Whether you are a new teacher or have been in the profession for several years, with today’s economy everyone has the potential to be at risk for losing their job. The economy has impacted nearly every profession, and education certainly isn’t immune. One of the best things you can do to understand your risk is to stay informed. Here are some tips to stay in tune:
- Setup a google news alert
- Review your school districts budget
- Research previous lay-offs in your district or state
- Remain in the loop at your school
How to Minimize the Risk of Being Laid Off
One of the easiest ways to protect yourself from a lay-off is to select a masters in education degree with a high demand specialization. There are certain specializations that, even in today’s economy are hiring, and more often than not are the last positions to be cut. These specializations may include the fields of science, foreign language, special education and more. They will vary per state and district though. Acquiring a masters in education online with one of these specializations can also help to improve pay and job satisfaction.
Pursuing an extension of your education does not mean you have to go into debt. There are numerous other ways to acquire the funds you need besides applying for a loan. Researching online you will discover quite a few scholarship and grant programs available for those individuals who want to extend their education. Financial aid is available from state, federal and private sectors. The qualifications for these different types of financial assistance programs vary, so you would need to evaluate each one on its own merit. Taking your higher education to the next level is a step in the right direction in securing your future.
Employment Opportunities If You Do Get Laid Off
One of the most obvious positions if you are in fact laid off is to seek out opportunities as a substitute teacher. This could help pay the bills until you can secure a permanent position. Most all school districts require substitutes for when their regular teachers fall sick, take special leaves of absence, etc. The benefit of being a substitute teacher is that it will keep your skills fresh, and enable you to become acquainted with the administration of different schools. If you maintain a high standard in your profession while substituting, you stand a good chance of being one of the first ones they call in the event a position opens in the future. Keeping this in mind will give you the vision for excellence in your profession.
The Lay-Off Silver Lining
Being laid off from your teaching job may not be as bad as it may seem, especially if you have the opportunity to use this time to invest in your future. The teaching profession is a career worth advancing by honing both skills and knowledge. Most teachers have accumulated a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in education before they begin to teach. Being laid off your current job may be just the opportunity to advance your present educational level by enrolling in a masters in education program.
A masters in education will greatly increase your chances of advancing in your career for the future in addition to enriching your teaching skills. Acquiring a online masters in education can help save on costs while still completing the degree program you desire. Online education is very common today, allowing you to follow a flexible schedule and go at your own pace.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I agree that these days a specialized masters degree in education certainly does help, not just with regards to job security, but also for career advancement. With the recession and the lay-offs, you suddenly find yourself competing with a lot of other people who may have a longer teaching experience than you or may be better qualified. It really helps to have an advanced degree to stay ahead of the pack.
Hi Alvin: I agree with you on that point: having a masters degree really helps you stave off the competition for jobs that are already scarce. Also, I would think that schools now put more value to teachers who have masters degrees as it increases their own credibility as a provider. So between one who has a masters degree and another teacher who don’t, guess who’s more likely to get the ax when necessary?
Thank you for outlining the alternatives here, from financing your education to knowing where to look for a job if you lose yours. I was wondering if you have any information about state funding if you want to pursue advanced degrees in teaching.
I think that most schools now require their teachers to have a masters degree in education, at the very least. I know that the most prestigious colleges require even more. So if you don’t want to be stuck in your current position, it is imperative that you pursue a masters degree in education. Not only that, if you feel the need to transfer to greener pastures, this could be your ticket.
And I agree with you Alvin and Tracey here in saying that it gives you an edge to have a masters degree under your belt, especially in the current downtrend.
So for your job security, career advancement and competitive edge, pursue a Masters degree in education now, you owe it to yourself.
I am currently enrolled in an online masters in education degree because of these same reasons! Our school have announced that they will be more stringent in implementing the evaluation system, which could put some of us out of jobs. So I enrolled to become more competitive and to get more knowledge in education as a whole and in my area in particular.
I also thought that having a masters degree in education could help me expand my horizons, and open new doors for me. Thankfully, I teach the sciences so I’m glad to know that there are a lot of hirings for somebody like me.