Is it worth it to get a Master's in Elementary Ed...

to teach on LI right now? I know the job market is so tough and hard to get into, especially elementary ed or teaching English which are the 2 areas I would be interested in.

Right now I am primarily a SAHM and plan on staying that way until my kids are a little older but if I could start working on my Master's now I would like to. I am just afraid to make the investment $$$ and have it be wasted not being able to get a job. Although I guess b/c I am in no rush to go back to work I can give myself more time finding a position.

Re: Is it worth it to get a Master's in Elementary Ed...

i will have to be honest with you and say no; at least not right now. the job market in both of those certifications are extremely tough. for example, in my building we have well over 6 teachers in our building who are still leave replacements (essnetially long term subs who can't be tenured) because there is NOTHING permanent for them in the district. they've been "leaves" for over 3-4 years. and they're the lucky ones--- at least they have a job...the only thing they don't have is job security as the minute a tenured teacher comes back from maternity leave or what have you, they're gone. even NYC is extremely hard to get into as an elem. teacher. it would be easier to get a job in a middle school or high school in the city, although this year since they are excessing so many teachers, they are not taking anyone outside the system.

the market is so tight and there is an overload of people getting the degree - just about every college or university on the island has a teacher cert. program.

i would recommend special education --- i am a special educator so give a shout if you have any questions- i also have elem. ed. certification as well.

Message edited 8/5/2009 9:45:46 AM.

Re: Is it worth it to get a Master's in Elementary Ed...

I got my BSEd in 2002 and my MSEd in 2004; it's now 2009 and despite my efforts I've been unable to find a teaching job. At this point my provisional certification has expired so I'm at a cross-roads of figuring out what I want to do with my career. I would look into doing other things in the field of education since teaching positions aren't really available.

Re: Is it worth it to get a Master's in Elementary Ed...

I am a NYC Elem Teacher for the past 9 years with a Masters in Elem Ed ALONE and why am I STILL a NYC Teacher? Because getting a job on LI is next to impossible. 9 years later and NOTHING

Go for ESL or Library Science in my opinion!

Re: Is it worth it to get a Master's in Elementary Ed...

I would agree not to do it right now. I am an ESL teacher. ESL used to be easier to get a of job but I don't think it is like that anymore. We had a position at our school open up...one position. 500 applicants. (It is filled now.) I also have a friend that teaches ESL that has been looking for quite some time with no luck.

Re: Is it worth it to get a Master's in Elementary Ed...

I think the only way I would recommend a Masters in Elem is if you could get a bilingual certification also. I think that is one of the last areas that still needs people. I know my old district always had a problem filling those slots.

Re: Is it worth it to get a Master's in Elementary Ed...

I take classes at St. Josephs and I went to get information on the education programs. The lady told me quite frankly this is not the time to go into teaching and that he should find something else.

Since you aren't in a rush I'd probably take my time. One class at a time and make sure my grades are great. Possibly minor in anoter language.

Re: Is it worth it to get a Master's in Elementary Ed...

Most of my friends here on LI are math teachers and they say ALL.THE.TIME it's impossible to find a job out here in that area.

One of my friend's it took over a year to find a job in math. He was a waiter during that time.

I can't imagine going into elementary ed or an area that is NOT needed.

I also heard it's tough in NYC as well these days.

Re: Is it worth it to get a Master's in Elementary Ed...

I have been looking into Elem. Ed/Literacy (reading teacher). But it is so stressful to think of spending $40k+ on an education and not know if you are going to have a job at the end of it especially when you have a house and 2 kids.

Re: Is it worth it to get a Master's in Elementary Ed...

dont do it. theres NO JOBS right now. i have my masters in secondary ed and i havent even gotten a call for an interview. (i graduated in May)