Teaching & Education Resources for Future Teachers

A Master of Arts in Education (MAE) degree and a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree are both graduate-level educational programs but have different focuses and goals.

A Master of Arts in Education degree typically focuses on advancing a teacher's knowledge of educational theory, research, and policy. The program is designed to give teachers a deeper understanding of the broader context of education, including topics such as educational psychology, curriculum development, assessment, and educational leadership. Graduates of MAE programs may go on to pursue careers in education administration, curriculum development, policymaking, or research, as well as teaching positions.

A Master of Arts in Teaching degree is designed to provide students with advanced teaching skills and strategies. The program is often geared toward individuals with bachelor's degrees in a field other than education who want to become licensed teachers. MAT programs typically focus on practical teaching skills and may cover classroom management, instructional design, assessment, and differentiated instruction.

A master’s in Bilingual Education opens doors to roles where you support multilingual learners, influence language policy, and lead programs in schools and communities. You’ll develop expertise in language acquisition, culturally responsive teaching, sociolinguistics, assessment, and program design, preparing you for positions such as: 

• Bilingual/Multilingual Classroom Teacher or Specialist: Teach and support bilingual and multilingual learners in K–12 or higher education settings (in alignment with your local licensure requirements), designing instruction that honors students’ languages and cultures. 
• Instructional Coach or Professional Development Leader: Mentor teachers and facilitate training focused on bilingual/multilingual pedagogy, equitable assessment, and culturally responsive practice. 
• Program or Curriculum Coordinator: Design, implement, and evaluate bilingual, dual‑language, or multilingual programs, including curriculum development and needs‑based program improvement. 
• Policy Analyst, Advocate, or Educational Consultant: Analyze language policies, advise schools or agencies on equity for multilingual learners, and support organizations in aligning practice with research‑based, asset‑based approaches to language and culture. 
• Community or Nonprofit Education Leader: Lead initiatives in community organizations, NGOs, or international programs serving linguistically and culturally diverse populations. 

These pathways allow you to leverage your bilingual/multilingual education expertise to advance equity, expand access, and shape educational systems at multiple levels. 

Absolutely. The Master of Arts in Bilingual Education meets a clear workforce need: schools across the country are struggling to hire enough qualified bilingual teachers. In fact, more than half of U.S. states report shortages of bilingual and ESL educators, and several list bilingual education among their hardest-to-fill subject areas. Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Texas, and Wisconsin are among the states struggling the most. The root of the issue in the U.S. lies in a lack of role models and in inaccessible or unaffordable higher education programs that leave many would-be educators without the academic language skills to support their own students. 

A master’s in bilingual education also qualifies you for leadership, teaching, and instructional design roles in international schools, foreign universities, and multinational corporate training programs. Additionally, it opens pathways to work globally as an educational consultant, curriculum developer, or policy advisor for international nonprofit organizations and government language initiatives.

University of Massachusetts Global's Credential and Authorization Education programs are accredited by California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). In fact, UMass Global is the second largest provider of teaching credentials in California and has been teaching teachers throughout the state for more than 60 years (previously Brandman University).

Teaching requirements vary by state, but most don't require a master's degree — you can begin a classroom career with an initial certification. However, earning a master’s in education can position you for career advancement, leadership roles, and increased earning potential. 

Many states offer salary increases for teachers with advanced degrees, and some require a master's degree for professional or continuing licensure. If you're already a credentialed educator, UMass Global's MA in Education accepts up to 15 total transfer credits, helping you finish faster while building the specialized skills that set master teachers apart.

A master's degree in education opens doors to diverse career paths beyond the classroom. UMass Global's MA in Education is designed for professionals who want to expand, advance, or redirect their careers in education, training, learner support, and related fields. 

Graduates advance into master teacher positions, curriculum specialist roles, instructional coaching, educational leadership, and training and development careers in corporate or nonprofit settings. 

Obtaining a master’s degree in teaching can be beneficial for several reasons.

First, it can qualify individuals for advanced teaching roles and can lead to increased earning potential. Many school districts require or prefer teachers to have a master’s degree for certain positions, such as department head or instructional coach.

Additionally, a master’s degree in teaching often provides opportunities for professional development and can deepen an individual's understanding of effective teaching practices and strategies. It can also provide access to specialized knowledge and skills in curriculum development, assessment, and instructional technology.

A master’s degree in teaching can also provide career advancement opportunities for individuals who wish to move into administrative or leadership roles within education.

Whether or not a master’s degree in teaching is worth it depends on an individual's specific career goals and aspirations. It is essential to research and understand the benefits and opportunities that a master’s degree in teaching can provide before deciding.