Can a master’s degree help me get hired in my preferred district?

Yes, having a master’s degree can significantly improve your chances of getting hired in your preferred school district. Many districts offer higher starting salaries and faster salary progression for teachers with advanced degrees, which makes you a more competitive candidate. A master’s degree in a specialized area such as special education, STEM or educational leadership may make you more appealing to districts looking to fill high-demand roles. Some districts seek educators with advanced degrees for leadership positions or curriculum development roles, further enhancing your prospects.

What factors should I prioritize when evaluating different school districts?

When evaluating school districts, compensation and benefits are essential considerations, as they directly impact your financial well-being. Look for districts that offer competitive salaries, health insurance and retirement plans, as well as additional earning opportunities like coaching or tutoring. Class sizes and student-to-teacher ratios are also important since smaller classes often result in a more manageable workload. Prioritize districts with strong professional development programs and administrative support, as these can significantly affect your career growth and job satisfaction. Lastly, consider the district’s culture and reputation to ensure it aligns with your teaching values and career goals.

What are some red flags to watch out for when researching potential school districts?

When researching school districts, high teacher turnover is a significant red flag. If teachers frequently leave after a short period, it may signal poor working conditions, lack of support or dissatisfaction with pay. Negative reviews from teachers about administrative support, student discipline or lack of resources can also be telling. Districts facing ongoing budget cuts often struggle to provide necessary classroom materials or maintain competitive salaries, leading to strained working environments. Finally, weak policies on student behavior and discipline can lead to classroom management challenges, which can make teaching far more difficult and stressful.

Can former teachers work in the corporate sector?

Yes, former teachers can find numerous opportunities in the corporate sector. Many excel in roles related to corporate training, human resources, content development and sales. Their skills in communication, organization and instruction are highly valued, making jobs for teachers leaving the classroom versatile and rewarding.

What are the highest-paying jobs for former teachers?

High-paying jobs for former teachers include roles such as instructional designer, human resources manager and corporate communications specialist. These positions often require additional qualifications but are known for their salary potential and are excellent jobs for ex teachers.

How do I transition from teaching to a new career?

Transitioning from teaching to a new career involves assessing your skills and interests, researching jobs for transitioning teachers, networking and potentially gaining additional qualifications.

What are the best jobs for former teachers?

Former teachers can thrive in various roles such as those in corporate settings, educational consulting, instructional design, human resources and more. These careers leverage the skills and experience gained in the classroom, offering new opportunities for growth and professional fulfillment. The key is to identify what excites you and aligns with your strengths.

What is differentiated instruction?

Carol Ann Tomlinson, an author and teacher regarded as a pioneer in differentiated instruction, describes it as “a way of thinking about teaching which suggests that … we teach with an eye on the student.” She emphasizes four key pillars of differentiated instruction: Content, Process, Product and Learning Environment.

Does differentiated instruction require more work for teachers?

The amount of additional preparation required is open to debate, but most educators agree that successfully employing differentiated instruction does require building relationships with students to know their strengths, challenges and interests.

What are the biggest benefits of differentiated learning?

Advocates contend that by connecting subject matter and learning goals to individual student strengths, interests and learning styles, differentiated instruction can inspire students to be more engaged and motivated, thereby creating improved learning outcomes by inspiring them to take on more responsibility for their own learning.

Is an MEd degree or diploma earned online different than one that is earned in an on-campus program?

No. The degree you’ll earn as an online graduate student is the same as that earned by campus-based students. The online courses embody the same learning outcomes and high level of academic excellence, educational rigor and content delivery.

Is standardized testing like the GRE required for acceptance to a Master of Education program?

It depends. Though some Master of Education programs do require a GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) for admission, there are many others, like the University of San Diego’s MEd Online program, that do not.

Does a Master of Education degree include a preliminary licensure or lead to a teaching credential?

Typically, it does not. Many MEd programs require the degree candidates to have already earned a teaching credential or to work in roles that do not require a teaching credential.

What is an MEd?

MEd, or a Master of Education degree, is a post-baccalaureate degree for educators looking to expand their career in education, often beyond the classroom.

What should an inclusive classroom look like?

