MS.Ed Leadership/Management vs. MS.Ed Curriculum & Instruction – Career Ceiling vs. Passion

Hi, currently, I am a HS math teacher in Texas.

I’m torn between two graduate program options and would love some perspective from folks who’ve been down either road.

On one hand, my gut says an MS.Ed in Educational Leadership is the more strategic choice if I ever want to move into administration (principal, head of school, etc.). The career ceiling is higher, and it seems like the more traditional route for climbing the ladder.

On the other hand, my actual passion is in curriculum design. I genuinely enjoy building creative, standards-based units more than teaching itself. That naturally makes me lean toward an MS.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction.

My concern is that going the C&I route might limit me to Curriculum Coordinator and coaching type roles.

So here’s my dilemma:

• Do I follow the path I enjoy more (Curriculum & Instruction)?
• Or do I go with Leadership/Management?

Anyone here faced this same decision? How did it play out for you?

Submitted September 29, 2025 at 08:58AM by allrog222 https://ift.tt/AlSW2Bg