Different Masters in Teacher Education Degrees
There are different types of Masters degrees in education, the Master of Arts, Masters of Education and the Masters of Science. How do you choose from the different masters in teacher education programs?
The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree is usually geared for initial teacher licensure and may emphasize practical teaching skills and on teaching specific subjects. This type of program really focuses on advancement of your teaching career; learning pedagogical theory and hands-on implementation.
The Masters in Education (M.Ed) degree is different, and designed for experienced educators. It usually provides more in-depth instruction aimed at preparing teachers for new leadership roles. If you are a certified teacher, or an aspiring teacher you may still continue teaching in the classroom, or pursue a major that takes you into another area (Curriculum and instruction, counselor education or educational administration for instance).
Master of Arts in Education degree programs focus on in-classroom teaching, and students often choose an area to concentrate on
Master of Science in education degree programs might be a great fit if you are keen on educational research.
Finding the ‘right’ Masters in Teacher Education Program: Tips
Choosing a graduate teacher education program may seem daunting, but if you go about it systematically, you can simplify things for yourself. A helpful resource might be Teach.Org as well as requesting information from prospective colleges and universities.
Choose a Program Format: On-Campus or Online?
First of all, with the choices out there, do you want a distance learning program or do you prefer the social learning environment of a real classroom? Online teacher education programs may suit working teachers trying to balance work in the day with study in evenings and on weekends. But, don’t assume that all campus programs are during the day. Masters programs for teachers may be offered during times that it is convenient to attend as well.
Sometimes one format makes most sense to you, whether it is just easier to do your courses online, or just more motivating to be onsite. In either case, you can use these criteria to search on GradSchools.com. In fact, you can narrow things down with a location search – use the city, state, or country tabs to filter results for graduate schools in a specific area.
Which Concentration Interests You?
From the subject selection, you can see that there are plenty of opportunities to refine your teaching skills in different areas, such as masters in physical education, teaching art, teaching science or even teaching English as a second language. Some of the other listings you might encounter could include: MSEd in Literacy, Masters in Reading Education, Master of Natural Sciences Education or Master of Art and Design Education.
DID YOU KNOW? Some states require middle school teachers to earn a master’s degree after receiving their teaching certification.[ii]
Check Each Teacher Education Program For Their Curriculum
Broadly speaking, masters programs for teachers might include some common themes. Best to check with each graduate school, and measure their curriculum with your own goals. Some of the components of your curriculum might include topics such as:
- Foundational Knowledge (philosophy and history or education)
- Educational Psychology
- Sociology of Education
- Skills for assessing student-learning
- Content-area/methods/skills related to your subject (art, music, math)
- Practice in classroom
- Supervised field observations
- Student teaching
- Internship
Licenses, Certifications, Registrations for Teaching Professionals
It is really important to check with the state you plan to teach in since certification and licensing varies. Here are a few things to bear in mind:
- Typically to receive certification a period of fieldwork or student teaching is required.
- Some states require teachers to complete annual professional development courses to maintain their license
- Requirements may vary depending on the school system: public or private
Potential Career Paths
To a certain extent, the more you learn the more you are able to teach. Some states do require teachers to hold a master’s degree, so the degree may be associated with new opportunities although not a guarantee of employment. Potential career paths for graduates with masters in teacher education degrees might include:
- Post-secondary Teachers (at community colleges)
- Middle School Teachers
- Kindergarten Teacher
- Elementary School Teacher
- High School Teacher
Take The Next Step
While an undergraduate degree may be sufficient for some teaching jobs, some states require all teachers to earn a master’s degree after receiving their teaching certification. So, take the next step and look inside a Masters in Teaching Education Program to refine your skills, broaden your knowledge base, and cultivate your teaching niche or simply add versatility to your resume.
Sources: [i] bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm | [ii] bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/middle-school-teachers.htm | other sources: bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/kindergarten-and-elementary-school-teachers.htm | bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm
