[clanna]

I am an interventionist. I have 25 years experience. I have a master's degree in elementary education. I plan to teach at least ten more years. My job requires me to analyze test scores, administer MAP testing, and serve as a teacher leader in many other capacities.

My question is ... I am thinking about getting my 30 hours above my masters. Although I have very little desire to be an administrator, I am often asked to do things that fall under the responsibilities of an administrator. What should be the focus of my thirty hours, reading? curriculum? administration? Are there certifications or add on degrees that I could earn in 30 hours? It would be important for me to complete work online. What distance learning colleges do you recommend?

Thanks for your recommendations.

[phantomteach]

What is the difference between this and getting a Doctorate? Writing a thesis? Just wondering...
What is the benefit of doing this?
I heard that Capella is a good online program, but I don't know firsthand.

[clanna]

Plus 30 is a pay raise. I am sure a doctorate requires more hours. I really just want the pay raise. Although, this is the main reason, it may as well be something useful.

[Counts68]

I just finished my administration degree and I learned soooooo much. I really had no idea what is involved in being an administrator. I also have little desire to be an administrator, but I want choices (and money). Good Luck on your decision!

[clanna]

Counts68,
Did you get your admin degree online?

[tinkerbelle81]

In our district the extra 30 hours would be considered a specialist degree. Gives you a pay raise. The doctoral degree would require about an additional 30.

[Mmckie2000]

I have my specialist and I'm working on my doctorate now. I have NO desire to go into administration so my specialist is in curriculum and instruction and my doctorate will be in curriculum and teaching. I don't know what other states are doing, but in GA the governor just made it so that if you have leadership certification and are not in a leadership position, you will not get the pay raise. My specialist and doctorate will allow me to continue to hold teaching credentials not leadership so I guess I will be alright to remain in a non-administrative position.

I am working on my doctorate online. I attend Northcentral University. I just started classes, so I don't have much of an opinion of it just yet.