8 Comments

  1. Steveark

    I’m sorry but I’d leave the public sector for the business world. The pay and ponzi funded pension plan pale compared to what a talented person can earn in the for profit world. But, and it is certainly true in your case, if teaching is more than a career, if it is your life’s mission then I think you are making a good bet with the education. In my former very lucrative career as a chemical engineer anything past a BS actually hurt your career chances.

    • Yeah, pensions are definitely a whole different post. The profession as a whole is really curious. I’m fortunate to be in a district that can take good care of its employees, but you’re right about the business world. Education technology and/or consulting would be far more lucrative. But I’d miss the kids!

  2. I started out my professional career as a teacher. But I quickly came to the same place that you are now. I ended up going to law school and started down a completely different road. It was surprising how many educators were in my law school class. Teaching is the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done, but also the most under appreciated. One can only stand that for so long. My wife teaches high school now, but at a private school, and only because we are not dependent upon her income for survival. She loves the job, but we both wonder how anyone can live on the pay.

  3. Aghh, this is so tough. I’m now in a job where we work heavily consulting teachers, so I really feel for your struggles. My stepmom (HS teacher) was telling me about her absolutely absurd insurance costs and salary. It’s unfair what we do to teachers. As far as the degree–I mean, I think only you can make that call. I guess it comes down to how certain you are about the ROI on the degree. I usually shy away from master’s degrees since in many fields they don’t add value.

  4. I think most MS degree programs will benefit you to some extent (depending on the quality of the program, courses, instructors – an your effort And since they are required of all NYS teachers (or you lose certification after 5 years…) – there isn’t a choice. I think it’s awesome what you’ve done. Few people have the dedication to take on all of the programs and coursework that you have completed. I think your hard work will pay off – very soon and for a long time in the future!

  5. Kyla

    Have you thought of coming to Canada? Mass teacher shortage out west, pretty good pay, good pension and health etc. I have been teaching for 12 years now and have a M.Ed they don’t recognize higher than a masters here.

    • Kyla

      Should also mention that Education is provincial and you can’t price yourself out of the market as the district is given additional funds for higher cost teachers 🙂

  6. Bunnyfreak

    I currently work in the statistics field where often new grad PHD are valued only MS with 10+ years work experience. I work in the finance private industry not in academia or research. This is dispute the fact that the work does not require the additional theoretical training of the higher degree but the real world work experience does bring value. In the past some responsible for hiring only want the best schools. I was lucky that my hiring manager didn’t care about such things but the mentality is still in the corporate culture.

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