Education Specialist Degrees in Hawaii
Education Specialist Degrees in Hawaii
Whether you teach in one of Hawaii’s urban schools in a highly populated tourist area or a remote school in a smaller island community, you undoubtedly have experience with the challenges faced by Hawaii’s schools, teachers, and administrators. Since Hawaii is so far from every other state in the country, it does not have the interstate support network that mainland states enjoy. As a teacher, you have to rely on what you know, your local peers, and online resources.
However, there is no doubt that Hawaii’s children deserve the same high quality of education that any student in the country deserves. No matter which grade level or subject area you teach, an education specialist degree may take your skills and knowledge to an expert level.
Role of Educators With an Ed.S Degree in Hawaii
Are you curious how an Ed.S degree could open your mind to new teaching possibilities and improve outcomes for your students? Request information from the schools listed below to speak with an admissions representative.
Research has clearly indicated the importance of education at all ages and in all subject areas, but the fact remains that some areas are in more dire need of specialists than others. Hawaii legislators recently increased funding for STEM programs, citing the need for teachers with high-level training in these subjects (KHON 2, 2016). To support this initiative, the state devoted $2.2 million to efforts to improve students’ readiness for college and careers.
Special education is another part of Hawaii’s education system that could really benefit from a new infusion of specialists. Struggles throughout the state include a shortage of special education teachers, inadequate services for students’ needs, and a demand for specialists who can create an inclusive classroom setting (Hawaii Public Radio, 2016).
Whether you want to grow into a new certification area or simply become more knowledgeable in your current area of instruction, an educational specialist degree could be the next step. Compare schools below to learn more.
Getting Your Educational Specialist Degree in Hawaii
As a teacher, you may have several degree options to consider before selecting a school and program. First, think about whether or not you plan on working full-time while completing this degree. Luckily, educational specialist programs are designed for working teachers, so you may be able to work your course schedule and assignments around your classroom time. In fact, some programs take it one step further and permit you to complete some or all of your coursework online.
Generally, you should anticipate completing between 33 and 42 credits at this level. A Master’s degree is required for this degree, so most of the classes you may take expect you to be well-informed with regard to terminology, research, and theory. This degree may take several years, particularly if you take classes part-time to suit your work schedule.
As you check out different colleges and universities in Hawaii, be sure to look at their specialty options. The area of specialty you select influences your future career options and certification options. Some of the programs currently available in Hawaii are listed here:
- Literacy Education
- Educational Leadership
- Reading K-12
- Disability and Diversity
- Learning Design and Technology
- Special Education
Within each of these specialties, you can find a curriculum of courses that you are expected to take. Some programs have room for electives within this plan, but others cover everything you need in the core courses. If you decide to specialize in special education, for example, you may be expected to take courses like those listed below:
- Special Education Laws and Compliance
- Seminar in Issues in Special Education
- Applied Research in Special Education
If you go into literacy education and you plan on teaching reading courses at any grade level, your curriculum may give you the tools you need through courses like:
- Seminar in Curriculum Issues
- New Literacies Leadership
- Literacy Assessment, Instruction, and Interventions
- Classroom and School Literacy Assessment
- School and District Leadership
Assessment is fairly important at this level, since you are expected to serve as a leader in your teaching community after graduation. Throughout your training, you may prove your skills through internships, teaching rotations, a principalship, and comprehensive exams. Generally, at least one type of classroom experience is required, although specifics are determined by the program you select.
Before you dedicate years of your life to another degree, you may be wondering how it pays off. First, these programs can simply make you a better teacher. By taking courses that pertain directly to your area of teaching, you can develop new and improved skills that you can put to work in your classroom. In addition, you may become a more valuable asset to your school.
Getting specialized education means that you can provide a needed service at your school, which saves them from having to go out and hire an outside specialist. In the education community as a whole, you may influence change on a grand scale.
Dedicating time to education encourages other teachers to do the same, particularly if you have better student outcomes, become a leader, and display renewed vigor for your career.
Working With an Education Specialist Degree in Hawaii
Advanced teacher degrees in HI may improve your performance in your current position or enable you to seek out entirely new positions in education. Some popular options are listed below with the average salary in Hawaii and anticipated job growth through 2022:
- School administrator: 5% expected growth; $80,600 average salary (O*Net, 2016)
- Instructional coordinator: 12% expected growth; $60,300 average salary (O*Net, 2016)
- Special education teacher: 5% expected growth; $46,500 average salary (O*Net, 2016)
In your program, you may learn about whether or not you need to pursue certification after graduation. In most cases, teachers who are not changing their area of teaching do not need to change their certification. However, if you’re switching grade levels or subject areas, you may need to add an endorsement to your teaching license through the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board. If you are switching to administration, special education, curriculum development, or another field, an entirely different license may be required.
The work you put into your classroom can yield benefits for decades. Learn how you can do even more by contacting educational specialist degree programs below.
