A few thoughts:
-Aside from the obvious raise in salary which will recoup the tuition costs fairly quickly (if you keep costs reasonable), I've found one of the biggest benefits to be the doors that having postgraduate degrees opens up. Teachers who are themselves lifelong learners tend to be good teachers, and I have found in job searches that this is something that quality heads of school consider.
-There are a good number of universities in the UK and US that offer postgraduate degrees through intensive summer sessions. It's worth researching into these, as this allows you to continue working full time while also avoiding the online degree. If you actually want to get something out of your program, as opposed to just getting it over with and having the degree, this is worth considering. In the postgrad programs I have done, I've found having an in-person cohort invaluable in developing my own understandings. There might be online programs that manage to replicate this, but that hasn't been my experience from the couple of courses that I've taken online.
-I get the idea of choosing a degree that is going to open another professional route (ie: Ed. Leadership to get an admin credential). There is something to be said about being practical. But similar to my initial point, I think there is also something to be said for following your passions. What are you interested in? What aspects of education are exciting to you? These are the strands you should be following as you look to higher education. Some of the best advice I ever received from a professor was, "Don't get good at doing something that you don't love." I'm a big believer that if you follow your passions with dedication and professionalism then the money side of things will usually work out alright. Again, the best heads of schools/principals I have worked for had a knack for identifying and selecting those that loved what they were doing with a genuine passion.
Masters Degree That Is Worth Time/Money?
Discussion
The salary increase MAY be recovered relatively quickly, it may not, a lot depends on how much you spend and what you do afterwards. The other issue though isnt just coin, its the time and resources you put into that degree, thats a price that also needs to be recouped.
I cant agree with the ideology that an advance degree opens doors. It will more likely open a door further and imporve your marketability, but most ITs in IE have a Masters and some of them (not to small a number either) are really bad ITs, of which recruiters have also learned that a degree means very little in being able to transfer knowledge or create a productive and efficient learning environment, and a lot of it depends on the degree and its purpose.
A lot of US Masters degrees are just warmed over education majors at the Undergrad level. Masters in the UK arent much better than a PGCE its essentially the same material and content with some added research components. Masters degrees in Education are either:
1) Designed to create DTs/ITs by inital training in the profession, just at graduate level coursework.
2) Train educators for alternative and specialized paths in Education (Counselor, Librarian, Leadership, etc..)
3) Create entry level scholars as opposed to practitioners in Education, with less an emphasis on creating research but being able to consume it and understand it.
While its true for both (and CAN and AUS to a lessor extent), the US summer programs are often pricey in the USD$25K range, so unless its a summer program at Harvard or another Ivy its not going to be worth the tuition cost. In addition those summer programs have much greater travel and living expenses. It could add another USD$15K over the course of three summers.
I cant agree that theres any value in a month or so socializing with fellow educators in a classroom. There might be value, you may get something synergistic out of it, and your more likely not too. Just passing egos in the night. Sitting in a lecture hall going through warmups and development exercises.
I do agree its hard to find any type of engagement in online courses, its just not the nature of the participants and the medium.
There isnt much differential between Masters programs, they all have a similar research core with more or less emphasis on a particular specific focus. An MAT vs. an M.Ed in C&I are essentially the same program, and if you have an academic background in education theres going to be a portion of its thats redundant. The difference between a C&I and an Ed.Ld degree is a couple of classes on various management skills. A little accounting, some leadership, and organizational behavior, thow in some legal/ethical work compared to more assessment and psych metrics and curriculum design and there isnt much difference.
If Education is thus your passion than any Masters degree in education is going to fulfill that passion, regardless if its Ed.Ld or Tech or whatever. The exception is those Masters programs that prepare you for a niched field like counselor, psychologist, librarian.
Compared to fields that someone might really love, someone who loves French literature isnt going to be following their passion in anything that has to do with Education. So if just getting the salary increase is all thats important to you than dont do an education masters study the field you love. That however will not do anything for you career wise (aside from the salary increase). Which is why I advise wait on the Masters until it will do something more for you than get you in a classroom.
I cant agree with the ideology that an advance degree opens doors. It will more likely open a door further and imporve your marketability, but most ITs in IE have a Masters and some of them (not to small a number either) are really bad ITs, of which recruiters have also learned that a degree means very little in being able to transfer knowledge or create a productive and efficient learning environment, and a lot of it depends on the degree and its purpose.
A lot of US Masters degrees are just warmed over education majors at the Undergrad level. Masters in the UK arent much better than a PGCE its essentially the same material and content with some added research components. Masters degrees in Education are either:
1) Designed to create DTs/ITs by inital training in the profession, just at graduate level coursework.
2) Train educators for alternative and specialized paths in Education (Counselor, Librarian, Leadership, etc..)
3) Create entry level scholars as opposed to practitioners in Education, with less an emphasis on creating research but being able to consume it and understand it.
