Masters In Teaching- History

[beekeepersdaughter]

I will be finishing my BA in history next spring (2012) and hope to matriculate into a Masters in Teaching program the following fall. I've found very little useful information regarding the components of a strong application for a MAT program. I go to a large state school, 4.0 in my major courses/ 3.99 overall. I began mentoring/tutoring last spring semester and would love to continue that throughout this next year. I participated in alternative spring break this past semester as well as volunteering as an archivist. I plan to begin substitute teaching during my last year of college. I am in the process of completing my senior thesis (not a requirement at my school) which focuses on the plight of black teachers during desegregation (pertinent to the MAT program?), I expect to have three solid LOR all by well-regarded/published/tenured professors. My only concerns are my very mediocre GRE scores (560V; 520Q) and the fact that admissions boards might see my undergrad school as "just as state school."(but obviously that's all i could afford and I could not be more pleased with my experience there). I am also very unsure of what I should include in my statement of purpose. I don't want to come across as too idealistic, but I sincerely believe in the effectiveness of quality education and the value of learning history. I will be applying to 4 MAT programs; University of Illinois-Chicago, Emory, FSU, and WashU. I would be crushed if I didn't get in anywhere, so if anyone out there has any idea about what my chances are and what I might be able to do to strengthen my application I would be so appreciative.

[CageFree]

Hi!

I am a Social Science teacher in California - just finished my 7th year yay! I teach in a suburban district... we've had it better than most with the budget situation.

Just some practical advice from someone in the trenches...

History/social science is not a field in demand. There's a TON of us. We're lucky to find jobs. It pays to be competitive, but you're going to really need to learn to sell YOURSELF.

Having a master's can be a double-edged sword.. just throwing that out there. Getting a master's means higher pay. But districts are strapped for cash and often are not willing to pay a rookie for the master's... so it can hurt your chances in a lot of areas.

Although I've been teaching for so many years, this is the first time I've EVER heard of a Masters of Teaching... I read up on it and it sounds like a good program... but I am not sure how different it is from a M.Ed in terms of reputation. Furthermore, principals will be impressed by your letters of rec from master teachers, and academic record (and depending on the school, where you went for your undergrad)... for the master's, honestly, they won't care that your masters in TEACHING is from a top university. M.Eds, for example, are not valued that much in the teaching world... people work hard for them, but they won't convince a principal to hire you unless your other credentials are up to par.. A masters in your subject area will impress more, and is more likely to get you those higher-level kids (AP/IB/Honors/Gate).

Another thing is, if you do decide to go for it... only apply for programs in states where you want to teach. Credentials are not interchangeable from state to state... California is one of the most "transferable" credentials because we have to jump through SO many hoops... but some states will require that you recertify in their state by taking additional coursework, EVEN IF you have a MAT. If you want to teach in Illinois (like, say, Chicago Public Schools, or CPS), then by all means, go there... but don't spend a ton of money on out of state tuition. It's not going to pay off.

State schools are nothing to scoff at... they are designed, for one thing, to prepare teachers. That's why they offer credential programs. The California State system, for example, was created for that purpose, while the UC was for research.

Anyway, I'm not trying to discourage you if this is what you really want... but I want to make sure you think of all of these things before making a decision that might end up being costly and that you agonize over. It's the teacher in me, I guess

Edited July 28, 2011 by Teacher4PhD

[CageFree]

One more thing. Subbing is good as a way to make some extra cash AND to get your name out there... if you want to teach in that district. Sub experience does NOT come in handy to get the hang of teaching though.. in fact, it's sometimes counterproductive.

Just a little anecdote... I had the opportunity to take one of two student teachers two years ago. One had years of subbing experience and was getting a master's plus credential. After meeting her, I knew my kids would eat her alive, so I turned her down (and took the other student). It turns out she was incredibly rude and could not bond with them... she reverted to her "sub" routine... referrals and detentions, and tried to order them (seniors) around. The student teacher I took had the chance to develop her own management style (albeit with a LOT of guidance from me... she struggled at first), and is a FANTASTIC sub... can't get a job