Pursuing a master’s degree in education is a smart career move that can boost lifetime earnings. It helps educators stand out in a field that is hypercompetitive. The qualification offers many key advantages to professionals involved in various roles. In addition, it enables teachers to provide a higher quality education to students.
Although pursuing a master’s degree in education requires a significant financial investment, it provides decent returns down the road. Graduates can earn approximately $5,000 annually or $125,000 over a period of 25 years.
Professionals can leverage an in-depth understanding of the educator or administrator role. It becomes easier to exercise their power to direct policies in the education sector.
As leaders, school administrators assess the future of education to create and implement appropriate policies. They are responsible for disciplining, organizing and providing optimal leadership to both students and staff. Teachers, on the other hand, instill confidence and optimism in students while encouraging them to become lifelong learners.
Achievements ad future challenges
In the past few decades, master’s degree in education graduates have contributed immensely to the advancement of education goals in the country. Educators have managed to lower learning gaps among minority students. Up to 45 states are now part of the Common Core State Standards Initiative. The program is aimed at standardizing learning standards across various states.
Leaders are faced with the challenge to continue improving the standards. Innovative leadership can help improve America’s international education rankings. In 2015, the country was ranked 30th when it comes to math skills, 24th (reading) and 24th in science.
There is a need to continue reducing learning gaps among minorities. This can be achieved through bold policy changes. Policy developers and school administrators need to find a creative solution to address the effects of poverty on education. The creation of active programs that are designed to improve learning opportunities for minorities is one of the proposed solutions.
Role of principals
Principals are responsible for managing day-to-day operations of schools. They oversee various aspects, including cafeteria services, academic planning, maintenance of resources and preparing analytical reports on overall academic performance. Principals ensure the smooth implementation of academic objectives set by their respective school districts and states, including the federal regulations.
Education reform
The A Nation at Risk report, which was compiled in 1983 analyzed the state of education in America with the aim to usher in changes. Many experts agree that the report contributed to major reforms in education. Some of the programs that were introduced include the Schools Within Schools, Education Goals movement (national) and Accelerated Schools program.
Some of the positives that came out of the report include greater rigor in the courses taken by high school students. Data released by the Department of Education showed an increase in the number of students completing key math and science courses. The same applies to the percentage of students graduating within four years.
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