worth it getting a masters degree in education

hi everyone I,am new to this site and would like some help. I will be completing my ba degree in childrens studies and would like to teach. I was told getting a masters degree in education would be very helpful in getting a position but I would like to know if it would be worth it. Is it difficult , how long will it take. 've also heard of nyc teaching fellows program but I don't know anyone who has done it.any other info that I have not thought of that you can give will be appreciated
TIA

Re: worth it getting a masters degree in education

I have my Master's in Secondary Education. My BA is in English. I did the MS program at Dowling and didn't find it difficult at all. It took me 2 years going part time while working full time. I dont' know if it makes it easier to get a job though. I teach in NYC and can't get a job on LI to save my life. There are some girls on here that did Teaching Fellows...not sure which ones though. Good Luck!

Message edited 8/20/2008 9:37:04 AM.

Re: worth it getting a masters degree in education

I have a BA in English and my masters in secondary education. I went to school in CT and graduated with my MAT in 1 year with summer courses. I student taught and did an internship which paid for the majority of my masters.

There are job opportunities in CT...in some areas more than others and in some districts more than others...from what I see on LIF, it is easier to find a job in CT than on LI. BUT, the pay is more on LI than in most districts in CT...

Good Luck

Re: worth it getting a masters degree in education

you can't teach without a teacher's certification, which i don't think you get with a children's study degree. to get a job on Long Island or NYC, you will really need a Masters in Education which will give you the teaching classes and the certification.

my DH is in the Fellows program and LOVES it! (career changer). Empire State College has a similar program and they work with underperforming LI districts. Programs like this will get you teaching right away while getting the certification and Masters. I don't knoow of any other way to get a certification done without a Masters unless you work in a private school or a daycare center where you don't necessarily need certification.

Message edited 8/19/2008 7:10:50 PM.

Re: worth it getting a masters degree in education

Thanks so much to everyone for replying I notice that you guys don'thave a BA in education which I thought was a requirement so I'm glad to know that I can have a BA in something else. I will definitely go for my Masters hopefully it doesn't take to long. are there particular areas that will allow me to work sooner or will any one do, TIA

Re: worth it getting a masters degree in education

Re: worth it getting a masters degree in education

thanks for the info, it certainly helps in making the right choice. Does the concentration matter (e.g science, math, spanish) in getting a job faster, is there more of a demand for elementary teachers, or middle grade teachers. I just would like to know which woould give me a better shot when coming out of school

Re: worth it getting a masters degree in education

Re: worth it getting a masters degree in education

thanks, that's good to know. I was thinking of Spanish, glad there are some ads out there for that concentration. for some reason I thought they were fazing out bilingual education good to know its still needed.

Re: worth it getting a masters degree in education

Just an FYI, a masters in edu itself isn't required - my husband has a masters in Library Science and he's a teacher. His bachelor's is in secondary ed though, I *think*

Re: worth it getting a masters degree in education

you can get either a BA or a MA in Education to teach. I have my BA in SS education and MS (psych) and MLS. If your BA was in education, your MA only has to be in a semi related subject to education/subject.

There are some benefits of teaching before your masters.

1. Your masters is tax deductable, since NYS requires a MA for permanant (now professional) certification.

2. You can get paid less, which may make you a bit more attractive as an applicant. (I was hired in the spring before I finished my MS and I just sent my transcripts and got bumped up to MA in September)

3. There are MA programs through some districts. One of my schools offered a MA through NYTech - cheap and easy.


Do you have 36 credits in Spanish? If you do, look into Queens College's certification program. You take the education courses (18 credits I think?) and student teach through them and you can get your certification - but still need to get your MA later.

Re: worth it getting a masters degree in education

thanks so much. unfortunately I will not have my BA in education as I am already half way done and changing my major will just make the process a lot longer. I was thinking of getting a job at a private/catholic school to gain some experience since I don't think it would be possible to teach in a public school. Can I take the LAST exam without a BA in education. I am still trying to make sense out of the whole process of what a person with a BA degree in an unrelated major would need to do to teach,the various test needed and what the requirements are for them before I take them. Would I be allowed to seek employment in a public school and given time to attain my masters in education. so confused

Re: worth it getting a masters degree in education

Posted by tamale

thanks so much. unfortunately I will not have my BA in education as I am already half way done and changing my major will just make the process a lot longer. I was thinking of getting a job at a private/catholic school to gain some experience since I don't think it would be possible to teach in a public school. Can I take the LAST exam without a BA in education. I am still trying to make sense out of the whole process of what a person with a BA degree in an unrelated major would need to do to teach,the various test needed and what the requirements are for them before I take them. Would I be allowed to seek employment in a public school and given time to attain my masters in education. so confused

Re: worth it getting a masters degree in education

thanks so much for the info. sorry to reply so late.