While its true for both (and CAN and AUS to a lessor extent), the US summer programs are often pricey in the USD$25K range, so unless its a summer program at Harvard or another Ivy its not going to be worth the tuition cost. In addition those summer programs have much greater travel and living expenses. It could add another USD$15K over the course of three summers.
I cant agree that theres any value in a month or so socializing with fellow educators in a classroom. There might be value, you may get something synergistic out of it, and your more likely not too. Just passing egos in the night. Sitting in a lecture hall going through warmups and development exercises.
I do agree its hard to find any type of engagement in online courses, its just not the nature of the participants and the medium.
There isnt much differential between Masters programs, they all have a similar research core with more or less emphasis on a particular specific focus. An MAT vs. an M.Ed in C&I are essentially the same program, and if you have an academic background in education theres going to be a portion of its thats redundant. The difference between a C&I and an Ed.Ld degree is a couple of classes on various management skills. A little accounting, some leadership, and organizational behavior, thow in some legal/ethical work compared to more assessment and psych metrics and curriculum design and there isnt much difference.
If Education is thus your passion than any Masters degree in education is going to fulfill that passion, regardless if its Ed.Ld or Tech or whatever. The exception is those Masters programs that prepare you for a niched field like counselor, psychologist, librarian.
Compared to fields that someone might really love, someone who loves French literature isnt going to be following their passion in anything that has to do with Education. So if just getting the salary increase is all thats important to you than dont do an education masters study the field you love. That however will not do anything for you career wise (aside from the salary increase). Which is why I advise wait on the Masters until it will do something more for you than get you in a classroom.
Re: Response
PsyGuy wrote:
> My general advice is that a Masters should do more for you than just get
> you into a classroom or a bump on the salary scale. This means you want an
> Ed.Ld program that leads to a leadership credential directly (DC has a
> pathway that doesnt require an EPP program) or school counseling,
> technology coordinator or librarian.
PG, regarding technology coordinator, would you recommend an Education and Technology Master? (the UCL in London seems to have a good one) or another one? Is technology coordinator is considered an Admin position?
> My general advice is that a Masters should do more for you than just get
> you into a classroom or a bump on the salary scale. This means you want an
> Ed.Ld program that leads to a leadership credential directly (DC has a
> pathway that doesnt require an EPP program) or school counseling,
> technology coordinator or librarian.
PG, regarding technology coordinator, would you recommend an Education and Technology Master? (the UCL in London seems to have a good one) or another one? Is technology coordinator is considered an Admin position?
Reply
@sliHSK
It depends what the technology masters does for you, if you have a limited amount of technology skills and experience and your going to learn ICT in the program, than yes I would. If however you are already capable at the ICT aspects and have qualifications to support them and or have already done it in some capacity then Id look for something like Librarian, and then sell the combination as a technology coordinator. If the technology coordinator masters leads to a credential in technology that would be another option Id advise.
I wouldnt trash the UCL program, I only know one person who was in it, but they already had both a technology and education background, it was a qualification, it made the job search easier. They didnt get a salary increase though the scale for that position was step only there was only one band.
In general at upper tier ISs technology coordinator is a junior administrative appointment, on par with the school counselor. In lower tier ISs its a IT or staff position, depending on the demands and tasking of the position. In lower tier ISs the ICT coordinator is usually the ICT IT who runs and manages the computer lab. In upper tier ISs as you add 1:1 programs and more technology integration the ICT coordinator supervises more staff and provides a broader range of services.
It depends what the technology masters does for you, if you have a limited amount of technology skills and experience and your going to learn ICT in the program, than yes I would. If however you are already capable at the ICT aspects and have qualifications to support them and or have already done it in some capacity then Id look for something like Librarian, and then sell the combination as a technology coordinator. If the technology coordinator masters leads to a credential in technology that would be another option Id advise.
I wouldnt trash the UCL program, I only know one person who was in it, but they already had both a technology and education background, it was a qualification, it made the job search easier. They didnt get a salary increase though the scale for that position was step only there was only one band.
In general at upper tier ISs technology coordinator is a junior administrative appointment, on par with the school counselor. In lower tier ISs its a IT or staff position, depending on the demands and tasking of the position. In lower tier ISs the ICT coordinator is usually the ICT IT who runs and manages the computer lab. In upper tier ISs as you add 1:1 programs and more technology integration the ICT coordinator supervises more staff and provides a broader range of services.
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Amusing User Name
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Re: Masters Degree That Is Worth Time/Money?
@sliHSK I've also been mulling UCLs Education & Technology MA, the 'vanilla' MA in Education also looks as if it could be worth looking into. I am waiting for the depreciation of the pound once we officially trigger Brexit so I'll probably join the 2018 cohort.
