One of the things that always comes up during my teacher evaluations is when am I going to start working on my Masters of Arts Education. The truth is, I've been putting it off for a while. Part of it is how expensive it is. The other part is just the lack of time. I recently started researching it a bit more and found out it can be done completely online. That may solve the time issue, but not the money issue. Also, as I mentioned in a previous post, my art portfolio is severely lacking at the moment. I framed and sold almost everything several years ago and haven't built it back up yet. So I have a lot of work to do. I went to East Carolina University (GO PIRATES!) and they do offer a Masters of Art Ed program. They had this to say.
East Carolina University's Master of Arts in Education program will develop your competence as a creative artist, art teacher, or classroom-based researcher in art and education. In addition to a five-course core in the philosophy and pedagogy of art education, you will choose electives in studio, computer-aided design, interdisciplinary studies, and art history. You will complete your degree by writing a thesis or presenting a comprehensive project.
Maybe it's time. It's been 12 years since I graduated from ECU and began my teaching career. I really have no interest in going into the administration area of teaching...becoming a vice principal or principal...but furthering my education and increasing my salary does have its appeal.
Anyone out there among my interweb friends have their Masters? How much work is it really? When I get home from teaching I feel wiped. I hope I can get my motivation up and do this. I really do need to get started. I'm actually tired after reading the requirements just to apply to enter the program, lol. I may be in trouble.
I never got my masters (I'm only 23 tho), mostly because the field I work in doesn't really work with degrees, it's more of an experience type thing.
ReplyDeleteLOL yeah once I was out a year or two all I hear now is when you going back to get more, pffft. Don't really want to, as you say the cost is a pain and not sure the small raise with the government taking another good chunk is worth it anyway.
ReplyDeleteI would say go for it. When I was working on my BA I was a single subject major and was planning on going for my credentials. However after many observation hours and research I decided that I'd rather put an extra year (vs the credential program) doing my Masters. I know this is a bit different from your situation but with all the cuts and political issues within the secondary ed system it's probably the best step you can take. I know it's hard to work and go to school at the same time but if going physically to a college is out of the question you should look into some of the online programs like phoenix, national university (my girl went there for her MBA) and other ones. I don't know if there's a specific one that caters to an art degree but I'm sure it would be a time saver and possibly a money saver. Its hard enough paying of one round of student loans, I'm sure you're not going to want to have to be stuck with a large second set of loans. Good luck with deciding what to do. I know this one is going to be a tough one.
ReplyDeleteI will have my Master's Degree in Special Education Education as soon as I am finished taking my Praxis and passing it. However, I feel that the Master's classes (all online btw) were a complete waste of my time and more importantly my loan money. My wife also has her Master's and she did it the Alternative Certification way where you have a degree like she did a BA in English and took Masters classes to get certified to teach English. Again, it's a complete waste of time and money. It's all busy work and now we are about 100,000 in debt for 2 Masters degrees. I am not even working as a teacher right now because I couldn't find a job and she has been subbing with the hopes of finding a full time teaching job. Good luck and just make sure not pick a good program where the classes are worthwhile and not too expensive.
ReplyDeleteI have a Ph.D. in Science and getting through it was an ordeal. There was literally zero time off. But I did manage to teach, complete research and raise my daughter all at the same time. But it was brutal. My sister got her Masters in business by going nights while working full time. She went part-time and it took 3 years, but she did it. It's a serious undertaking, but the online courses sound doable, because you can work around your schedule.
ReplyDeleteMy brother got his masters in some kind of marine biology. He started working for NOAA but wanted to move closer to family, so now he's a relator.
ReplyDeletei cant say much on this, as i myself am still deciding on a master's programme. i just missed a fellowship programme by an american-based university in the Phillpines. but that's only because i'm still thinking on taking up a study from the british council.
ReplyDeletebut i'll say go for it to you although things, especially in the finance department, can be pretty tough for a while.
wow love this one !!
ReplyDeleteOne time I had this weird dream that I was dancing naked behind a water fall.... I was never really quite sure what it meant, until i read this post just now.
ReplyDelete