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Education Specialist Degrees in North Dakota

Teaching has come a long way since it became a staple in American society. Starting with one-room classrooms where teachers spent the entire day with the same set of students, teaching now involves specializing in one subject and often working with several groups of students throughout each workday.

Clearly, education is becoming more specialized by grade level, subject area, and teaching techniques. This has several implications for your career.

First, furthering your education in a subject area or type of teaching may benefit you in coming decades. Second, you can choose a subject area you are passionate about and build your career from there. If you have a Master’s degree, you do not have to earn a doctorate to take your career to the next level.

Request information from education specialist degree ND options to learn more about this certification program.

Role of Educators With an Ed.S Degree in North Dakota

North Dakota schools have unique challenges and needs, and the right education can help you tackle these challenges. Learn more by contacting education specialist degree programs now.

North Dakota teachers have struggled with Common Core standards, an issue that has plagued much of the country. The state is now turning to administrators and curriculum specialists to create new standards to replace Common Core (Bismarck Tribune, 2016). Taking a leadership position or studying curriculum development may help you contribute to these efforts.

North Dakota is known for its large tribal population, which is why the state has several tribal schools. However, education outcomes have had significant disparities for decades (EdWeek, 2016). North Dakota schools are working toward inclusive education options by waiving tuition for tribal schools, removing socioeconomic barriers.

In just two years, you may be able to expand your career options. Use the list of schools below to contact North Dakota education programs.

Getting Your Educational Specialist Degree in North Dakota

The key to starting a career as an education specialist is selecting the right school. First, you may want to compare admissions requirements at several North Dakota institutions. Generally, you need a Master’s degree to be considered, with the exception of schools that combine graduate and education specialist courses into a four-year program.

On top of these educational standards, you also need to have teaching experience. At some schools, this is as little as one year. Other schools require up to five years of teaching experience.

From there, you can narrow down your school options based on specialty availability. Some of the programs currently offered at North Dakota institutions include:

  • Educational Administration—Superintendent
  • Educational Administration—Principal
  • Special Education
  • Early Childhood Education

As you weigh your different options, you can quickly see that this degree program is focused on delivering the skills and knowledge that you need to succeed in any given specialty. In total, plan on completing roughly 30 credits before graduation. Online education may be an option, particularly if you do not live near a physical campus. If you choose the online route, you simply need to find a local school that will allow you to complete your practicum courses.

In each program, you must take a core set of courses that help you become an expert in your field. If you choose to study special education, you may take classes like:

  • Theory and Practice in Special Education
  • Research Theory, Design, and Analysis
  • Specialized Instruction for Diverse Learners
  • Intervention Models in Special Education
  • Effective Special Education Practices

Programs that lead to careers other than teaching tend to have very different requirements. In an educational administration program, you may take classes like:

  • Legal Foundations in Education
  • Curriculum Development and Design
  • Technology Applications for School Districts
  • School Law Application
  • Fiscal Administration in Education
  • Administration of Special Education

It’s important to note that these teaching degree programs tend to be extremely fast-paced, as they are intended for experienced teachers who are dedicated to improving their classroom outcomes. If you are self-driven and motivated, you may have a much easier time succeeding at this level of study.

In exchange for your two or more years of high-level training, you may advance the teaching profession, invest your talents in your students, provide more value to your district, and encourage other teachers to commit to their higher education.

Working With an Education Specialist Degree in North Dakota

The next step in your career may be influenced by your area of study, your school district, and current needs in your area. If you maintain your teaching position throughout your degree, you may be able to simply transfer to another position within your district without any gap in employment. Otherwise, you may use your new degree to pursue options in other parts of North Dakota.

However, make sure you have met all license requirements before you pursue work in another specialty. The North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board has fairly strict licensing standards, particularly if you are switching grade levels or going into administration.
Your job outlook may change with your new field of study.

Some options are listed below, along with expected job growth through 2022 and average salary information:

  • School administrator: 10% expected growth (O*Net, 2016); $89,210 average salary (BLS, 2016)
  • Instructional coordinator: 12% expected growth (O*Net, 2016); $65,150average salary (BLS, 2016)
  • Elementary school teacher: 18% expected growth (O*Net, 2016); $49320 average salary (BLS, 2016)

Networking with teachers, administrators, and legislators may help you keep your finger on the pulse of this industry. With an education specialist degree, you may even become a leader in your community. Consider becoming active in groups like ND United and the North Dakota Council of Educational Leaders.

If you’re interested in furthering your education but you would rather stay in a hands-on position than go into research, education specialist programs in North Dakota may be perfect for you. Request information from the schools listed below to get started.

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