@PysGuy, thanks for the incisive feedback. I don't have a Technology background so I would benefit from upskilling in IT and taking the financial plunge to do the MA via distance learning.
@PysGuy, thanks for the incisive feedback. I don't have a Technology background so I would benefit from upskilling in IT and taking the financial plunge to do the MA via distance learning.
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Amusing User Name
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Re: Masters Degree That Is Worth Time/Money?
Aye, UCL is definitely my first choice for further study. The cost is far from insignificant, so 2018 will be my earliest start date.
Brexit is virtually inevitable, unfortunately. May has made unsubtle threats to turn the UK into a tax haven if the rest of the EU doesn't play ball and give the UK preferential access to the common market. The (UK) supreme court has ruled that Parliment must be consulted and that the executive can't trigger article 50 using the royal prerogative. Honestly, I can't see enough MPs voting against the "will of the people" to stop the government invoking article 50. There is a slim chance that enough MPs will back a referendum on the terms of Brexit giving us a second chance to step back from the brink.
Brexit is virtually inevitable, unfortunately. May has made unsubtle threats to turn the UK into a tax haven if the rest of the EU doesn't play ball and give the UK preferential access to the common market. The (UK) supreme court has ruled that Parliment must be consulted and that the executive can't trigger article 50 using the royal prerogative. Honestly, I can't see enough MPs voting against the "will of the people" to stop the government invoking article 50. There is a slim chance that enough MPs will back a referendum on the terms of Brexit giving us a second chance to step back from the brink.
Reply
@Amusing User Name
Why UCL, there are less costly options for an Ed.T Masters.
I dont disagree with all the technical and reported information and data, I just see the article 50 execution as a dead cat in the middle of a ballroom that everyone seems content to ignore and dance around. If there was real will on the part of the PM and MPs to pull the trigger, it could be done in a couple of hours a week at most, get on with it if thats the direction. Otherwise I firmly believe this is going to end up like some decree of the Vatican that takes half a century before its gotten to and by then it will be moot.
Why UCL, there are less costly options for an Ed.T Masters.
I dont disagree with all the technical and reported information and data, I just see the article 50 execution as a dead cat in the middle of a ballroom that everyone seems content to ignore and dance around. If there was real will on the part of the PM and MPs to pull the trigger, it could be done in a couple of hours a week at most, get on with it if thats the direction. Otherwise I firmly believe this is going to end up like some decree of the Vatican that takes half a century before its gotten to and by then it will be moot.
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Amusing User Name
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Re: Masters Degree That Is Worth Time/Money?
@PsyGuy, artful dead cat metaphors notwithstanding, I believe Brexit is inevitable. I would love to be proved wrong. Unfortunately, come March, I am virtually certain, the UK will trigger article 50.
Why UCL? Honestly, I am swayed by the prestige. My thinking is that the high tuition costs are a badge of quality. Reading these forums, the intricacies of credentialling and the cost effectiveness of various routes seem to be your area of expertise. Do you know of any other, reasonably priced, Ed Tech/Education MA's that offer a decent RoI; in terms of a blend of intellectual rigour, improved pedagogy, and increased earning potential?
Why UCL? Honestly, I am swayed by the prestige. My thinking is that the high tuition costs are a badge of quality. Reading these forums, the intricacies of credentialling and the cost effectiveness of various routes seem to be your area of expertise. Do you know of any other, reasonably priced, Ed Tech/Education MA's that offer a decent RoI; in terms of a blend of intellectual rigour, improved pedagogy, and increased earning potential?
Reply
@Amusing User Name
Thats easy, the Masters of Science (MSC) Education in Learning and Technology.... Oxford.
The golden triangle not withstanding and UCL is a fine Uni, but the only real Unis of status and prestige in the UK is OxBridge. You can be sitting across a native recruiter/leadership in Asia, etc. and see real utility in having "Oxford" on your resume. Youd be a stronger candidate just by virtue that the IS gets to state you read at Oxford, the parents think your letter for their child will get them special consideration being an alum. Will likely get you a number of "teacher gifts" of considerable value, in addition to the increased social opportunities.
Thats easy, the Masters of Science (MSC) Education in Learning and Technology.... Oxford.
The golden triangle not withstanding and UCL is a fine Uni, but the only real Unis of status and prestige in the UK is OxBridge. You can be sitting across a native recruiter/leadership in Asia, etc. and see real utility in having "Oxford" on your resume. Youd be a stronger candidate just by virtue that the IS gets to state you read at Oxford, the parents think your letter for their child will get them special consideration being an alum. Will likely get you a number of "teacher gifts" of considerable value, in addition to the increased social opportunities.
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Amusing User Name
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Re: Masters Degree That Is Worth Time/Money?
Nice one I'll look into it. Cheers
Re: Masters Degree That Is Worth Time/Money?
