To this day, a master’s degree remains the ultimate qualification and resume builder for prospective educational leaders.
While a master’s degree can be a more hefty investment when compared to a certificate program, a master’s in education greatly expands potential career opportunities for non-teachers, providing them with a level of expertise that employers look for.
Bear in mind that in some countries, or their district, a master’s degree is a requirement for employment. Not only that but teachers with a master’s degree enjoy higher salary packages.
Sounds fair enough, right?
Read on to find out how to get your online masters in educational leadership:
What do You Need to Get a Masters in Education?
Although requirements may vary between programmes, most master of education in educational leadership programs have similar admission requirements. Universal requirements include a bachelor’s degree, official transcripts, and letters of recommendation.
As for non-typical requirements, most programmes do not require an undergraduate degree in a specific field. Also, some schools require a personal statement, a minimum undergraduate GPA, and GRE scores.
There are two options to choose from when it comes to obtaining a master’s degree: a Master of Education degree (M.Ed.) or a Master of Arts in Teaching degree (MAT). While both degrees qualify you to teach, there are some primary differences between the two you should look into:
A Master of Education degree is meant for those who are interested in the broader educational realm and claiming leadership positions later on. If you are looking to become a school principal or want to seize educational administration positions or participate in designing school curriculum, the online M.Ed. programme will provide you with vital skills needed to be successful in these roles.
On the other hand, the Master of Arts in Teaching degree has a more hands-on, teaching-focused curriculum, geared towards educators looking to hone their expertise in a particular area and build up on their teaching skills and classroom performance.
How Long Does Master’s in Education Program Last?
A regular Master in Education program typically takes around 2 years to complete as a full-time student. If studying part-time, it can take anywhere from 3 to 4 years.
What Jobs Can You Get With a Masters in Education?
Earning your online masters in education can prepare you for a range of different career paths in the education industry.
If you prefer to enter or remain in the teaching field, then the educational leadership masters program could enable you to work at specialist institutions or at a higher level with an older age group.
Some examples of potential roles include:
- Special education teacher
- Teaching English as a second language
- Higher education
- Corporate trainer
- Tutor
What Else Can You do With a Masters in Education?
It’s good to know that having an M.Ed under your belt does not limit you to teaching roles only. In fact, there are a plethora of jobs in the education sector you could pursue, from leadership and consultancy to content writing:
- Education administrator
- Education policy analyst
- Educational consultant
- Learning director
- Instructional designer
- Curriculum developer
- Content Writer
Job Outlook for Master’s in Education Degree Holders
Upon earning your master’s, you’re all set to climb the career ladder to higher levels of education. Whatever role you choose, you’ll be prepared to tackle the challenges that are sure to come your way as you deal with the evolving education landscape, budgets and bureaucracy, and all kinds of student bodies.
According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS), employment for occupations in education is projected to grow 5 percent from 2019 to 2029, at a faster rate than the average for all occupations.
Do Teachers With Master’s Degrees Get Paid More?
Indeed they do!
On average, teachers with a master’s degree earn an additional $2,760 in their first year of teaching compared to their peers with a bachelor’s degree. When that teacher reaches the top of their earning potential, their salary advantage expands to an average of $7,358 per year.
Now, let’s quickly run through the master in education salaries to give you better info on how much you can hope to make:
Average Salaries For Master’s in Education Degree Holders
Let’s take a look at five common careers in education that require an M.Ed. Below are listed the average annual salaries for these occupations (Information is taken from BLS’s website) :
| Education Career | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Curiculum and Instruction Coordinator | $69,180 |
| Director of Special Education | $98,890 |
| Educational Administrator | $100,340 |
| Training and Development Manager | $123,470 |
| STEM Program Manager | $145,450 |
Do you find these numbers motivating? There is one more step to go after obtaining your degree to becoming a true master of your craft.
Read on to find out what makes a good school leader:
What Are The Qualities of a Good School Leader?
Effective educational leadership takes more than just earning a master’s degree. Building vital educational leadership skills is paramount for succeeding in your career.
So, what are the characteristics of effective school management? Let’s run over the top nine teacher leadership qualities that can set you apart from your peers:
- Vision
To succeed as a leader, you need to have a great vision, which translates to the ability to formulate and shape the future, rather than be shaped by events.
- Courage
To elevate your school leadership, you need to show great determination, with the willpower and patience to see things through.
- Passion
Bolstering your educational leadership takes being passionate about teaching and learning and showing great commitment to children.
- Emotional intelligence
Being a great school leader means being a great team-builder. You need to understand the importance of relationships, empower your staff and pupils, and show great empathy.
- Judgment
Climbing the top means you’ll have to learn to show great judgment, make the right calls and overall be a wise leader.
- Resilience
Great school leaders are known for being optimistic and resilient, even in times of crisis. They are also highly energetic and keep a positive attitude at all times.
- Persuasion
To thrive as an education leader you need to be a confident communicator and storyteller.
- Curiosity
The best school leaders are outward-looking and curious. This is your reminder to work on your networking skills and to keep in touch with events.
- Leading by Example
Quoting a philosopher and physician Albert Schweitzer: “Example is not the main thing in influencing others; it is the only thing.”
FAQ
To sum it all up, will go over the most frequently asked question:
- Can I teach with my master’s degree?
Of course! Upon obtaining your online masters in education you may apply for teaching jobs as a highly prized, qualified entrant to the teaching profession.
- How do I become a teacher after masters degree?
Put together a compelling resume and start applying to your local educational institutions. Teaching online is also a great option for masters in education degree holders.
- What can I teach with a masters in education? That greatly depends on your area of expertise. Generally, with a masters in education degree, you can try your luck in one of the following roles: Special Education Teacher, School or Career Counselor, Corporate Trainer, Educational Consultant, Curriculum Developer, Instruction Specialist, etc.
Final Word of Advice
For all aspiring educators out there, a master’s in education is often the ultimate goal. If you’re looking to enter the field with a non-related bachelor’s degree, online degree programs offer a pathway to immediate employment.
The best way to propel your educational career is to earn your masters in educational leadership online. Many universities today offer 100% online degree programs, making it possible for working professionals to continue their education.
Start your journey with us: An online Masters in Education in Educational Leadership programme with the University of Zambia will prepare you for the next step in your career as a licensed teacher.
You can learn more about our nationally accredited program by downloading our prospectus.
If you have any questions regarding our services feel free to contact us.