Master's programs to expand

It has been quite the week for the tri-State educational system. Monday saw a deal closing disciplinary rubber rooms for teachers. Yesterday, I discussed the proposed tax hikes in several New Jersey school districts to go towards educational programming. Today, the Board of Regents approved a measure that would allow non-accredited institutions to grant master’s level teaching degrees. This move is aimed at giving groups like Teach for America and the New York City Teaching Fellows the opportunity to create their own master’s programs. As it stands currently, educational instructors must receive their degree from an accredited institution of higher learning.


Proponents of the measure say that it will allow non-traditional means of educating tomorrow’s teachers. Groups like Teach for America tend to work in lower-income areas, places underserved with instructors of any level. Now those groups can formalize the training given to their members, which many say will make for better teachers.

It is obvious that the current educational system for teachers is allowing many to fall through the cracks. Adding another layer to this process does little in the way of streamlining and preventing poor performers from becoming educators. Without proper facilitation and guidance, these new programs will run the risk of creating tiers of degrees much like those currently for law schools. A job as important as that of a teacher should receive the same training across the board, regardless of where one gets their degree.