Masters Degree in Education
Opening the eyes and guiding the mind of a student is as equally rewarding for an educator as it is for his or her pupil. The opportunities that exist for would-be educators are on the rise in this new age of instant technological resources of information and academic material. Following through with or altering your career ambitions to join the ranks of academe is swiftly becoming a goal that is easily attainable and still allows the opportunity to be employed as well as balancing a family life.
Continuing education (CED) in the pursuit of a Masters Degree in Education (M.A.T., M.Ed., etc.) is a vitally important step to further your career ambitions. The track for professional licensure in many states requires a Masters degree either prior to teaching or within a specified time-frame after initial licensure. Many colleges and universities offer evening and weekend courses or online options designed to fit the schedule of the working student, and many teachers who are already employed may receive funding for their graduate work through their school district in areas that are underrepresented in staff availability.
It is also important to recognize the importance of continuing education in that advanced study is a pre-requisite for promotion within the education market. Many primary and secondary level institutions require a Masters degree for consideration in a leadership position such as a School Principal or District Administrator. In addition, a Masters degree that can be obtained through the course of continuing education lays the foundation for possible doctoral study should an educator decide that a Ph.D. or Ed.D. be a suitable avenue for career advancement.
In expanding upon one's learning, an educator may also find that a higher education opportunity may arise from the furthering of learning through continuing education. Colleges and Universities increasingly look to Masters-level educators for short-term faculty positions as lecturers or adjunct professors. Educators looking to further their career may also find work in the administration of a higher education institution where their specialized services may be utilized such as guidance and resource.
Continuing Education (CED) is an invaluable method by which an educator may choose to enhance their own academic experience and thus enrich their ability in the classroom. In this time of increasing standards and budget shortfalls in school districts across the country, the academic community is in need of quality teachers and administrators who are willing to actively engage in furthering their own education in order to provide a more well-rounded experience to the students in our primary and secondary schools and higher education systems.
