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What is a master teacher and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
Dr. Diana Jones

Master teachers are responsible for regularly interacting with teachers and assistant teachers and preparing weekly plans plus activities. They organize and provide developmentally appropriate early childhood education programs, plan and implement curriculum and education for children ranging in age from six weeks to twelve years old. Master teachers earn an average salary of $16, which amounts to roughly $34,000 per year.

Master teachers supervise and observe teachers in the classroom or other teaching settings to assess relevant skills and recommend methods and strategies appropriate to the achievement of project goals. They provide activities and opportunities that encourage curiosity, exploration, and problem solving appropriate to the developmental levels and learning styles of children. Master teachers need to have excellent interpersonal and communication skills to succeed.

Master teachers typically hold a bachelor's or master's degree in elementary education, education, human development, or other related fields. They are expected to have some years of teaching experience and demonstrated expertise in content, curriculum development, student learning, test analysis, mentoring, and professional development.

What general advice would you give to a master teacher?

Dr. Diana JonesDr. Diana Jones LinkedIn profile

Chair, Department of Kinesiology, Anderson University

General advice: I would encourage graduates to find a mentor who can guide them in their careers, stay on top of the latest technology, not be too hard on themselves, be flexible, be team players, be present, and care about their students.
ScoreMaster TeacherUS Average
Salary
3.0

Avg. Salary $38,699

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.6

Growth rate 4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
5.7
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.52%

Asian 3.66%

Black or African American 9.76%

Hispanic or Latino 12.58%

Unknown 3.91%

White 69.58%

Gender

female 81.38%

male 18.62%

Age - 42
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42
Stress level
7.6

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.5

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
4.3

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Master teacher career paths

Key steps to become a master teacher

  1. Explore master teacher education requirements

    Most common master teacher degrees

    Bachelor's

    52.8 %

    Master's

    24.6 %

    Associate

    14.6 %
  2. Start to develop specific master teacher skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Classroom Management16.59%
    Math7.04%
    Instructional Strategies6.67%
    Mathematics5.35%
    Team Planning5.30%
  3. Research master teacher duties and responsibilities

    • Execute and manage student IEP paperwork and requirements
    • Lead debates with advance students on topics including globalization, economics, and political history.
    • Provide city-wide staff development to teachers during mathematics textbook implementation.
    • Develop summer science camp and focus field trip curriculum for pre-K through middle school levels.
  4. Prepare your master teacher resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your master teacher resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a master teacher resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable master teacher resume templates

    Build a professional master teacher resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your master teacher resume.
    Master Teacher Resume
    Master Teacher Resume
    Master Teacher Resume
    Master Teacher Resume
    Master Teacher Resume
    Master Teacher Resume
    Master Teacher Resume
    Master Teacher Resume
    Master Teacher Resume
  5. Apply for master teacher jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a master teacher job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first master teacher job

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Are you a master teacher?

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Average master teacher salary

The average master teacher salary in the United States is $38,699 per year or $19 per hour. Master teacher salaries range between $25,000 and $59,000 per year.

Average master teacher salary
$38,699 Yearly
$18.61 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do master teachers rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

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Master teacher reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2022
Pros

Seeing the kids learn, grow, over come challenges.

Cons

It can be emotionally and physically draining, especially if not appreciated.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2022
Pros

Gaining the childs trust and watching them geow and learn.

Cons

That in a year the children you fall in love with move on to the next grade.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2022
Pros

Kids, teaching lessons, co-teachers, hours, weekends off, salary, holidays off, summers off, paid sick and personal days

Cons

Administration, observations, being told what to teach and HOW to teach it, expecting us to participate in things we might not want to or have the time for, staff meetings with no substance


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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