Introduction

Deciding on the appropriate master's degree to pursue is a critical step for those aspiring to become high school teachers. This decision can significantly impact not only your professional opportunities but also your career trajectory. In this article, we will compare a Masters in Education with credentials and a Masters in History with credentials to determine which one might be more beneficial for your future as a high school teacher.

Masters in History: Content Over Credentials?

While a master's in history offers a deep understanding of historical content, many argue that it might not be enough to secure a high school teaching position. The article suggests that 'you can't teach with just a master's in history,' highlighting the necessity of educational qualifications.

The reasoning behind this is straightforward: content knowledge is essential, but pedagogical skills are crucial for effective teaching. Veteran teachers emphasize the value of knowing every aspect of the subject area thoroughly. As one seasoned educator explains, 'Kids really respect someone who knows the subject inside and out.' This sentiment underscores the importance of content expertise.

Masters in Education: Versatility and Specialization

A master's in education offers a broader range of skills and knowledge, making you a more versatile candidate. Many believe that a master's in education can be a stepping stone to various teaching roles and career advancements. For instance, with this degree, you might be qualified to teach a wide range of subjects, provided you have the necessary textbooks.

The educational qualifications framework generally requires a combination of content-specific courses and pedagogical studies. According to an experienced educator, 'Colleges want a certain number of classes to be in the major area, fewer in the minor area, and a certain amount of filler classes like math, science, or humanities credits.' This structure ensures that educators are well-rounded and capable of handling diverse classroom environments.

Comparative Analysis

Masters in History:

Advantages: In-depth content knowledge in history. Disadvantages: Limited in securing a teaching position unless combined with educational qualifications.

Masters in Education:

Advantages: Versatility, ability to teach multiple subjects, in-depth pedagogical skills. Disadvantages: May require additional coursework to specialize in a specific subject area like history.

Future Career Prospects

The choice between a master's in history and a master's in education can also affect your long-term career prospects. A master's in history might prepare you for positions at community colleges, where content expertise is highly valued. However, it might be more challenging to become a lead teacher in a high school setting unless you also possess the required educational qualifications.

Career-wise, a master's in education might give you more flexibility. As explained by an educator, 'With a master's in education, you can probably teach almost any subject as long as you have a textbook.' Universities with larger faculties of education often have more lead teachers in various subject areas, making it easier to climb the salary ladder.

However, it's worth noting that the accreditation and endorsement requirements can vary widely. The article provides a glimpse into the accreditation process: 'My second Masters had to have 54 credits if I wanted to get certified as a principal. 9 transferred over from my first so they were all leadership of one nature or another.' This highlights the complexity of the process and the importance of understanding the specific requirements in your area of interest.

Conclusion

The decision between a master's in history and a master's in education ultimately depends on your career goals and the specific requirements of your desired field. If your primary goal is to become a high school teacher and you are willing to undertake additional coursework, a master's in education might provide more opportunities for long-term career advancement. Conversely, if your focus is on specialized content knowledge and you are open to teaching at a community college, a master's in history could be a more viable option.

In the end, the path to becoming an effective and respected high school teacher involves a combination of subject knowledge and pedagogical skills. Regardless of the chosen degree, continuous professional development and a commitment to lifelong learning will be key to your success.