.

The main role of the school counselor is to improve the classroom and school environment by providing a long list of services to students and teachers. Counselors also provide academic and career guidance to students, particularly at the high school level. Career counselors assist people who are looking for the career that fits them best. They administer tests and provide resources and tips for securing employment. No matter the level you choose to work with in the educational system, a degree in counseling psychology is a great place to begin.

An education policy analyst identifies key issues affecting school systems and analyzes them through research to formulate possible solutions. In addition, they perform cost-benefit analyses and make recommendations to legislators. This is a person who sees the educational system from a bird’s-eye view and seeks ways to improve it for students, teachers, and all staff who make the school work well.

The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant is a federal student aid program that provides up to $4,000 per year to students completing coursework toward a career in teaching. Applicants must prove their need for assistance by completing the FAFSA. In addition, the applicant must be enrolled in a program that’s eligible for the TEACH grant. If awarded the grant, the participant must agree to teach for at least four years at a school that serves low-income students. If this requirement is not met, the funding will be converted to loans that must be repaid with interest.

There are numerous teaching-specific scholarships out there designed to help educators obtain an advanced degree. For example, the Barbara A. Cooley Master’s Scholarship awards $1,000 per year to recipients who are enrolled in health education programs. In addition, the Career Development Grants through the American Association of University Women assist women who are studying education, STEM, or social sciences.

Get more details for these scholarships and many more by scrolling through our comprehensive list of scholarships.

Some districts and companies have tuition reimbursement programs that pay employees back for a certain amount of their educational costs. Usually, if not always, the education must be related to the applicant’s current job to be eligible for reimbursement. For example, a program might reimburse students for a maximum of six credit hours during a 12-month period.

Many other loans, fellowships, and subject-specific grants are available for teachers who want to pay less for their master’s degree. For example, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics provides grants, scholarships, and awards to math teachers at various levels. In addition, the National Association for Gifted Children offers the A. Harry Passow Classroom Teacher Scholarship to teachers of gifted students who prove their excellence in the classroom.

Federal loans are also an option, but since these loans must be paid back it’s best to avoid them until you’ve explored all other funding possibilities.

Some state-specific programs seek to help teachers continue their education. One example is the Teach Nevada Scholarship, which provides funding to candidates who seek initial licensure through one of its partner institutions. A similar program is the BHD Endowed Scholarship for Teachers, which is open to Maryland residents who intend to teach in Maryland.