Education Specialist Degrees in Ohio
Whether students want to become scientists, police officers, artists, teachers, or pursue a completely new career path, their path to adulthood begins in school. Your job as a teacher is to give them the tools they need to think critically and grow.
That’s a huge task, which is why continuing education is such an important part of being an effective teacher. At education specialist degree OH programs, you learn about the latest research in your area of teaching, develop new ways to reach students, and prepare for the future of the education industry.
Role of Educators With an Ed.S Degree in Ohio
If you have teaching experience and a Master’s degree, you may be on the right track to earn an education specialist degree. Learn more below and contact schools near you for more information.
The field of education is in a constant state of change, which is necessary due to ongoing research and changing federal standards. Assessment is one of the most heavily affected aspects of education. Ohio education professionals are using input from teachers and the public to develop an alternative to Common Core standards (Heartland News, 2016). Your teaching expertise could allow you to suggest evidence-based updates.
If you teach at the secondary level, one of your core goals is ensuring that your students are ready to continue their education beyond high school. Unfortunately, Ohio currently lags in that area (Cleveland, 2016). No matter which subject you teach, you may be able to influence your students enough to pursue higher education.
Ready to take your education to the next level? Learn more about advanced teaching degrees in OH by contacting schools below.
Getting Your Educational Specialist Degree in Ohio
After dedicating four years to a Bachelor’s degree and two years to a Master’s degree, you may wonder why you should return to school for two more years for an education specialist degree. However, you can quickly find that this degree has numerous benefits. The courses required at this level are highly specific to your area of teaching, giving you insight and experience that is not available at the Master’s degree level.
This allows you to expand your critical thinking skills and learn to apply research findings to your classroom. Furthermore, you may be able to explore fields like administration and curriculum development. These options can prepare you for a career outside of the classroom.
Specialized training options are unique to each school. Some of the Ed.S options you may find at Ohio schools include:
- Educational Leadership
- Guidance and Counselor Education
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Early Literacy and Reading Education
- Elementary Education
- Science Education
By comparing the courses required in each program of study, it’s fairly simple to choose the right training path for you. If you work with elementary students, you may pursue an elementary education specialist degree and take courses like:
- Research Design in Education
- Evaluation and Assessment Practices
- Critical Thinking in the Elementary Classroom
- Literacy Theory and Practice in the Elementary Classroom
- Curriculum Trends and Innovation
- Scientific Inquiry and Discovery
If you select a more focused area of study, you may take an entirely different set of courses. The courses below address the particular topics and learning goals of science classes:
- Evaluation and Assessment Practices
- Descriptive Quantum Physics for Teachers
- Teaching Molecular Biology
- Trends in Planetary Science Education
- Teaching New Concepts in Deep Sea Exploration
- Population Education and the Environment
As you evaluate different Ed.S programs, don’t forget to keep practical experience in mind. Within each area of study, there are different requirements. In a field like elementary or science education, you may spend one to two semesters student teaching. If you pursue a degree in administration or leadership, you may complete an internship with a local principal or administrator.
With the exception of practical experience coursework, you may be able to complete much of your Ed.S degree online. Ed.S programs are designed for working teachers, rather than new teachers who are fresh out of graduate school. For that reason, many institutions offer weekend courses, evening courses, and online courses. You may be able to schedule your courses around your teaching schedule, which would allow you to use summer and winter breaks to your advantage.
Funding options vary across schools. If you plan on remaining employed in your current school district after graduation, you may qualify for tuition assistance and reimbursement programs through your district.
Working With an Education Specialist Degree in Ohio
With your education specialist degree, you can tackle a variety of career options. Some administrative and teaching careers are listed below with expected job growth through 2022 and the current average salary in Ohio:
- School administrator: 6% expected growth (O*Net, 2016); $
83,780 average salary (BLS,2016 ) - Instructional coordinator: 13% expected growth (O*Net, 2016); $
58,170
average salary (BLS,2016 ) - Elementary school teacher: 13% expected growth (O*Net, 2016); $
59,000 average salary (BLS,2016 )
However, you may need to expand or change your license before you begin working. The Ohio State Board of Education requires a special license for administrators and principals. You also need to add an endorsement to your license if you are going to teach a different subject or age level. This may involve passing additional subject tests, so plan ahead by applying for certification shortly before graduation.
As an education specialist, you are likely going to be one of the most highly educated teachers in your district. It’s important to use that to strengthen the teaching industry and encourage other teachers. You may act as a mentor to new teachers, lead committees, and advocate for the industry. You can get started by joining local teaching groups, such as the Ohio Education Association and the Ohio Federation of Teachers.
Every hour you put into your teaching education may help you increase your positive influence on student’s lives. Discover how an education specialist degree can help you grow by requesting information from schools below.
