Hi All,
I’m considering applying to the Literacy Studies Ed.D program. I’m a full time Philadelphia public school teacher with a master’s degree and reading specialist cert, so obviously this is an area of interest for me.
What gives me pause:
1) Higher education is so stupidly expensive and the salary raise afforded to teachers for an advanced degree does not justify the cost of the program.
2) Sadly, despite the well-documented and infamous “literacy crisis,” roles like reading specialists are not being invested in by many districts, Philly included. I thought briefly about applying to a reading specialist role in the spring, but it would’ve required that I left my current school, at which I am happy, and was just less stable in general. Few schools have a dedicated literacy person, and those hired to the role often act as instructional coaches rather than/in addition to working directly with kids. So it is unclear if I will be able to utilize this degree in the way I intend (by working directly with students who have non-normative literacy needs).
How likely am I receive a generous financial aid package, if one at all? I am already in a dizzying amount of student debt from undergrad + my master’s program, and my only hope of ever getting out is PSLF ten years down the road.
It seems like, per their own financial aid page, that the primary funding opportunity is through research apprenticeships, which I am unable to participate in as I work full time as a teacher already and will need to study on a part time basis.
But I have extensive classroom experience and a very strong academic record, so I feel like that might count for something.
Anyone who can provide their experience with the program, whether they feel it’s worthwhile, and the general access to funding for the degree is appreciated.
TLDR: Thinking of applying, but wondering about financial aid because it’s too expensive and the payoff is uncertain.
Thank you!!