Education Specialist Degrees in Colorado
Education Specialist Degrees in Colorado
As the world of education becomes increasingly multilayered and complex, the need for specialists and teachers in various settings and subjects is growing. A growing body of research lays bare exactly what children need to learn and thrive in the classroom. As an experienced classroom teacher, you are the key to helping children reach their full potential.
If you are clear about your career goals and what area of education holds your interest, an Ed.S degree may put you at the top of your field. Consequently, you may encourage and mentor other teachers in your district, improve your students’ schooling experience, and increase your impact on the next generation.
Role of Educators With an Ed.S Degree in Colorado
If you are passionate about the work you do as a teacher and you’re interested in becoming a more efficient, effective teaching professional, contact educational specialist programs below.
Over the last two decades, educational standards have changed significantly throughout the country. These changes have impacted Colorado in many ways. A recent review of Colorado schools found a number of them failing, according to statewide and federal standards.
Ongoing research indicates that a number of interventions improve a school’s performance, including the use of instructional administrators and instructional superintendents, further training opportunities for teachers, and the presence of leaders who are willing to shake up the school culture and community (Denver Post, 2016). An education specialist degree focuses heavily on leadership, one of the key parts of school improvement.
Colorado is home to many large rural areas. Historically, these areas have been underserved by the educational establishment. Legislators have proposed a bill that would increase the number of teachers in rural Colorado communities (Durango Herald, 2016). They note that they currently need between 3500 and 4000 teachers, but only 2500 teaching professionals are expected to graduate this year.
You may be in a position to change Colorado education for the better. Make your move now and reach out to education specialist programs with our list below.
Getting Your Educational Specialist Degree in Colorado
At this point, you may be wondering if an educational specialist degree fits your subject area, your classroom experience, or the grade level you teach. This is an extremely diverse degree program; there are programs available for different age levels, various subject matters, a range of special needs, and career paths outside the classroom.
The specialty you choose at this point may determine the length of your program and the future of your career. For example, most classroom subjects in Colorado require between 30 and 36 credits. However, an Ed.S in school psychology often involves up to 75 credits of work.
Listed below are some of the options offered at Colorado colleges and universities:
- Educational Leadership
- School Psychology
- Educational Technology
- School Psychology
- Educational Technology
- Administrative Leadership and Policy Studies
- Early Childhood Education
This is an extremely advanced degree, so it is designed with experienced teachers in mind. You may wish to brush up on graduate-level theories and ideas if it has been some time since you earned your Master’s degree, since Ed.S programs do not typically include time for review. You may find that these programs are fairly fast-paced and highly tailored to your specialty area.
If you choose to focus on educational leadership, for example, you may take courses like:
- Leadership Development Through Inquiry
- Management and Leadership in Education
- Instructional Leadership and Supervision
- Law and the Administrator
- Policy Analysis and Development
- Leadership of the School Site Level
- Advanced Theories for Changing Organizations
If you go into school psychology, a field that may well take you out of your classroom setting, you may take more courses and complete more fieldwork rotations. The courses below are commonly required in school psychology programs:
- Advanced Child Growth and Development
- Psychoeducational Assessment
- Behavior Analysis and Intervention
- School-Based Interventions
- School-Based Consultation for Mental Health Professionals
- Identifying and Planning for Mental Health Needs of Children
From school psychology and counseling to special education and instructional leadership, there are many ways that an education specialist degree can change your career and the lives of people around you. No matter which educational career path you pursue after graduation, the training you receive at this level may help you better connect with students and meet their needs. Working more efficiently may also empower your peers to focus more on their subjects and even further their own training.
Working With an Education Specialist Degree in Colorado
With an education specialist degree, Colorado teachers may qualify for further endorsements and qualifications. Through the Colorado Department of Education, you can change your teaching credential. Currently, new certification is required for several specialized areas of instruction, including language interpretation, school administration, and special education services.
Higher education is generally associated with an increase in earning potential, although much depends on whether you change career paths or if you want to continue working as a classroom teacher. You may wish to consult your school district’s salary policies and advanced credential policies for more information.
Below, find some Colorado career options, listed with anticipated job growth rates through 2022 and average salaries:
- Middle school teacher: 20% expected job growth; $48,000 average salary (O*Net, 2016)
- Instructional coordinator: 20% expected job growth; $67,500 average salary (O*Net, 2016)
- School administrator: 13% expected job growth; $85,300 average salary (O*Net, 2016)
The education specialist credential is relatively new in the world of education, so you may be part of a new teaching community in Colorado. One of the main goals of this credential is to create new leaders in the field of education, so take this chance to get involved in local organizations and use your education as much as possible.
Whether you want to become a school principal, teach literature to English as a Learned Language students, or create a classroom that is inclusive of special needs students, you can use an educational specialist degree to start working toward your goals.
Take the first step now and request information from Colorado schools below.
