Are you interested in advancing your teaching career but want to pursue something other than a principal or superintendent role? A graduate degree may open up a world of opportunities. A master of education (MEd) is a postgraduate degree designed to help teachers strengthen their subject knowledge and classroom skills. It can also position them into leadership roles as school principals, policymakers and higher education administrators.
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Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Whether you’re an aspiring teacher or already established in your career, having a master’s degree can give you a competitive edge. Pursuing one can also help you hone your leadership skills and meet personal and educational goals. A master’s in education with a concentration in TESOL teaches students how to customize their teaching style for learners from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds. The students will address the demands of foreign academics and professionals, English-speaking students from other countries who desire to study abroad, and individuals with low English language proficiency as they develop their skills in their communities and educational settings. Educators have the unique opportunity to shape our country’s future and its young people. They have the privilege of equipping students with the knowledge and the tools they need to live successful lives. Still, they also play a vital role in our society by helping individuals achieve their full potential. The first step toward achieving your job ambitions is earning an online masters in education if you’re interested in developing your role as a teacher.
Teaching
A master’s degree can make you a more attractive teaching candidate to schools or districts, and in some cases, you can get a pay bump as well. Teachers with master’s are considered experts in their field, and they can bring more knowledge and credibility to discussions about curriculum and educational goals. Depending on the type of master’s program you choose, you could specialize in a particular subject area or grade level. For example, you might pursue an online master’s in elementary education to focus on pedagogy and classroom management or an MST or MAT that allows you to teach specific subject areas like music education or gifted education.
Alternatively, you can use your master’s in education to pursue administrative positions at a school or district level. It can include roles like department chair, assistant principal, or principal. In addition to making you more marketable, a master’s can give you the credentials you need to move into these leadership roles, which are more in demand and pay higher salaries.
Administration
If you’re looking to climb the career ladder in education, a master’s degree can give you the credentials. Whether starting in the field or aiming for a higher position, earning a graduate degree will set you apart from other applicants and make you more competitive in a highly coveted role. A master of arts in teaching or a master of science in education specializing in administration is ideal for those interested in leadership roles in the education field. This concentration allows aspiring superintendents and principals to gain the knowledge and expertise they need to oversee school districts. A master of education specializing in administration can also benefit teachers who want to move out of the classroom. District administrators are a vital part of any educational institution, and having an advanced degree makes you more credible when discussing curriculum changes or disciplinary matters with parents and colleagues. Moreover, a master of education can help you land administrative positions in museums, zoos, botanical gardens and other nontraditional learning venues.
Research
When you pursue an advanced degree in education, you’re looking to expand your knowledge base and position yourself for future career advancement. Depending on your specific program, your master’s in education will give you the skills and qualifications to shape educational systems, policies, procedures and curriculum. You may also move away from the classroom and become a research expert in your field. It could involve working for a university or a school district conducting academic research. Research may be applied to several areas, including curriculum development, teaching methods, student assessment and education law. Another option is to help people reach their vocational potential as a career counselor. Whether you work with students, job seekers or professionals in established careers, this role is all about providing guidance and support.
Counseling
A master’s degree in education — sometimes dubbed a Master of Arts in Teaching — opens up professional prospects outside the classroom. It can include administration positions, counseling, curriculum development and more. A qualified mental health expert called a counselor aids people in overcoming their emotional or personal issues. Specifically, counselors provide patients with tools and techniques to help them cope with anxiety, depression, addiction and other disorders. A counselor can also work with students to help them cope with issues related to their schooling. By teaching students various strategies to employ in class, a counselor, for instance, can assist a student in overcoming their fear of public speaking. Counselors can also help with issues that might arise from a student’s negative childhood experiences, such as abuse, neglect and witnessing violence. These experiences have been shown to negatively affect a person’s physical, social and emotional well-being.
