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Nation Investing More Money in Teachers with Master's Degrees
By Catherine Groux
Posted July 24, 2012 01:03 PM
The U.S. is investing more money in teachers who have master's degrees.New data from the Center for American Progress shows that the nation is investing more in raises for teachers who earn master's degrees (often known as providing a "master's bump"). In 2003-2004, the national master's bump hit $8.6 million. By 2007-2008, this figure rose by 72%, hitting $14.8 billion.
Still, some states are better than others when it comes to compensating teachers who pursue a graduate degree. In Illinois, for example, the average master's bump is $11,910, while this number stands at $11,280 in the District of Columbia. On the other hand, states like Maine, Florida, Maryland and Utah provide less than $3,000 in compensation for teachers who have earned a master's degree.
In Florida, in particular, this small master's bump is due to the Student Success Act of 2011, which limits how many new teachers can receive raises due to their advanced degree, The Huffington Post states. Instead, the act encourages teachers to focus on improving student results rather than pursuing higher education.
As the nation invests more money in teachers with graduate credentials, the Center for American Progress states that it should ensure these educators are actually of a higher quality than those with bachelor's degrees. Currently, evidence suggests that only math and science teachers have an instructional advantage over their peers from earning a master's degree.
