What can one do with an MA in Education?

If you were a school principal would you hire a teacher with a MA in Special Education or Literacy?

• If you were a principal of an elementary school and were looking to hire a teacher for a general education class, would you be more likely to hire a teacher with a MA literacy or an MA in special education? Please explain why? Lets say you were to pick between 2 teachers with the same amount of teaching experience. One has a MA in Special Education and the other has a MA in Literacy. Which teacher would you prefer?

• Answer:

  This is a good question, but to be honest, much of this would depend upon what kind of teacher was needed. In our district, students who are special needs/state protected (IEP's 504's), are inclusive. We no longer have a separate "special education' teachers. They work right along with the regular teachers in the classrooms. An even more sophisticated program is underway to include those other students who for the most part, have overwhelming needs (diapers, etc.). Believe me when I tell you, our district is losing more teachers than they expect. Regarding your question, I would probably hire the Special Education teacher because this teacher has more knowledge about how to provide the kind of instruction for these students. They are familiar with the laws that protect these students and also know the plans that are in place for modification, etc. A literacy coach, in my opinion needs to be in the classroom helping teachers to teach - and also available to assist with behavior issues. I don't know about where you live, but BEHAVIOR is the worse case in most of the schools. Teachers cannot teach because there are so many unruly, disrectful students who are immature and care more about being social than education. We need Special Ed teachers. No matter where you go - there are going to be children who need these services. No matter how much I try to 'differentiate' my lessons so that those who are slower can work, it is close to impossible to do.