Education Specialist Degrees in Delaware
Education Specialist Degrees in Delaware
To outsiders, the field of education seems very straightforward. Teachers instruct, follow specific curricula, and send students onto the next grade at the end of the year. As a working teacher, you know that education isn’t like that at all. You’ve likely spend dozens, if not hundreds, of hours poring over students’ frustrations, looking for ways to help them succeed.
That dedication makes you a valuable asset to Delaware’s teaching community. With new and growing areas of specialization, you may be able to take your skills to the next level. An education specialist degree takes approximately two years of full-time study beyond the Master’s degree level, giving you additional skills and techniques for your teaching toolbox.
Role of Educators With an Ed.S Degree in Delaware
Curious about the role that education specialists play in the classroom and in the school district? Talk to advisors today by contacting education specialist programs in Delaware below.
Since Delaware is a relatively small state, it has a fairly cohesive, cooperative education system. As that system grows, the need for advanced teaching specialists may continue to grow. Compared to the rest of the country, Delaware has an above average population of people 18 years old and younger, indicating a need for a strong education system (US Census Bureau, 2016).
One particular area of need in Delaware is the demand for special education programs. Although this need spans all grade levels, these services are especially needed in early childhood education, where Delaware recently invested $11.3 million (Delaware Online, 2016).
You may also thrive as an education specialist if you work in math, science, technology, or a similar area. Governor Markell has invested a significant amount of state money in the Pathways to Prosperity program, which focuses on STEM subjects (Delaware Public Radio, 2016).
In addition, you may find a number of opportunities if you are willing to work in a low-income area. Delaware’s funding for low-income and at-risk students is increasing, with the ultimate aim of better preparing these students for college (Delaware Public Radio, 2016).
Take the next step in your teaching career now. Use our list of Ed.S programs below to request more information about options near you.
Getting Your Educational Specialist Degree in Delaware
Before you jump into an education specialist program, it’s crucial to know exactly what this program entails and what it hopes to achieve. To enroll in a specialist program, you must already have a Master’s degree in education and an active Delaware teaching license. You should be comfortable in a classroom and be well-versed in educational theories, techniques, and ideas. This is not a refresher program; it is intended for working teachers who are ready to work hard to expand their base of relevant skills and theories.
Programs in Delaware generally range between 30 and 39 credits. The amount of time you spend in school depends on whether you attend on a part-time or full-time basis. If you are a full-time teacher, this may mean several years of coursework while you continue to meet your teaching obligations. A number of programs are offered in an accelerated format, giving you a chance to graduate a bit more quickly.
You can also look into online options if you want to make the most of your time. Although you still need to complete your fieldwork and student teaching requirements in person, you may save a lot of time taking your other courses online.
There are various specialty areas at different Delaware programs. Some of the options you may consider include:
- School Psychology
- Elementary Special Education
- Secondary Special Education
- Teacher Leadership
Be sure to compare curricular requirements, since they tend to vary quite a bit between programs. The courses below are commonly included in school psychology programs:
- Counseling Skills Laboratory
- Psychological Assessment of Children
- Instructing Elementary/Middle Schoolers with Mild Disabilities
- Consultation and Intervention in School Discipline
- Child Neuropsychology
- School-Based Family Issues and Interventions
The goal of this program is to create teaching professionals who are active in the hands-on side of education, whether that means teaching, administration, curriculum development, or another area. Furthermore, leadership skills are highly emphasized in Ed.S programs. To help you use your new knowledge as much as possible, your school may require a number of practical experiences. Options include teaching labs, internships, practicum rotations, and student teaching.
Since this degree focuses on practical work, you can have an immediate positive impact on the teaching community. While a PhD is ideal for those who want to work in research, this option keeps you in the trenches of day-to-day education work, engaging directly with students, peers, administrators, parents, and community members. In turn, you may find that your dedication to teaching has a ripple effect, strengthening the public’s view of teachers and reiterating the importance of public education.
Working With an Education Specialist Degree in Delaware
As long as you have a Delaware teaching license, you can likely continue working in your chosen field as soon as you get your degree without additional certification or licensing. If you need to switch grade levels or subject areas, you may need to add certification types to your license via the Delaware Department of Education.
As noted earlier, leadership is one of the primary goals of advanced teacher degrees in DE. To make the most of your education specialist degree, consider becoming an active member in local teaching groups like the Delaware State Education Association and the Delaware Association for the Education of Young Children.
Upon graduating, you should already know what your long-term goals are for your career. It is easier to plan if you understand the complex need for education professionals in Delaware.
Check the list below for some options, as well as expected job growth through 2022 and average salaries:
- School administrator: 3% expected growth; $111,200 average salary (O*Net, 2016)
- Instructional coordinator: 10% expected growth; $68,000 average salary (O*Net, 2016)
- Middle school teacher: 9% expected growth; $56,900 average salary (O*Net, 2016)
No matter what else may change in society, education will likely continue to be one of the greatest factors of success in Delaware.
Expand your teaching skills and your potential career opportunities now by requesting information from education specialist programs below.
