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Teachers are as busy as they are under-compensated. To the average educator, the idea of spending their scant free time furthering their understanding of something as dense and complicated as applied statistics may seem daunting and unpleasant.
Teachers who work to get their advanced degree and earn a Master’s in applied statistics online will receive an entire host of benefits both inside and outside of the classroom. In this article, we explore the impressive number of ways that math teachers do right both by their students and by themselves through the furthering of their education.
Creating a Future Wave of Data Competent Adults
There can be no question that data is and will continue to be a key element of modern business. Indeed, large companies the world over are currently investing heavily both in personnel and technology to ensure a greater level of data fluency.
Young job seekers who are data competent have an opportunity to pursue lucrative lines of work. In STEM-driven educational atmosphere, teachers who are themselves data competent are well-positioned to help their students seek these rewarding opportunities of the future.
Though high school Algebra isn’t likely to be replaced by a course called “Applied Statistics,” in the near future, educators can weave important data-driven skills into their lessons plans. By allowing statistical knowledge and competency to blossom over the course of a child’s primary education, the student is better equipped to further their education along these lines in the future.
Job Security
Naturally, instructors with an advanced education hold more appeal than those without one. Teachers who have a Master’s in applied statistics are destined to stand out, both as they seek a new job, and once they’ve procured it.
From the vantage of a newly minted teacher yet to find a position, the advantages are clear. Though the job market for educators is hungry and growing, those seeking employment may still cherish the opportunity to be selective in what school they ultimately work for.
With a degree in applied statistics, future educators have the opportunity to field multiple offers, and perhaps even leverage their degree advantageously during the negotiation process.
Once hired, the master of statistics also enjoys an enhanced degree of job security. Only half of the teachers in the United States have achieved a Master’s degree, giving those who have one a discernable advantage over those who do not. Add to the fact that students under the tutelage of a teacher with a graduate degree experience higher math scores and the advantage becomes clear.
On the sad day where a school district is forced to make cuts, a good math teacher with an advanced degree is likely to be spared.
Financially
Outside the classroom, math teachers who choose to continue their education are often rewarded financially as well. While the extent to which this is the case will vary from school to school, many districts across the country over wage increases for instructors with advanced degrees.
Depending on the policies of your district, some of these pay increases may take place before you’ve even completed your coursework, with minor bumps commemorating educational milestones, such as the halfway point in your studies.
Though the financial advantages of continued education are offset somewhat by the upfront cost, there are potential recourses to make this more manageable. Many school districts offer to pay for the teacher’s further education, either partially or completely. Still, others provide potential grants.
Educators with an interest in pursuing a Master’s degree are well advised to learn about the help their district and state can provide.
Diversification of Opportunity
Unfortunately, the occupation of teaching is known for a very high rate of turnover. In fact, nearly ten percent of teachers leave the field every year and a significant number of them are young. It’s always a good idea to plan for the worst and hope for the best.
An educator with an educational background in applied statistics has at their disposal a resume that can open a wide range of lucrative doors. In fact, even teachers who wish to remain in the classroom might take the opportunity to work in the world of statistics on a freelance basis, boosting their income during breaks.
Part of the Job
Ultimately, continued education is part of a teacher’s job. While not every instructor pursues this responsibility in the form of furthered college education, all participate in one form or another through mandated professional development.
All continuing education opportunities have the potential to provide a benefit, both to teachers and their students. However, few of these benefits are quite so obvious and impactful as that of a master’s degree in applied statistics.
For the arithmetic instructor looking to boost scores, and perhaps even their salary, there is no way as clear or effective to get the job done.