worth getting a phd in education? (doctorate, master degree, psychology, school)

[Raven1976]

I've been thinking of working towards a phd in education, but wonder if it's worth it. I currently have a master degree in early childhood education. Do you think it's more difficult getting a job once you have a phd in education?
I live in NJ

[Sam82]

It really depends why you want the PHD. If you want to be a college professor, go for it. If not, don't bother wasting your money. You are better off getting a master's in an area that interests you.

[RangerDuke08]

If you get a PhD in Education or an EdD your most likely going into research or admin such as Dean of a university. I'm sure you can teach if you like to as well, the pay is better but is it truly what you enjoy and do you want to go back to 4-8 years of school? Gotta ask yourself that, no hurt in applying though.

[anifani821]

If you think you would like administrative type work . . . then the doctorate is your ticket into the higher paying administrative jobs (school district level) . . of it you want to teach educators . . . then you need a doctorate . . .

Figure out how much $$ it will take to get the doctorate . . . then research the salaries of targeted future jobs . . . and see if your investment will pay off.

The biggest thing is that you will enjoy the type of work a doctorate will allow you to do - administrative, higher ed teaching, etc.

[froggin4colorado]

Is it worth it to you? For the general teacher population, no...it doesn't pay you enough to get it. However, if it is important to you, than go for it. I agree with the comments about administration opportunities.
I am a sped teacher with 2 master degrees and want to start my doctorate in a few years. I recognize that this is for me though, not for job advancement. I don't care to be an administrator and the increase on the pay scale is only a couple of thousand more. I won't expect the kids to call me Dr. Jacobs, but I have always wanted a doctorate degree. I am also working on my applied behavior analyst certification (doctorate probably in psychology...).
Bottom line- do it for yourself!!
Good luck!

[TNRyan23]

I'm just starting out in teaching. My plan is to go as high as I can get. It's not really about the pay ( when you get into teaching, is it really about the pay anyways ? ) It's more of a personal goal to me although after so many years of teaching I'm sure you'd get really burned out and it would be good to fall back on like other posters said to get an admin job later down the road.

Personally, My plan is to take a class every year during the summer to keep my education going in the right direction.. too expensive ? defer that loan until you die