Are you thinking about taking your M. Ed.? Wondering if it’s worth it or not? To help you decide, here are some tips.

1. If you went to teachers college and can’t find a teaching job, an M. Ed. may help you stand out from the competition.
2. If you are not at the top of your pay scale, an M. Ed. usually helps you move up a few steps and often pays itself off in about 5 years.
3. If you are thinking of becoming a principal or going into administration an M. Ed. is often really beneficial and often necessary.
4. If you enjoy learning and want to improve your teaching, an M. Ed. is a good way to go.
5. If you are thinking of writing books, speaking, running for public office or anything similar, an M. Ed. lends you credibility.

You can do an M. Ed. part time and/or online so it can fit into almost any schedule. It generally takes between 5-10 hrs/week for 12 weeks for one course. The courses are 3 hour classes plus readings, unless it is online and then there is often only readings – a lot more readings. There are usually 2 assignments, one of which is often a 10 page paper.

I do not recommend taking you M. Ed. if you do not like reading, you do not like writing, or you are near the end of your career and it won’t really make a difference. It is not impossible with small children, but it does make it more difficult. It is often possible to get government assistance with the finances and it is necessary to realistically plan for the expense as it is expensive. It does take energy, so it’s good to soberly gage how much you can give to the M. Ed. It may not be for you or it may not be the right time.

An M. Ed. can be really interesting and rewarding. It is hard work and it is most often worth it!