Teaching is a noble calling that requires dedication and preparation. Obtaining a master’s degree could ready you for the challenges you’ll someday face.
According to one Walden University study, teachers who earn master’s degrees may even provide students with superior educations. Your individual teaching skills and motivation play major roles in your efficacy as an educator, but pursuing one of the following master’s degree programs could benefit you and your future students alike.
1. Master of Arts in Teaching
The Master of Arts in Teaching, or MAT, degree helps you hone the general teaching skills you pick up during your undergraduate education. Those who follow this degree path concentrate on specific academic areas to deliver better educational aid and assistance to students.
Resource: Top 10 Best Online Master of Arts in Teaching Degree Programs
Many MAT holders go on to pursue employment in elementary, middle and high schools. Full-time degree programs commonly require you to act as a student teacher for at least one semester, and successful completion may be associated with the award of your teaching license. Some MAT programs are structured as fifth-year pursuits that extend undergraduate study.
2. Master of Education With Academic Specialization
Master of Education degrees are commonly pursued by people who are already career teachers, but having professional classroom time under your belt isn’t strictly necessary. These individuals may wish to increase their expertise and credentials, and many go on to pursue employment as higher-education faculty members.
Many Master of Education degrees are recognized at the international level. To gain acceptance to these programs, you’ll usually need to have earned your bachelor’s degree.
MS in Education programs let you specialize in subjects of interest, such as math, science, reading or adult education. Furthermore, some specializations focus on teaching students at specific grade levels.
3. Master of Education With a Leadership and Administration Specialization
Instead of concentrating on lesson planning, teaching theory and other vital tasks, these MS in Education degrees revolve around administration and oversight. Students who pursue administrative specializations may go on to head up school districts, work in university student affairs offices or serve as counselors. Many school systems even mandate that these specialized staff hold master’s degrees.
Of course, career advancement isn’t the only benefit of this master’s education. Some students simply pursue the title for the opportunity to perform research projects that prepare them for further doctorate education.
4. Master of Natural Sciences Education
Specializations are important to getting the most out of your MS in Education. This relatively broad degree helps science teachers and those seeking to become science educators learn more about fields like physics, biology and chemistry.
Coursework includes exercises designed to impart candidates with improved science fieldwork skills and classroom experience. Notably, the program also focuses on hands-on teaching methods and education techniques that you can apply in the real-world.
5. General Master of Education
Pursuing this master’s is a good way to add to your skills as a teacher. For instance, degrees that focus on early-childhood, elementary or secondary education may render you better-equipped to deal with the day-to-day realities of your job. If you feel like you have a firm handle on your subject area yet desire to connect with your students more effectively, this program might be ideal for you.
The state or jurisdiction you end up teaching in may not require you obtain a master’s degree, but doing so could advance your career. In addition to potentially leaving you eligible for bonuses and better positions, earning your master’s degree might help you make a bigger impact on your students.
