First, I applaud you for desiring to advance in your career. Also, this is a fairly common concern. It really depends on what your goal is. The National Board Certification will provide you the opportunity to increase your income as well as distinguish you from teachers who do not hold the certification. Currently, there is a small fraction of teachers in the U.S. holding the board certification. Income can often be a driving factor in making career decisions. In North Carolina where salaries are low, it is imperative to consider ways to increase one's salary in order to maintain a decent lifestyle. While you are an educator, you still probably need money. The advance degree on the other hand will increased your salary at a lower rate, as well as situate you for career growth, dependent upon the degree you pursue. Are you considering becoming an administrator, curriculum developer, school psychologist, counselor, eventually leaving the school system, or what? Perhaps you might even consider pursuing both. If so, map out a plan to achieve both goals. Determine what your priorities are, and then select the option that you will will pursue first. Keep in mind that both pursuits will take time, energy, effort, resources, and commitment. It is essential that you map out a short-term and long-term career plan.