what's this about all teachers having to do a masters degree now?

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is it just new teachers or existing ones aswell? what do people think of it? i do think it is a good idea cos a lot of the time teachers can't explain things cos they don't know the info that well themselves- they textbook teach as my dad calls it and i think this will stop that. on the other hand we once had this chemistry teacher who had done a masters and he bad because of it cos he couldn't explain things to us in simple terms.

One article said:

"At the same time, new teachers will be expected to study for a masterslevel qualification in the early years of their career. Existing teachers will also be expected to gain the award" ... "It is thought that new teachers will, at some point in the future, not be able to progress unless they have a masters degree."

the words "expected to" tell me you don't have to for now.

The plan said "We will make teaching a masters-level profession. Our new goal will be for all teachers to achieve a masters qualification & over the course of their career."

so it looks as though for the moment it is not compulsory.

I would imagine a large number of teachers who would leave the profession if forced to study for an extra degree. I certainly wouldn't do it!!

Government would rather shoot them selves in the foot if they did!

I just had a look at the OU website for Masters in Education courses. The fees amount to around £3000k for the qualification, and it would take about 3 years to get.

I wouldn't object to doing a Masters, but I would hate to be forced to, especially if I'd have to pay for it myself. I'd hope for a more interesting selection of courses available too.

I teach and have got a masters in education. I don't think it would help me one iota to have a masters in my subject, as at 'A' level, I don't really teach anything that goes beyond my second year degree tbh. That said, I do think doing a masters is a good idea. I found the whole thing to be a very valuable experience, and it has really helped me to become a much better teacher - the reasearch really helps you to focus and reflects on different aspects of teaching. That said, I don't think it can be forced - because I found the most beneficial aspects was the personal reflection - and that is the only bit that you can't really force!