When I started teaching in the mid-1970s I had a temporary license and had to get a master's degree within five years to maintain it ("Pay Raises for Teachers With Master's Under Fire," page one, Oct. 5). I did, and I can attest that the additional degree did little to improve my teaching.

In the years following, however, I earned more than 50 hours beyond my master's, taking courses that would enhance my teaching, such as computer programming, graphing-calculator courses and advanced-placement training. This "de...