Master’s in Secondary Education
Many professional roles are required for a school that runs smoothly, meets national and state standards, and helps students achieve their learning goals. In many cases, secondary school professionals with advanced degrees may take on administrative or leadership roles within their school. If you want to further your knowledge of high school students and their learning needs, a Master’s certification program in secondary education may be the next move for you.
To qualify for admission to a Master’s certification program in secondary education, you may need a Bachelor’s degree in secondary education. A Bachelor’s degree in this field can provide you with the core knowledge you need to begin exploring advanced topics in secondary education. To earn this degree as a full-time student, you may need to spend two years in school to earn roughly 30 credits.
Masters Programs in Secondary Education
The courses you take as a secondary education student may focus on the psychology, learning habits, and challenges of students in grades 7 through 12. You may choose from courses like Adolescent Development, Psychology in Teaching, Educational and Social Issues, and Critical Thinking & Education. On top of these courses, you may take classes in leadership theory. These courses may help you prepare for leadership roles in a high school. Your practical experience may apply to classroom practice or administrative practice, depending on the program you choose and what your career goals are. You may work with a principal or administrator in your practicum or apply your new skills to a classroom setting.
Deciding to pursue a Master’s degree in secondary education may qualify you for a variety of scholarships, grants, and loan repayment plans. Many programs aim to increase the amount of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) teachers at the secondary level. If you plan on teaching science, you may apply for the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. On a federal level, consider applying for T.E.A.C.H. Grants. If you meet specific requirements, you can keep the money without repaying it. If you do not, it turns into a student loan with competitive repayment terms.
Work Opportunities and Salary Information
You may already have a teaching license from your Bachelor’s degree in education. If you do not have a valid teaching license, you must get one through your state’s Board of Education before beginning your career as a secondary teacher. The average salary for a secondary school teacher is $55,360 per year (O*Net, 2013). Job openings in this career path may increase by 6% through 2022 (O*Net, 2012).
Educational administration may be another field to consider with your Master’s degree in Secondary Ed. The average salary in this field is $88,380 per year, and jobs are expected to increase by 6% (O*Net, 2013 and 2012).
Is it time to make your mark on the field of secondary education? Take the first step by contacting Master’s certification programs in secondary education from the schools listed below.