I'm thinking of getting an MA that will give me a reading certification. (I already have an elem edu cert) I've taught a few years and would like to teach just reading. (I'm passionate about it not doing it just for the salary scale steps) Any thoughts?
Re: Masters Degree That Is Worth Time/Money?
@PsyGuy
@Amusing User Name
Thanks for the information regarding the UCL MA PsyGuy. I'll look into it. About the Msc in Learning and Technology at Oxford: I think you cannot study it at a distance. This means the RoI of this master sounds rubbish as you would 'lose' 1 year experience/salary at an IS + you'd need to live near the Uni and the costs of living are tremendous nearby. Despite the OxBridge prestige you would get doing it.
@Amusing User Name
Thanks for the information regarding the UCL MA PsyGuy. I'll look into it. About the Msc in Learning and Technology at Oxford: I think you cannot study it at a distance. This means the RoI of this master sounds rubbish as you would 'lose' 1 year experience/salary at an IS + you'd need to live near the Uni and the costs of living are tremendous nearby. Despite the OxBridge prestige you would get doing it.
Reply
@sliHSK
This is true you cant complete the MSC.Ed by distance, its a residence program, @Amusing User Name hadnt indicated that as a criteria.
I would disagree with the position that a year spent at Oxford would result in an overall loss of utility. It would, but the gains would more than compensate, specifically in the marketability to higher tier ISs and higher marketability in being competitive for more senior appointments. Those advantages would more than compensate for the loss of a year.
Attending a residence program need not result in a loss of utility. 1) You can still work in a local DS while in the program, allowing you to maintain a continuum of experience. 2) You can do anything for about a year with no ill effects to your resume.
@thebeard
Dont do a masters in reading if thats all you want to do. Youd be better off completing a librarian program and focus on reading in that program. The reason is that while "reading specialist" credentials in some regions (US/CAN) lead to specific credentials in those regions (that have some demand), in IE they are largely superfluous. ISs dont generally have dedicated reading programs these are often remediation focused programs and IE is generally not remedial. The few ISS that are large enough to have a dedicated program are few, and in typical ISs the role is generally assigned to a LA/ESOL/SPED IT, in which cases its one prep in a teaching load. Those ITs can fill much broader roles, over a dedicated reading credentialed IT. Youd essentially either be frustrated at the lack of roles in dedicated reading programs or your degree is only going to get you a band increase on the salary scale.
Id recommend obtaining a reading or hybrid credential for a state such as Texas that has an "English Language Arts and Reading" credential by title. Youd have to take a few exams and an application but it would be far easier and efficient than doing a masters.
This is true you cant complete the MSC.Ed by distance, its a residence program, @Amusing User Name hadnt indicated that as a criteria.
I would disagree with the position that a year spent at Oxford would result in an overall loss of utility. It would, but the gains would more than compensate, specifically in the marketability to higher tier ISs and higher marketability in being competitive for more senior appointments. Those advantages would more than compensate for the loss of a year.
Attending a residence program need not result in a loss of utility. 1) You can still work in a local DS while in the program, allowing you to maintain a continuum of experience. 2) You can do anything for about a year with no ill effects to your resume.
@thebeard
Dont do a masters in reading if thats all you want to do. Youd be better off completing a librarian program and focus on reading in that program. The reason is that while "reading specialist" credentials in some regions (US/CAN) lead to specific credentials in those regions (that have some demand), in IE they are largely superfluous. ISs dont generally have dedicated reading programs these are often remediation focused programs and IE is generally not remedial. The few ISS that are large enough to have a dedicated program are few, and in typical ISs the role is generally assigned to a LA/ESOL/SPED IT, in which cases its one prep in a teaching load. Those ITs can fill much broader roles, over a dedicated reading credentialed IT. Youd essentially either be frustrated at the lack of roles in dedicated reading programs or your degree is only going to get you a band increase on the salary scale.
Id recommend obtaining a reading or hybrid credential for a state such as Texas that has an "English Language Arts and Reading" credential by title. Youd have to take a few exams and an application but it would be far easier and efficient than doing a masters.
Re: Masters Degree That Is Worth Time/Money?
I'm not convinced by the position that an Oxbridge on campus MA is worth the $45,000 MORE you give up in pay+benefits over a typical bargain basement online MA from a mediocre uni. Both are moving you to the MA payscale, so the Oxbridge one really has to get you into a position that a typical online MA wouldn't.
It's difficult to quantify (i.e. if you become admin, it might have been that you'd made admin even with a less prestigious university) but it feels like a lot of ground to make up.
Plus you've got to live in the UK for a year, so the extra ROI would have to be massive to tolerate that hardship.
It's difficult to quantify (i.e. if you become admin, it might have been that you'd made admin even with a less prestigious university) but it feels like a lot of ground to make up.
Plus you've got to live in the UK for a year, so the extra ROI would have to be massive to tolerate that hardship.