by Joe Taylor Jr.
joe.taylor@university-of-phoenix-online.net
University of Phoenix Columnist

A high attrition rate and the demands of teaching jobs have resulted in constant job openings. Many states and school districts are responding with higher pay for teachers that have completed MAEd programs and earned their teaching certification.

Getting a master’s degree in education, or MAEd, guarantees a higher salary for a teacher. MAEd degrees qualify teachers for a variety of teaching jobs and administrative positions, such as school principal or school district administrator. Meanwhile, secondary licensure certifies teachers to teach in more than one area. Many MAEd programs also provide training in the most current educational practices and technology.

Teaching salaries vary widely by location and experience. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, elementary and secondary school administrators earn an average salary of $74,190. Some school districts, such as Broward County, Fla., offer one-time recruiting bonuses to teachers that successfully complete a MAEd.

Many Teachers Earn MAEd Degrees While Working Full Time

Many online colleges now offer MAEd programs and secondary licensure programs. A growing number of teachers pursue advanced degrees after they’ve received their teaching certifications and landed their first jobs, making it difficult to return to school full time. Online programs allow teachers several years to complete a degree at their own pace. In fact, some programs have exchanged the traditional thesis requirement for an online portfolio.

Most MAEd programs allow teachers to specialize in areas such as administration, special education, K-12 or postsecondary leadership, and science. Secondary licensure won’t give teachers the qualifications for administrative jobs. However, it will allow an English teacher, for example, to become a biology teacher without earning another undergraduate degree. As professional education jobs require greater flexibility, MAEd degree holders will enjoy tremendous job security.

Sources
American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education
Broward County Public Schools
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Consortium for Policy Research in Education

About the Author
Joe Taylor Jr. coaches business leaders and sales professionals. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Ithaca College.