An inclusive classroom doesn’t look all that different from any other general education classroom. Students of all abilities and from diverse backgrounds learn alongside one another and receive the same level of respect and recognition. What makes the classroom truly inclusive, though, is that:

• The primary focus is on students’ abilities, rather than their disabilities
• General education and special education teachers work together to teach, support and inspire students
• Curriculum is based on Universal Design for Learning principles
• Teachers use a variety of techniques and resources to connect with students’ individual learning styles

How do I help a student with anxiety?

Anxiety manifests in many different ways. Know how to recognize a student’s escalating anxiety and how to intervene in a way that helps them feel safe and does not call attention to it. If the student has a fear of public speaking or group discussion, alter your lesson plans to help reduce the student’s anxiety or make them feel more comfortable participating. If the anxiety is pervasive, allow the student to take breaks or opportunities to de-stress. Most importantly, ask the student how they would feel most supported in class.

Are rates of depression rising in school children?

According to the CDC, 5.4% of children aged 6–17 were diagnosed with anxiety or depression in 2003, a percentage that had risen to 9.4% by 2019. From 2016–2019, 20.9% of adolescents aged 12–17 reported having a major depressive episode. Regardless of incidence, the rising numbers may be a result of increased general knowledge and awareness of mental health.

What is the difference between a mental disorder and behavioral disorder?

Behavioral disorders refer to conditions wherein a student appears to make a conscious choice with their behavior or responses, such as defying a teacher, lying, engaging in disordered eating or bullying. While these behaviors may be incredibly difficult for an individual to control, they are not considered involuntary. By comparison, mental disorders like schizophrenia, Tourette’s Syndrome and bipolar disorder are all conditions that cause involuntary behaviors.

Mental and behavioral issues often go hand-in-hand; someone who suffers from depression or bipolar disorder could develop behaviors like anorexia, self harm or oppositional defiance.

How do I get started with the application process?

Click here to watch a series of short videos explaining how to fill out your online application.

If you are ready to apply to a program now start here.

It’s always best to connect with an Enrollment Advisor, who can also help you navigate the application details as well as help you order your official transcripts.

How much is tuition for the MEd program?

Tuition for the MEd program is $735 per unit. With a total of 30 units, the full cost of tuition for the program is $22,050.

Tuition amounts shown on this website, or in other university publications or web pages, represent tuition and fees as currently approved. However, the University of San Diego reserves the right to increase or modify tuition and fees without prior notice and to make such modifications applicable to students enrolled at USD at that time as well as to incoming students. In addition, all tuition amounts and fees are subject to change at any time to correct errors. Please note that the displayed tuition covers only the cost of courses, and additional expenses such as books and other fees are not included.

Do you need to have a science or math background to be accepted into the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) specialization?

No. At USD we are committed to helping close the STEAM gap. When reviewing applications, we look for individuals who demonstrate a commitment or passion for the field.

Does the program provide a certification for special education teachers?

If you choose the Special Education and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) specialization, you will learn a wealth of knowledge that in most cases is more in-depth than special education certification programs.

What accreditations does the online USD MEd program possess?

The USD MEd program is regionally accredited by WASC (the Western Association of Schools and Colleges). Regional accreditation is a very important consideration when deciding on a program because it is the most widely accepted in terms of transfer credit and eligibility for employer tuition assistance programs. It is typically awarded to degree-oriented, nonprofit or state-owned institutions (as opposed to for-profit schools or religious schools that offer vocational or technical training).

Is it possible to be accepted into the program and work through the courses without being a teacher at the same time?

While you do not have to be a teacher simultaneously, you do have to have access to a classroom in order to apply what you’ve learned. Our program focuses on helping to provide skills that educators can apply immediately in their classrooms or places of work.

Is specific standardized testing like the GRE required for acceptance to the Master of Education program?

No, the GRE is not a requirement. The admissions committee takes a comprehensive approach when reviewing all applications.

Is the online Master of Education program open to students from outside the United States?

Yes! We have students and alumni from all over the world.

Does the online Master of Education program include a preliminary licensure or does it lead to a teaching credential?

It does not lead to a teaching credential. Our program requires that students have two years of teaching experience. As a result, most students already have a teaching credential or they work in roles that do not require a teaching credential.

Does the USD MEd Online program include a teaching credential?

No, the program only offers the Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree. In addition, we cannot fulfill requests for recommending students for an administrative credential and teacher prep/credential program following completion of the M.Ed. Online program.