If you are currently a teacher and are wondering “why pursue a Master’s in Education” you’ve come to the right place. The short answer is yes, a Master’s in Education degree is worth getting. It’s the logical next step for a working teacher with a bachelor’s degree who is looking to advance their career. Our Master’s in Education degree specializes in integrative learning, the teaching philosophy schools are rapidly adopting, and it prioritizes real-life problem-solving. We can help show you the value of a Master’s in Education, what you can do with an M.Ed. degree and the difference between MAT and M.Ed. programs.
What is Integrative Learning?
Integrative learning is a teaching method that shows students how to solve real-life problems. It combines subjects like math, English and science into single, real-world projects. Students are taught to think of how different disciplines relate, and together, apply to everyday scenarios. Interdisciplinary projects challenge students to think critically about how each subject is connected outside of the classroom. From this mentality shift, students learn valuable life skills, most notably, they gain a greater understanding of how to problem-solve using their education. Students work in groups to complete projects, which further develops their teamwork skills and emotional intelligence. Integrative learning is the future of teaching.
The Integrative Learning online M. Ed. program at Stevenson University Online is designed for practicing educators who want to grow their practice and get a master’s degree in education. School districts are rapidly moving their teaching philosophy toward an integrative learning approach, specifically in Maryland. As the number of school districts that have adopted the integrative learning method continues to increase, so will the demand for teacher leaders who are qualified to create and teach an integrative learning curriculum.
In addition to our foundational courses, there are 3 elective pathways available in the online M.Ed. in Integrative Learning at Stevenson University Online. This allows students to customize their learning experience. Electives are in areas that include:
- Integrative Learning – students learn about a more engaged learning philosophy, how to teach it, and how to implement it within a school district
- Multiple Literacies – students learn literacy strategies in STEM content areas, culturally responsive literacy and nonverbal communication with the option of becoming a reading teacher by earning a literacy certification
- Community Based Learning – students learn to become advocates for their communities and instructional leaders within their school districts. This may lead to new positions such as school-community liaison
Each elective pathway within the online master’s in education program has practicing teachers in mind with the end goal of helping them make strategic teaching philosophy decisions in their school districts. Instructional leadership is a priority in the M.Ed. program, so teachers can help engage students and prepare them for the real world today, which requires problem solving, critical thinking and collaboration.
What is the Difference Between an M.Ed. and MAT Degree?
One of the most common questions we are asked by prospective students is “what is the difference between M.Ed. and MAT degrees?” The answer is simple. Our Masters of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree is the initial teaching certification for those who want to become a Maryland certified teacher and begin teaching math or science at the middle or high school level. Students who pursue the MAT degree want to start their teaching career. Our MAT students already have a Bachelor’s degree in math, science, or related field and are looking to switch careers.
The Master’s in Education (M.Ed.) online program is for those who are already teaching and want to advance their careers. Teachers pursue their Masters in Education degree online to grow their teaching practice and become instructional leaders within school districts.
Why Pursue a Master’s Degree in Education and Integrative Learning From Stevenson University Online?
Many active teachers ask “why pursue a Master’s degree in education online?” They already have their teaching degree and are teaching in some form of education. Fortunately, progress and professional growth doesn’t have to end there.
Above all else, an online master’s degree in education and integrative learning earns you an immediate pay increase and the numbers are substantial. Many teachers choose to obtain an online master’s degree in education and stay in the classroom. Based on 2021 averages, graduates of an online M.Ed. program typically earn raises around the following numbers:
- First year teachers – $2,000 raise
- 10 year teachers – $12,000 raise
- 20 year teachers – $25,000 raise
Those numbers alone can be enough of a motivating factor to answer the question of why pursue a master’s degree in education. However, pursuing an online master’s in education and integrative learning is a decision that will have many long-term benefits to a teacher’s career. Integrative learning is set to become the new teaching standard across education levels. As that continues to happen, the demand for teachers with an integrative learning background will continue to grow. By earning a master’s degree in education and integrative learning online you’re planning for the evolution of education and doing it on your terms.
At Stevenson University Online, all online master’s of education programs include professors who are experts in their respective fields across Maryland and beyond. With field experts as professors, the curriculum includes realistic on-the-job instruction. Students work through real problems and scenarios they will encounter while teaching, post-graduation.
Our online master’s in education and integrative learning program prioritizes community and for Stevenson, that means the state of Maryland. We partner with public and private schools across Maryland and Virginia for internships and on-the-job shadowing, ensuring that our students gain both work experience in their community and valuable networking opportunities.
What Can You Do with a Master’s in Education and Integrative Learning Degree?
What is the average salary range for a graduate of an online M.Ed. Program?
The average salary range for a graduate of a Master’s in Education online program is between $77,400 and $99,660 (according to a 2019 survey), with the wide range representing all levels of work experience and levels of teaching, elementary through high school.
What is the projected job growth over the next 5-10 years for the teaching industry?
Employment of high school teachers is projected to grow 8% from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations. There are about 77,400 openings for high school teachers projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
What Can You Do With an Online Master’s Degree in Education and Integrative Learning?
What careers can graduates of an online master’s in education degree pursue?
- Classroom teachers – qualified to teach integrative learning curriculums at all levels within school districts
- Reading teachers – specialize in literacy instruction
- School/Community liaisons – foster a school environment that is welcoming to families, inclusive of the necessary community resources and draws upon family and community resources to enhance wrap around supports that support overall student success
- Teaching Consultant – school districts look to consultants to help shape their curriculums and teaching strategies, allowing consultants to continually help new districts
- Teacher Leaders – one of the leaders inside of school districts who help shape curriculums and teaching methods, and train teachers.
Still Interested in an Online Master’s in Education and Integrative Learning in Maryland?
Now that you know the answer to why pursue a master’s degree in education, it’s time to explore getting started on your own path. If you’re still interested in exploring our Master’s in Education online programs, visit our master’s in education page to learn more about applying and taking the next step in advancing your teaching career.