Illinois Teacher Shortage Areas

The United States Department of Education defines a Teacher Shortage Area (TSA) as
a subject matter or grade level within a state in which there is an inadequate supply of
elementary or secondary teachers. The shortage may be caused by teaching positions
that are unfilled or are filled by teachers who have temporary certification or teach in in
academic subject other than their area of preparation. According to a report by
the USDE Office of Postsecondary Education, External link Illinois has the following
Teacher Shortage Area:

 Bilingual Education

Financial Aid in Illinois

Illinois residents are eligible for the Applegate/Jackson/Parks Future Teacher
Scholarship External link , as well as the TEACH Grant External link , which gives
financial aid to students in return for an agreement to teach in a high-need school.

Learn more about how to finance your Master's degree on Teach.com.

Career Advancement
Professional Development for Illinois Teachers
Illinois requires teachers to complete either 12 semester hours of graduate coursework
or 60 Professional Development Units to move from an Initial to a Standard certificate,
and 8 semester hours or a certain number of Professional Development Units in various
areas for renewal of a Standard or Master certificate. Learn more about professional
development for teachers by visiting the Illinois Board of Education Educator
Licensure External link page.

Benefits of a Master's Degree in Illinois

It is no longer enough to just have years of experience for teaching. After No Child Left
Behind and other academic quantification measures, the careers of teachers
increasingly depend on their results in the classroom. A master's degree in the field of
education can give you more educational theory and classroom skills, as well as more
hands-on student teaching experience with a mentor. After a Master’s program, you will
be able to achieve better results in the classroom and have more job security and
higher pay.
According to a 2015 report from the Illinois Board of Education External link from the
Illinois Board of Education, a teacher with a Master’s degree starts out earning $64,309
in Illinois, which is about $11,000 more than the maximum possible beginning salary
with a Bachelor’s degree. In the Chicago Public Schools, teachers holding a Master’s
degree can earn about $3,500 more per year than those with a Bachelor’s degree,
given equivalent levels of experience.

Learn more about the benefits of a Master of Arts in Teaching vs. Master of Education
on Teach.com.

Master of Arts in Teaching vs. Master

in Education

Becoming a teacher in most states does not require a Master's in Education or Master
of Arts in Teaching, but many aspiring teachers still opt to pursue an advanced teaching
degree. Pursuing a Master’s is a great way to potentially earn more money as a
teacher External link , as well as establish yourself as a highly qualified expert.

Consider also a master of science in teaching from Fordham University External link ,
an innovative degree that boasts a 98% pass rate on NYS state teacher certification
exams. Sponsored Program

There are many teachers who pursue their Master’s to further enhance their knowledge
of teaching itself. These aspiring educators pursue either a Master of Arts in Teaching
(MAT) or a Master's in Education (M.Ed). When thinking of a Master’s in Teaching,
many people use the terms Master of Arts in Teaching and Master's in Education
interchangeably, assuming the difference is subtle or nonexistent. The difference,
however, is actually much larger than you might think, and knowing the difference
between a Master of Arts in Teaching and a Master's in Education can steer you in the
direction that’s right for you.

Jumpstart your career in education, explore our

featured teaching programs:
USC External link

 GRE scores not required

 Complete in less than 18 months
 Fieldwork placement

Learn more about USC Rossier's online MAT program External link

Sponsored Program

Fordham External link

o Complete in two years

o Prepare for teaching certification
o Dual certification available

Discover Fordham's innovative online MST program External link

Sponsored Program

What’s the Difference Between a MAT

Degree and a ME Degree?
The difference between an MAT and ME degree is based in the learning objectives and
career aspirations of the students who enroll in the programs. Typically, those working
towards a MAT degree are trying to advance their careers in teaching and gain practical
expertise in lesson instruction and working with children. Students of ME programs, on
the other hand, are usually much more focused on advancing their careers outside of
the classroom into fields such as administration and curriculum design.

