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[Dancebiscuits]

Hi all
Just about to start a role as a classroom primary teacher with a school in Qatar that offers to heavily subsidise an MEd in Multidisciplinary Studies with the State University of New York. I do not have a PGCE already - just a BA (Hons) in history, a TEFL, a CELTA and a couple of years ESL teaching experience. I want to be able to work as a classroom teacher in international schools in Europe one day (I'm British, btw = eligible to live in the EU).

Is it still the case that a Masters in Education is mostly for existing teachers that wish to develop their teaching skills, and does not lead to a valid teaching qualification? Ie. is it worth me spending any money at all on this MEd (subsidised still means I'd have to spend a couple of grand) or should I just bite the bullet and pay for a PGCE (many grand)?

And if the latter, can anyone personally recommend a PGCE course I can do by distance while working in Qatar please?

Thanks everyone

[suphanburi]

Your M.Ed will likely focus you on preparation for your thesis (learning how to do research and write it up) as well as a large component on theory and little in the way of practical, classroom skills.

Mostly an M.Ed is for in service teachers or other educators who are looking to move out of the classroom rather than people trying to get into one or for people looking to move up in academia (lecturer at the tertiary level, administrative positions, etc) and a step toward a PhD.

The majority of international schools (those who are international in more than just their name) that I have had experience with will expect licensure as a teacher (QTS) for classroom teachers and the M.Ed alone won't do that for you.

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