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The Advantages of Pursuing a Master’s Degree in Education with a Certification

Posted by:
April 4, 2022

If you’re considering becoming a teacher, there is a lot to be said for getting your certification and your master’s degree at the very outset of your teaching career.

Completing your master’s degree early on in your teaching career means you will spend more years earning a higher salary. Additionally, you have an opportunity for individual growth.

With that being said, let’s look at the benefits for getting a master’s degree and certification.

Salary growth potential

According to the latest annual analysis of teacher salaries released by the National Education Association in April 2019, the average teacher’s salary in Washington state for 2017-2018 was $55,693. This amount is projected to grow to $72,965 over 2018-2019.

Your salary potential only grows if you consider adding a master’s degree in education to your certification.

Did you know that 88% of the country’s largest districts currently offer an automatic increase in pay to teachers with master’s degrees? This is a recognition of the widely accepted understanding that teachers with master’s degrees have gained a higher level of expertise and skill.

On average, teachers with a master’s degree make $65,440 per year, a full $13,720 more per year than teachers whose highest degree is a bachelor’s, according to data from the National Center for Education Statistics from 2017-2018.

And the reasons to pursue a master’s degree are not just financial.

Individual growth

One of the other reasons we encourage prospective teachers to consider a master’s degree is because getting a master’s degree offers you more opportunity for long-term, holistic growth as a person and as a professional.

Teaching can be tough, and teachers with the benefit of a master’s degree are better prepared to face challenges with poise and confidence. They’ve had more time with experienced faculty and mentors. They have deeper theoretical knowledge. They may have even spent more time as a student teacher, depending on their program requirements.

Altogether, the education world is always in need of good teachers, administrators, curriculum, and policy developers. Getting a master’s degree in education can put you on the path to all of those positions and more.

Become a Teacher in Washington State — Connect With PLU!

Choosing a career in teaching can be daunting, but there are many reasons why teaching continues to be a favorite field for people who want to make a difference.

There’s no time like the present to invest in your teaching career and invest in the next generation of American students. An advanced degree in education prepares you to be an excellent teacher, offers you greater opportunity and flexibility long-term, and allows you to create a career and a life of deep impact, one child and one classroom at a time.

If you are interested in learning more about joining a community of education experts at PLU, we encourage you to schedule a one-on-one appointment with us! You can also request more information or start your application today.

We look forward to helping you achieve your career goals!

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