Before we dive in, take a look at a table that illustrates some of the key ways that an
MAT degree and an ME degree are different:
 MAT vs. ME
Degree Components MAT ME
Average Units/Credits 42 36
Time to Complete 2 years 2 years
Program Focus Practical skills and subject-specific information Understanding and critically evaluating the pra
Teaching Experience? No Yes
Example Coursework History and Philosophy of Education, Learner Differences Educational Leadership, Curriculum Design an
High School Teacher Adult Literacy Teacher
Special Education Teacher Principal
Common Careers
Middle School Teacher Instructional Coordinator
Elementary School Teacher Reading Specialist

MAT Degree vs. ME Degree: Overview

Master of Arts in Teaching: The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) focuses primarily
on the advancement of your teaching career. This is the degree most often pursued by
people who want hands-on teaching experience and are seeking to work directly with
students. The MAT focuses heavily on advanced coursework in a specific subject to
hone your expertise. Coursework for the MAT also focuses on pedagogical theory and
implementation. Essentially, the MAT will teach you how to be a teacher: methodology,
stylistic approach, etc. Oftentimes, the Master of Arts in Teaching consists of hands-on
experience that places you in a classroom as a student teacher to practice what you are
learning.

Master's in Education: A Master's in Education (M.Ed) is an advanced degree geared

more towards moving beyond the classroom and into the education system itself.
Certified teachers and aspiring teachers can pursue an M.Ed and still remain in the
classroom, but the Master's in Education allows for a broader range within the
educational sphere. Often, those who pursue ME degrees have ambitions to influence
policies and procedures within schools to make a difference in the lives of students. ME
degree programs work to ensure that degree seekers understand the systems and
mechanisms behind the education system - as well as the best ways to collaborate with
peers to influence change.

MAT Degree vs ME Degree: Concentration

Areas
MAT Concetrations and Specializations: A typical MAT degree program will feature
various specializations that focus in on a specific branch or subject of teaching. Below
are a few examples of concentration areas a MAT program might feature:

 Early Childhood Education: MAT programs that focus on early childhood and
childhood education are typically designed for teachers who want to work with
 students from ages 0 to 4, with some programs including certifications for
kindergarten and first grade.
 Primary/Elementary Education: Elementary education specific MAT programs
equip teachers with the skills and methods needed to work in K-6 classrooms.
Foundational coursework in areas like learning styles and teaching methods are
emphasized with additional electives typically rounding out the curriculum.
 Secondary Education: For the most part, MAT programs with a specialization in
secondary education set up students with certifications to teach in grades 7-12.
The coursework is similar to that of any other specialization but takes a deeper
look at issues such as mental health and cultural diversity in schools.
 Special Education: MAT degree programs that focus on special education take
an enhanced look at teaching students with disabilities. This might include
discussions of teaching methods designed for specific student groups and
interactive lessons on understanding various disabilities.

While many programs offer a focus on special ed, some schools, like our partner USC
Rossier Online, offer a special education credential External link that engages students
in higher level learnings within the field.

ME Concentrations and Specializations: ME degree programs also will usually offer

specializations designed to allow students to gain a deeper understanding of topics
within the field of education. Some example ME degree specializations are outlined
below:

 Curriculum and Instruction: This major focuses on teaching and learning, and is
ideal for people who want to begin their teaching career or advance their career
with excellent preparation in educational theory. An M.Ed of Curriculum and
Instruction focuses primarily on teaching, public service, and scholarship. You
will also gain a better understanding of curriculum development, teacher
leadership, and human development.
 Counselor Education: This major is right for you if you are seeking to become a
guidance counselor or a school’s mental health professional. Mental health,
however, is an entirely different field in and of itself, so if you’re interested in
becoming a mental health counselor, you should find out about your
specific state's licensure requirements External link
 Educational Administration: This major will prepare you to become a principal or
a higher level school administrator. Coursework in this major is built around
educational law, building and community issues, and faculty leadership. Another
degree that takes an in-depth look at best practices in education administration
and educational leadership is a doctorate of education (also referred to as an
EdD)

Final Thoughts
Whether or not you want to impact the education system by working at a high-level
administrative level with a Master's in Education, or on a more fundamental level in the
classroom with a Master of Arts in Teaching, any program can greatly benefit your
teaching career. Pursuing an advanced degree makes you more appealing to your
employer, and can even entitle you to greater benefits. You will also have a far-reaching
impact on society by ensuring you are fully prepared and qualified to teach, allowing you
to inspire and influence your students in ways that will stay with them for the rest of their
lives.

Read more about:

 Masters program accreditation

 Other education degrees
 Other careers in education