Thread: Advice--MA/Teaching Cert.

About the masters degree, if you have the master's degree, most school districts pay a stipend in addition to the salary. I believe you would be considered more marketable with the master's, but you could very likely get a job with just the bachelor's degree.

Certification requirements vary from state to state. You could likely be required to take competency exams in order to receive a certificate for another state. You could also be required to complete some additional coursework. It all depends on the state.

If you look on the internet, state boards often have a wealth of information about the certification process with an out of state certificate. Try searching these sites.

Will an MA in the field I am planning to teach have the same weight as an M.Ed?

I ran into something like this. My BS is History and Secondary Ed. My MA is in History and Community College Teaching. North Carolina requires a teaching license, based on your degree, in this case either an A certificate or a G one for Master's degrees- provided that the degree granting institution agrees that it applies. Mine did not (probably an insidious plot to make sure once someone was in, they could never leave... ) However, my school system could, and did, agree to pay me as a G license teacher anyway. Most excellent.
My experience- so far, its only 8 years worth- the MA was a good investment. I got mine right after the BS degree, while I was still in "student mode", on the advice of older teachers I had come across while student teaching. I get paid a bit more than someone without one, and the amount increases with experience. It gives me a tiny bit more prestige with some people, intimidates and causes resentment with some others. Does it help in the classroom? Some. My content knowledge is virtually unassailable by student questions- that helps. Hope that helps you with your decision.
Do note though- every state has its own rules- check with their state-level department of education to find out what they are.

Thanks for the replies, I appreciate it!