I make less than the average teacher in my district and less than the average teacher in California--because, after 14 years of teaching, I still don't have a master's degree. So I've decided to get an MAT degree (Master of Arts in Teaching Mathematics) from the University of Idaho's Engineering Outreach Program via distance learning. I've first got to convince my school district to approve/accept that program (which will probably take months), and I tentatively plan to start coursework next fall.
Good for you! Why an MAT instead of just a Masters in Math? That would give you more options although I don't know if there are any of those programs distance learning. Education and Business seem to be the big distance learning degrees.
ReplyDeleteWhen I once applied in your district they told me only units in education degrees would count. I posed the question "so if a MD wanted to come teach biology they would have to get special district approval for those units to count?" Her reply was "Yes"
No wonder your district is in such peril.
The distance part is key. And it's 8 math classes and 2 education classes, so it's very much math-related.
ReplyDeleteGreat decision! After struggling through a Masters program with two young children, I've put off earning a CAS to move up a step on the salary scale. Now that the youngest is about to fly the coop, I'm also looking at taking courses in the fall. Probably in Secondary Education, since History is rather time consuming.
ReplyDeletethat's kind of a cool deal. hope that all works out
ReplyDeleteI would love to finish my MFA, but an MFA requires being on campus during the same time that I have to teach. Right now, I'm not sure it's worth it with only 7 years before retirement. As for an Masters in Education, I feel like I should seek some other field because I don't think art is going to remain too long in the curriculum.
ReplyDeleteI've tried two different MA programs. I've decided I make a terrible student, having been a teacher for almost 14 years now. The most I got out of the last program was a lesson in the many ways teachers annoy students and make students' lives more difficult when it doesn't need to be. I changed any number of very minor things about how I taught because of it. So that was worth it in the end. Still don't have my master's though. :-/
ReplyDeleteGood luck to you!