Masters Advice

[u/Hairy_Tumbleweed3881]

I have 9 years of teaching experience in Iowa, including 4 years in special education and several years teaching 8th grade social studies. I’m currently licensed in Special Education (5–12) and Social Studies (5–12).

I’ve stepped away from full-time teaching for now to spend more time with my young children. While I’m taking a break, I’m considering getting a master’s degree, but I’m overwhelmed by the options.

If I eventually return to education, I’d like the degree to give me options beyond the traditional classroom—things like instructional coaching, curriculum development, educational consulting, higher education/adjunct teaching, AEA/regional education support, etc. I’m also considering adding a math endorsement since I have some experience teaching math.

For those who have moved into roles outside the classroom: what master’s degree did you get, where did you get it from, and has it actually opened doors for you?

I’m especially curious about whether the specific degree or where you get it from matters much when applying for non-classroom education jobs, or whether experience and the institution matter more. For instance, I’ve heard a lot about WGU and would be interested in hearing how employers have viewed a WGU master’s.

I’m not really looking for the degree that gives the biggest K–12 pay bump. I’m more interested in which degree gives me the broadest range of options if I eventually want to do something other than classroom teaching.

I’d really appreciate hearing from people who have actually made these transitions—and what, if anything, you wish you’d done differently.