A master’s degree gives teachers a promising advantage at any career stage. According to 2021 National Education Association (NEA) research, first-year teachers in Connecticut make an average of $46,905 annually, while the average salary for more experienced teachers is $78,427 annually. As you can see, more education and time in the classroom can pay off! Experienced educators in Connecticut ultimately stack up against all other states as the fifth-best paid in the nation, so there’s no arguing with the fact that CT is a great place to be a teacher. A Master’s in Education (M.Ed.) has a proven impact on increasing a teacher’s salary by boosting their skillset and eligibility for advanced opportunities. If you’re a teacher and an M.Ed. degree seems out of reach, it’s time to reconsider. Earning an M.Ed. online is possible, and offers more benefits than you might realize.

After four years in college, many education students are wary of spending even more time and money in graduate school. Getting a teaching job right away certainly offers short-term benefits, such as beginning to pay off student loans and gaining valuable work experience. However, what if you could accomplish both—earning your master’s degree and making money doing what you’ve trained so long to do? An M.Ed. online is a smart way to work and continue your education. Your education and prior teaching background can qualify you for up to 12 credits, leaving 18 credits to complete to earn your master’s degree. Those 18 credits can take as few as 12 months to complete, part-time. Even better, Goodwin University’s M.Ed. program is provided through a blend of synchronous and asynchronous online learning, so that you can study on your schedule while continuing to work full-time.

Besides the convenience benefits, Goodwin University’s M.Ed. online program makes no sacrifices in terms of curricular rigor. This program follows the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework. UDL was developed in Massachusetts and is a method of educational design that acknowledges the immense variability amongst learners. The official UDL guidelines ask practitioners to:

• Provide multiple means of engagement.
• Provide multiple means of representation.
• Provide multiple means of action and expression.

It’s clear to see that this approach focuses on providing a variety of access points. In a 2018 study published by the Journal of Online Learning Research, researchers highlight that diversity in the classroom is a growing norm in all facets of the word’s meaning, from ethnic background to language skills and range of abilities. A diverse classroom requires a malleable teaching approach to appeal and adapt to all kinds of learners.

With a Master’s in Education, teachers expand their potential to become more specialized. In fact, to earn titles such as Special Education Teacher, Educational Administrator, Curriculum Coordinator, and Principal, a master’s degree is a requirement. These roles require that teachers take on more responsibility than in a regular classroom position. The reward is not just a salary upgrade, though it’s hard to ignore that School Principals in Connecticut make, on average, $133k annually. A Master’s in Education is a great choice for aspiring leaders in this field.

At Goodwin University, educators become steeped in the UDL framework through an exciting and cutting-edge curriculum for rising leaders in education. Some examples include:

• Teacher Leadership: Theory and Practice: This course focuses on the multi-faceted role of the educator, including how to become a builder of positive culture in the school climate.
• Contemporary Issues in Urban Education: This course explores different approaches to challenges that urban students and teachers face, including social and economic inequalities in the community that inextricably impact the student experience.
• Curriculum Theory: Many teachers’ favorite component of education is the preparation phase, during which they chart the course for units of learning. This class will help teachers advance their curriculum-building abilities by diving into the leading sociological, philosophical, historical, and psychological approaches.

Not only do you know exactly what it will take in terms of coursework and credits, but you’ll also never be in the dark about how much your education will cost. We’ll tell you right now. At Goodwin University, each credit is $660. Our tuition is competitive with other private non-profit colleges in the area, and there are grants, scholarships, and financial aid options available.

If you’ve decided that getting your M.Ed. online sounds like a good investment, you’ll be pleased to hear how easy it is to apply. You’ll need to gather these application materials and meet a few requirements:

• A $50 non-refundable application fee and a graduate application.
• A bachelor’s degree transcript of at least a 3.0 GPA from a Council for Higher Education Accreditation certified college or university.
• A professional resume.
• Proof of immunizations.
• An interview and recommendations relevant to previous teaching experience.

Goodwin University does not require the GRE from interested students. Your experience and passion should speak for your dedication to becoming an even more qualified and excellent teacher. The best way to learn even more about Goodwin University is to speak with a knowledgeable admissions representative at 800-889-3282 or to visit us online, where you can request more information.