Education Specialist Degrees in Massachusetts
There is no doubt that state budgets differ widely from region to region. However, one consistency you’ll find is education spending. In almost every state, education is the largest part of the budget. The education provided to children has a lasting impact on the future of Massachusetts, the quality of life of Massachusetts residents, and the state’s economy.
As a licensed teacher, there are many ways you can expand your skills and do more for your students. Keep reading to learn more about education specialist degree Mass. options and what this degree may do for your career.
Role of Educators With an Ed.S Degree in Massachusetts
The more you know about your chosen area of teaching, the more prepared you are to handle any situation that may arise. Take the first step to an advanced degree by contacting education specialist programs in Massachusetts.
More and more people are taking note of the importance of good teachers. Massachusetts lawmakers are currently looking for ways to allow more students to attend Massachusetts charter schools, a move that they believe would better prepare students for postsecondary education and careers (Boston CBS, 2016).
If you look at education statistics, you find that Massachusetts is used as a model for many states. The Seattle Times recently compared the Massachusetts education system to the Washington education system, finding that Massachusetts has better funding, Massachusetts students have higher literacy rates, and overall K-12 achievement is higher in Massachusetts (2016). Massachusetts can only maintain its high-quality education system through the continued improvement and efforts of teachers like you.
It’s clear that education is incredibly important in Massachusetts. Find out how you can take your teaching career to the next level by contacting schools below.
Getting Your Educational Specialist Degree in Massachusetts
As you start evaluating educational specialist programs in Massachusetts, consider whether an online or traditional program would be a better fit for you. Online programs are widely considered more convenient, especially for working teachers without flexible schedules. However, if you do decide to attend traditional courses, you may choose a program that offers weekend or evening courses.
The majority of Massachusetts programs require a graduate degree in education, barring a few exceptions that combine Master’s degree and education specialist courses. You should also have a current teaching license in the state of Massachusetts and employment references who can verify your teaching skills and experience.
One of the most crucial decisions you make as an education specialist student is which area of study you pursue. Your choice may determine the research you participate in, the job opportunities you have after graduation, and your practical experience requirements.
Some of the options available at Massachusetts schools are listed below:
- School Counseling
- Special Education
- School Psychology
- Bilingual/ESL
- Media and Technology
- Science
- Teacher Education and School Improvement
Each specialty has slightly different credit requirements and specific coursework requirements. For example, earning an education specialist degree in school counseling typically requires between 48 and 54 credits.
Your curriculum may include courses like:
- Professional Orientation to School Counseling
- Theories and Procedures of Counseling Psychology
- Multicultural Counseling in Schools
- Developmental Psychopathology
- Group Counseling in Schools
- Occupational Psychology and Placement
- Learning Disabilities in Children and Youth
In comparison, a degree in educational media and technology typically includes approximately 30 credits. You focus on extremely specialized subjects in courses like:
- Integrating Technology with the Curriculum
- Online Tools for Learning and Instruction
- Computer Mediated Communication
- Educational Web Design
- Theories of Learning
- Educational Media Theory
- Computational Literacies
- Designing Digital Media for Teaching and Learning
Even if you attend an online program, keep in mind that you must still complete in-person practical experience requirements. This generally includes student teaching, a specific amount of classroom hours, and possibly an internship. Some specialties, including school counseling, educational administration, and teacher education, have entirely separate experience requirements.
You may use your degree in several different ways after you graduate. If you use this opportunity to change your area of focus in your career, you may switch to a position in counseling, administration, or teacher training. If you choose a specialty that would allow you to keep teaching, you may stay in your current classroom or switch to a position in a different subject area or grade level.
However you choose to use your degree, you may find that it increases your confidence as an education professional. You should have improved communication skills when it comes to students, peers, and parents. You may also have a wider set of problem-solving skills that you can use in classroom conflicts and challenges. Overall, your higher level of education should improve the classroom experience for your students, provide inspiration to other teachers, and strengthen standards for education as a whole.
Working With an Education Specialist Degree in Massachusetts
Your work experience is almost entirely dependent on what career path you choose and how you decide to use your degree. Generally speaking, you may find that more education can improve your earning potential and make you a more valuable asset to a school district.
Below, find some Ed.S career options, listed with their expected growth through 2022 and current average salary:
- School administrator: 5% expected growth (O*Net, 2016); $
103,810 average salary (BLS,2016 ) - Instructional coordinator: 13% expected growth (O*Net, 2016); $
67,310 average salary (BLS,2016 ) - Elementary school teacher: 11% expected growth (O*Net, 2016); $
74,470 average salary (BLS,2016 )
If you change your grade level, subject area, or educational role, contact the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to find out how you can change your teaching license and use it to take your career further.
You may find that teachers, administrators, and other education professionals expect you to take on official and unofficial leadership roles in the teaching community. Maintain an active presence in local groups like the Massachusetts Teachers Association and the Massachusetts Art Education Association.
With an education specialist degree, you have the opportunity to strengthen your career and help your students learn even more. Get more information now by reaching out to the schools listed below.
