The 'Master's Pay Bump'

Why Ending It Shouldn't Frighten Ed. Schools

By Patricia Wasley & Marguerite Roza

To assert that it is misguided to pay teachers more for earning a master’s degree (the “master’s bump”) can cause quite a dust-up. Deans of graduate programs in education become very upset—and they make their feelings known.

We have heard it all since our university published a study saying just that. If the master’s pay bump were eliminated, wouldn’t fewer teachers (customers!) enroll in our programs? And, by the way, why would your institution be promoting such a thesis—one contrary to its own best interests?