Education Specialist Degrees in Indiana
The future of Indiana—and of the country as a whole—lies with its children. As a teacher, you are already aware of this and you know how vital your career is to society. As you grow professionally, you may be ready to explore more educational options and do even more for the field of teaching.
An Ed.S degree could be the solution you need. This degree goes one step beyond a Master’s degree without requiring the intensive research of a PhD. If you want to learn more about reaching your full potential as a teaching professional, check out our list of Indiana Ed.S programs below.
Role of Educators With an Ed.S Degree in Indiana
Discovering how to better reach students and enhance their learning can help you get more out of your career. Contact the schools listed below to learn more about earning an education specialist degree.
Due to the highly specialized nature of this degree, your expertise may be helpful in navigating complex educational issues that arise. In 2016, Indiana legislators decided to get rid of ISTEP, a controversial student test that they decided did not accurately reflect students’ knowledge (IndyStar, 2016). Curriculum specialists and administrators are some of the most important voices in issues like this.
Furthermore, advancing education may help you address the teacher shortage in Indiana. Solutions being implemented in Indiana include teacher scholarships, teacher mentoring, and better benefits (Chalkbeat Indiana, 2016). If you go into administration or leadership, you may be able to add suggestions that directly address some of the issues that teachers have.
As an education specialist, you serve as an example for your community and other teachers. Take the first step by contacting Ed.S programs.
Getting Your Educational Specialist Degree in Indiana
Indiana is home to many schools with education specialist programs, so don’t be afraid to take your time contacting schools, evaluating choices, and selecting the school that you believe can propel your career forward.
At some schools, the educational specialist degree is combined with a Master’s degree for a total of 60 to 70 credits. However, if you already have a Master’s degree in education, this may drop to 30 to 40 credits. One of the first things you do is select an area of specialty. For many students, this is a chance to push the boundaries and get certified in another area. However, even if you stay in your current teaching area, the experience you get at this level is invaluable.
Some of the options available at Indiana universities and colleges for Ed.S. programs include:
- School Administration
- Educational Psychology
- School Superintendency
- Mathematics Education
- Educational Leadership
- Elementary Education
- Curriculum Studies
The area of specialty you select determines what courses you take, how many credits you must complete, and what type of practical experience you get. If you select school administration, you may enroll in courses like:
- District Curriculum Leadership
- Leading Schools to Be Culturally Responsive
- Advanced School Finance
- Standards Based Research Thesis
A specialty like school psychology may require a bit more coursework, since it shifts your role from teacher to counselor. In this area of study, you may take classes like:
- Psychological Consultation
- Individual Cognitive Assessment
- Developmental Psychopathology
- Methodology of Educational and Psychological Research
- Statistical Methods in Educational and Psychological Research
- Theories and Techniques of Counseling
Each school has different scheduling options, which is another factor to keep in mind. While some institutions have traditional daytime courses, others offer weekend and evening courses. Some schools even allow you to complete this degree online. Depending on how many credits you take per semester, you may graduate in two to four years.
Be sure to factor practical experience into your timeline. If you choose a teaching specialty, this may come in the form of classroom experience and student teaching. If you select a specialty like school psychology or administration, you need to rapidly gain a large amount of experience in a short time. You may meet your requirements through clinical rotations, principalship opportunities, and practicum courses. You may be able to meet these requirements at your current place of employment, depending on how demanding your teaching career is and what other obligations you have during the day.
The benefits of this degree are diverse and widespread. Advancing your education may give you greater job satisfaction and give you confidence in your teaching skills. Your students may enjoy more personalized education and more engaging learning opportunities. Your district may be able to meet several goals with your skills, saving them money.
Additional training and education can only strengthen the field of teaching, and your degree may inspire other teachers to further their own education.
Working With an Education Specialist Degree in Indiana
The future of your career may change after you complete this degree. If you earn an education specialist degree Indiana in a field that changes your career path, you need to seek additional licensure through the Indiana State Board of Education. This includes adding special education certification, becoming an administrator, becoming a curriculum developer, or changing the grade level you teach.
Even if you stay in your current career, you may find that this degree increases your earning potential. Below, find some of the career paths that Ed.S graduates may pursue, listed here with their average salary and job growth information:
- School administrator: 10% expected growth; $
82,610 average salary (BLS,2016 ) - Instructional coordinator: 12% expected growth; $
60,020 average salary (BLS,2016 ) - Elementary teacher: 9% expected growth; $
49,250 average salary (BLS,2016 )
This degree was developed by education experts in response to a growing need for specialists and leaders. As a graduate, be ready to serve as a leader in the Indiana teaching community. This may involve becoming active in local associations, mentoring new teachers, and advocating for teachers in legislation. Look into local groups like the Indiana State Teachers Association and the Indiana Middle Level Education Association.
If you’re ready to take your teaching career further, an educational specialist degree is definitely an option to consider. Get more information by reaching out to Indiana education programs below.
