Innovative program makes master’s degrees more accessible
Research clearly shows that highly qualified teachers are one of the greatest indicators of increased student achievement. Only 20 percent of the teachers in South Dakota currently have a master’s degree. Through the EveryTeacher grant, the Department of Education is initiating a program designed to increase the number of South Dakota teachers with a master’s degree.
Starting in the fall of 2005, universities will be matched with a small group of school districts to form a cohort of teachers that will complete a master’s degree. The Master’s Degree Cohort Program is innovative because it creates a partnership between the teacher, the school district and the state.
Each partner pays a portion of the cost of the master’s degree, and each benefits from the arrangement. The teacher receives higher-level training and increased compensation. The district and state get a teacher with advanced training and, in the long run, increased student achievement.
The Chamberlain School District and University of South Dakota piloted the program in 2004-05. “We need our teachers to be successful, and the Master’s Degree Cohort Program does this,” said Tim Mitchell, superintendent at Chamberlain. Currently, 15 of Chamberlain’s 86 teachers have a master’s degree. In two years, that number will more than double.
For teachers, the program reduces the cost barrier that keeps many from pursuing a master’s degree. “It also fits into a teacher’s already busy lifestyle,” Mitchell said.
At the local level, the program enables districts to maximize professional development dollars by having teachers participate in a long-term program focused on improved student achievement.
At the state level, the Master’s Degree Cohort Program helps to enhance the teaching profession by raising salaries through advanced training.
The results of the pilot program in Chamberlain were so positive that the Department of Education would like to expand the program statewide in 2005-06. To gauge districts’ interest, we have created a survey for school superintendents. We ask each district superintendent take a moment to fill it out.
For more information, contact Melody Schopp at (605) 773-5232.
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