Moving from a Master’s degree to a “Master’s Plus” lane (such as MA+15, MA+30, or MA+45) is the single most effective way for a veteran teacher to maximise their salary. While a Master’s degree is often required for professional licensure, the “Plus” credits are pure profit—designed by school districts to reward educators who continue their specialised training.
At ContinuingTeacherGradCourses.com, we help you bridge the gap between your current salary and the highest-paying columns on your district’s grid. Here is the step-by-step breakdown of how to strategically reach that final pay lane.
1. Decoding the “Master’s Plus” Math
Most school districts categorise their salary schedule by “Semester Hours.” If you already hold a Master’s degree, you have likely reached the mid-point of the scale. To reach the far-right columns, you must accumulate post-baccalaureate graduate credits.
- MA+15: Requires 15 graduate credits (approx. five 3-credit courses) after your Master’s was conferred.
- MA+30: Requires 30 graduate credits (approx. ten 3-credit courses). This is often the “Gold Standard” for the highest base salary in most U.S. districts.
- The Salary Delta: In high-paying states like New York, Illinois, or California, the difference between the MA lane and the MA+30 lane can be $6,000 to $12,000 per year.
2. The “Conferred Date” Rule
One of the most common mistakes teachers make is taking credits during their Master’s program and expecting them to count toward a “Plus” lane later.
- Timing is Everything: To count toward an MA+30 lane, the credits must typically be earned after the date your Master’s degree was officially conferred.
- The Transcript Check: When you submit for a lane change, HR will look at the date on your Master’s diploma and compare it to the dates on your additional graduate transcripts. At ContinuingTeacherGradCourses.com, we provide official transcripts from regionally accredited partners that clearly show the completion date, ensuring there is no confusion with your district’s payroll office.
3. Choosing Credits that “Count” for Approval
School districts don’t just want you to take “any” course; they want courses that enhance your classroom utility. To ensure your credits are approved for a move to the “Master’s Plus” lane, follow these three criteria:
- Regional Accreditation: This is non-negotiable. If the university isn’t regionally accredited (HLC, WSCUC, SACSCOC, etc.), your district will likely reject the credits. All our courses are backed by these “Gold Standard” accreditations.
- Subject Matter Relevance: Choose credits that align with your current certification or a “High-Need” area like ESL, Special Education, or Instructional Technology.
- Graduate Level (500-700 Level): Ensure the courses are designated as “Graduate Level.” Undergraduate or “Continuing Education Units” (CEUs) often do not count toward salary lane movement—only true graduate semester hours will trigger the raise.
4. Maximising Your Return on Investment (ROI)
Earning 30 credits at a traditional local university can cost upwards of $15,000. If your raise is $7,000, it will take you over two years just to “break even.”
- The Affordable Alternative: By using our flat-rate graduate courses, you can earn your 30 credits for a fraction of the cost.
- Self-Paced Speed: In many districts, if you submit your transcripts by a certain deadline (often September or February), your raise is prorated for the rest of the year. Our 100% online, self-paced format allows you to finish your 30 credits quickly, ensuring you don’t miss those critical district deadlines.
5. Step-by-Step Guide to Your Lane Change
- Download Your Union Contract: Locate the salary schedule and find the specific requirements for the “Master’s Plus” lanes.
- Request Pre-Approval: Use our course syllabi to get written approval from your Principal or HR Director. This “locks in” your raise before you even start.
- Bulk Enrollment: To save time and money, many teachers enroll in several 3-credit modules at once to reach their MA+15 or MA+30 goal in a single school year.
- Official Transcript Submission: Once you complete your final course, we facilitate the delivery of your official university transcript directly to your district’s human resources department.
Don’t settle for the “Standard” Master’s pay when you are doing “Advanced” work in the classroom. Take control of your professional growth and secure the highest possible salary for your years of service.
Browse our Graduate Course Catalog and start your journey to the MA+30 lane today!