Source: Pixabay user Wokandapix .
So, you’ve been teaching for a few years (or maybe you just got your teaching license) and you’re starting to get the itch to be back in the classroom–as a student–again. But, going back to school is a HUGE decision and there a lot of questions to answer before enrolling. Beyond logistics (how, where, when), the biggest question you have to answer is ultimately “why”–is getting your MEd degree worth it?
While I can’t answer that question for you, I can offer you some insight. Here are 5 reasons to go back to school for your MEd degree.
1. You’ll probably get a pay raise
We all know that you didn’t pursue a career in teaching for the money, but a pay raise wouldn’t be a bad thing. Depending on your district, getting your M.Ed. can mean an automatic pay raise. Just think of all the things you could buy for your classroom.
2. Upward movement
If you have ever considered a job in administration, as opposed to actually being in the classroom, getting your M.Ed. and specializing in administration is the way to get there. After completing your degree, you’ll be able to climb up the ladder to any administrative position in the district.
3. Enacting change
I have pretty much never met an educator who didn’t want to change the world in some way or another. Whether it is in the life of a single student, or every student in the country, teachers are the people who change the world. By getting your M.Ed. you’ll have the opportunity to create a curriculum (you’ll need to specialize in curriculum design), make changes in your district (administration), or simply use the new techniques you learn to better your classroom environment, and the lives of your students.
4. Teaching at the college level
Having a master’s degree is one of the requirements to teach at the college level. You may have never wanted to be a professor, but teaching a few classes at your local community college is a great way to spend your summers off, and supplement your income. If you don’t ever plan on teaching at the college level, think about the possibility of your students being able to earn college credits by being in your class.
5. You already have to complete CEC/CEUs
All teachers are required to complete continuing education credits or units, so you might as well use them to your advantage. Many districts offer teachers the option of counting their master’s work as their required continuing education credits. This means that you’ll be able to make your master’s degree work for you in more ways than one.
