Massachusetts Education and Teaching Overview

Teachers in Massachusetts receive compensation that is among the highest in the nation for teachers in any state. This high compensation undoubtedly improves teacher recruitment and retention, which in turn improves education, and is likely one of the reasons that the Morgan Quitno Press has repeatedly ranked Massachusetts number one in its annual Smartest State Award rankings.


Massachusetts Teacher Requirements

In addition to this national ranking, data collected in 2005 supports the evidence that Massachusetts schools are getting it right, as displayed by the fact that Massachusetts students score considerably higher on reading, writing and math assessments across the board when compared to their peers nationwide. This could be partially due to the low 13.2:1 student to teacher ratio in Massachusetts, which is significantly lower than the national average of 15.5:1.

While Massachusetts schools are known for being notoriously choosy when hiring new teachers, prospective teachers who plan their education well and increase their marketability through degree and school choice will find excellent opportunities for teaching in Massachusetts. Plus, once hired, teachers are offered numerous incentives including tuition waivers for career advancement programs, loan forgiveness and deferment, grants and fellowships, and a Master Teacher Program.

Teaching in Massachusetts is a rewarding career that enjoys the support of state government and high compensation, when compared to other states. Prospective teachers considering a Massachusetts teaching career should be highly selective when planning their education and certification.

Massachusetts Teacher Requirements

As a state, Massachusetts appears to be in favor of updating their classroom schedules to meet current and future needs in education. Originally, classroom schedules were created to allow children to be out of school during warm months when their services were needed for family farming and food production chores.

Some people teaching in Massachusetts today feel that a longer classroom schedule can result in a higher quality education. America as a whole is suffering globally with poor test scores and educational rankings in comparison to many other countries. The current United States president is in agreement that a longer school year would be beneficial.

Future jobs in the Massachusetts school systems may include a better pay package to compensate for a longer classroom schedule. Presidential interest in our public education is creating a situation where the American education system may be overhauled in the near future.

With upgrades in education probable in the near future at the federal level, people who will be teaching in Massachusetts schools in the future can expect to see better pay, better classroom funding, and a better learning environment for everybody involved in education.

Online Colleges Offering Education and Teaching Degrees

Accreditation  

University of Phoenix is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association. .

Programs Offered  
  • Master of Arts in Teaching
  • Master of Arts in Teaching with Teaching Credential
Accreditation  

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.

Accreditation  

The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Accreditation  

Western Governors University is the only university to have received simultaneous accreditation by four regional accrediting commissions. Currently, WGU’s "home" accrediting commission is the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the same organization that accredits such leading institutions as the University of Washington, University of Oregon, University of Utah, Brigham Young University, and other public and private colleges. WGU is also nationally accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). WGU is the first online university to receive NCATE accreditation for its degree programs that lead to teacher licensure from the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). WGU’s Health Informatics program is now accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). WGU’s Nursing programs are CCNE accredited.

Campus Colleges Offering Education and Teaching Degrees

Accreditation  

University of Phoenix is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association. .

Programs Offered  
  • Master of Arts in Teaching
  • Master of Arts in Teaching with Teaching Credential
Accreditation  

Kaplan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Accreditation  

McCann School of Business & Technology is accredited to award occupational associate degrees and certification diplomas by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, a nationally recognized accrediting agency by the United States Department of Education,.

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Teaching Salaries
Elementary School Teacher
$40,584
High School Teaching
$42,802
Education Admin for Elementary School
$65,372
School Principal
$82,696
 Source: PayScale.com
 * Based on 5 years experience