I too have been considering a PhD. I have an MS (in Entertainment Business Management) and I just switched to a school district that considers my position – a high school Theatre Manager – to be a certificated position (I’m certificated too). But apparently my university (Full Sail) where I got my masters degree (since I last worked in a certificated position) is ACCSC accredited, and apparently the State of WA does not recognize that accreditation for their certificated pay scale. So I am currently being paid at the BA pay scale level (a $6000/yr difference). Ironic that I work with students in a CTE/“trade” subject – tech theatre - but my degree from a “trade” university is not recognized by the State. I’m working on that one… but back to the PhD issue.
I too would like to get my PhD in education or in theatre, or perhaps even in business (there don’t seem to be any PhDs for high school theatre managers per se)? I’m questioning whether to go a brick and mortar school or to do the degree online. Does anyone know of any good online PhDs for theatre/education/management? One university I actually started a PhD in management at online was CalU (California University). They were reasonably priced and “regionally” accredited, but I quit after my first research assignment about Starbucks’ marketing – not quite sure how that would help me with high school theatre management. What about universities that will give you some credits towards your life experience – I’ve been a high school Theatre Manager for nearly 6 years, and a lighting designer/technician for long before that, and have learned a thing or two. Does anyone know of any online universities that will give you credit for experience? Phoenix and WGU do, but not for PhDs. And the cost? Don’t universities pay their PhD students? Perhaps only if you ‘work’ for your room and board (teaching classes, etc). I suppose, though, that a PhD is a bit of a time commitment and a bit of an expense just for the privilege of calling myself Dr. Rand...!
There is no difference in the pay scale in Washington State between MA+90 (masters degree plus 90 credits - which is what I should be) and a PhD. I can either fight the masters accreditation issue or get a PhD – they might take me the same length of time! Of course I could always just buy at PhD online for about $300.00…
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Elizabeth Rand
High School Theatre Management Consultant
Rand Consulting and Design
Woodinville WA
Original Message:
Sent: 01-01-2016 12:44
From: Walter Braem
Subject: To PhD or Not to PhD?
All:
I'm a high school theatre teacher and I'm contemplating going back to graduate school for a PhD. Currently, I hold an MFA in Theatre and want to get feedback from the community. Many in my school district have no clue what an MFA is and go as far as saying "but it's only a masters degree". As you can imagine this comment cuts me to the bone as anyone with an MFA knows it's far more than just a masters degree. So now I am at a crossroads. Should I stay at my current education level and be paid the same as any teacher who completes a traditional 30 hour masters program, compel the district to recongnize that the Master of Fone Arts is a terminal degree and should be placed in the same pay grade as other terminal degrees (not likely to happen), or return to school, taking on more debt, to earn a PhD?
We are talking a $6,500 difference in pay each year. So it is substantial. What are your thoughts? Also, should I pursue a PhD in Theatre or the EdD? I'm inclined to pursue another degree in theatre. Do any of you with MFAs experience similar issues in your school districts? Is the MFA a common degree for high school teachers or am I in the minority?
-Riley
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W. Riley Braem, M.F.A.
Theatre Teacher
Northwest High School
Clarksville, TN
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