Professional certifications at the master’s level are available to educators throughout the country. These opportunities are often accompanied by increased earning power. While policies vary, the Education Commission of the States maintains a state-by-state list of leadership and advancement opportunities for teachers. Since policies are often subject to change, always confirm current guidelines with your state board.
For teachers in Louisiana, many parish districts offer an additional pay increase under the Master’s Plus 30 program. As the title suggests, this program applies to teachers with master’s degrees. If you earn an additional 30 credit hours at a regionally accredited university, you’re eligible for another raise. Depending on your courses, those additional hours don’t just lead to higher income; they lead to advanced professional and leadership certifications as well.