M.Ed. or Ed. S. in Curriculum and Instruction: What It Is and How It Can Advance Your Career

Teachers who already have a license can get a Master of Education or Education Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction to become even better at what they do. This advanced degree helps them deepen their knowledge of their subject area and how to teach it, and they can even add specializations to their existing teaching credential. It's different from a Master of Arts in Teaching, which is for people who want to become teachers for the first time. With a Master of Education or Education Specialist degree, teachers can build on what they already know and become experts in their field. Many universities, like National Louis University, offer this type of degree - they have a National College of Education that offers a Master of Education or Education Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction. This degree is for teachers who want to take their skills to the next level and become leaders in their schools.

What Is an M.Ed. or Ed. S. in Curriculum and Instruction?

Teachers can gain advanced knowledge in a specific area, like a subject they teach or how to use technology in the classroom, through Curriculum and Instruction programs. These programs also provide teachers with graduate credit that can be used to earn endorsements or advanced credentials. One of the best things about these programs is that they are often structured to let teachers take smaller chunks of courses or modules and combine them to earn a full degree over time. This means teachers don't have to follow a strict course schedule from the start, but can instead pick and choose the courses they need to get their degree. For example, a teacher might take a few courses to earn an endorsement in a specific subject, and then use those credits toward a full degree later on. This flexible approach makes it easier for teachers to balance their work and school responsibilities and to get the education they need to become better teachers.

National Louis University offers a Master of Education (M.Ed.) or an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Curriculum and Instruction, which is ideal for educators seeking to boost their career prospects by specializing in specific areas. The M.Ed. program takes around 32-40 semester hours to complete, depending on the concentration you choose. On the other hand, the Ed.S. program requires 30-43 semester hours. It is usually chosen by educators who already have a master's degree and want to specialize further or pursue a doctoral degree. By adding a concentration to their credentials, educators can increase their versatility and open up more career opportunities. This program is designed to help educators enhance their skills and knowledge in specific areas, making them more effective in the classroom and more competitive in the job market. Whether you're looking to advance your career or pursue further education, National Louis University's M.Ed. or Ed.S. in Curriculum and Instruction can help you achieve your goals.

Why Pursue an M.Ed. or Ed. S. in Curriculum and Instruction?

Teachers who are already working in the field often choose to pursue this degree for several reasons. For one, it can lead to a higher salary. Many school districts pay teachers more money as they earn more graduate credits and advanced degrees. This means that even if a teacher doesn't change jobs, they can still make more money just by having the degree. Another reason teachers pursue this degree is to expand their career opportunities. They might want to become a grade-level chair, department chair, or curriculum writer. Some might be interested in working as an instructional coach or in teaching college students training to be teachers. These types of jobs usually require, or at least prefer, candidates with advanced training in curriculum design and instruction. By getting this degree, teachers can build the skills and knowledge they need to take on these new roles and advance their careers.

Because these programs are often built around a menu of endorsements and specializations rather than one fixed track, the degree also appeals to teachers who aren't sure yet exactly which direction they want their career to take and want the flexibility to build credentials incrementally, potentially combining several endorsements into a single advanced degree over time.

For teachers looking to move up to administration or higher education, getting a degree can be a good first step. It's not a full commitment like a principal preparation program or doctorate, but it can still be a way to try out advanced graduate study. One of the benefits is that the coursework can sometimes be used towards a doctoral program later on. This makes it a lower-risk way to see if pursuing an Ed.D. or Ph.D. is the right choice. Teachers can test the waters, so to speak, and then decide if they want to take the next step.

Key Questions About the M.Ed. or Ed. S. in Curriculum and Instruction

Do I need to be already a licensed teacher to enroll?

Generally yes. Unlike an M.A.T., which is designed for career changers seeking initial licensure, an M.Ed. or Ed. S. in Curriculum and Instruction is typically designed for practicing, already-licensed teachers who want to build on their existing credentials.

What's the difference between the M.Ed. and the Ed. S. options?

For teachers without a master's degree, a Master of Education (M.Ed.) is usually the best option for a graduate credential in curriculum and instruction. On the other hand, an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree is like a middle step between a master's and a doctorate. Teachers who already have a master's degree often choose this path to pursue more specialized training, either as a final credential or to pursue a doctorate eventually. One of the benefits of an Ed.S. is that some of the coursework can even count towards a future Ed.D. degree. This makes it a great option for teachers who want to continue advancing in their education and careers.

Can I combine multiple endorsements into this degree?

Many teacher programs are set up so that the classes you take to get a special endorsement or certificate can also be used towards a full Master's in Education or Education Specialist degree. This lets teachers create their own unique combination of specialties - like focusing on a specific subject area and also getting a leadership or technology endorsement - instead of having to follow a set plan.

How long does the program take?

The time it takes to complete the degree can vary depending on several factors, such as how many areas a student wants to focus on and whether they're pursuing a Master's in Education or an Education Specialist degree. Since many of these programs are designed for teachers already working full-time, most students complete the degree part-time, which usually takes about 2 to 4 years.

What kinds of concentrations are typically available?

Schools offer various concentration options, but common ones include specialized areas such as math or reading education, teacher leadership, and classroom technology. They also consider what the local schools need the most. Some programs let you focus on a specific area, like teaching English as a second language or being a technology expert, which can also lead to getting an extra state certification. This way, your graduate degree can give you a special skill and also help you get certified in another area.

Career Outcomes

People who complete a degree in Curriculum and Instruction often get jobs such as leading a grade level, running a department, or creating curriculum for a whole school district. They might also become a mentor to other teachers, supervise student teachers, or teach classes to people training to be teachers. Some even use their degree to make educational materials for non-profit groups or companies that publish textbooks, which means they get to use what they know from teaching to help students all over the place.

The job outlook for people who help create and improve school curricula is looking good. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says that instructional coordinators, who do similar work, will be in demand for the next ten years. This is because schools and districts are investing more in developing new curricula and supporting teachers. You can find the latest information on job prospects and salaries on the BLS website.

Occupational Outlook Handbook, Instructional Coordinators.

For a lot of teachers, getting a degree can lead to a big change right away - they can move up the salary scale in their school district. Most public schools pay teachers more when they have extra graduate credits or advanced degrees, whether or not they receive a new title. This makes the degree especially valuable, even for teachers who want to stay in the classroom rather than become coaches or administrators. They can still get paid more, which is a great benefit.

When choosing a specialization, it's important to consider the local job market. What's in high demand can vary a lot from one place to another. For instance, if there's a shortage of teachers in a particular subject, having a concentration in that area can be a big plus when looking for a job. It might even lead to better job offers or incentives. Because of this, many students try to find out which specializations are most needed in the areas where they want to work before deciding on a concentration. This way, they can make a more informed choice and increase their chances of getting hired.

M.Ed. or Ed. S. in Curriculum and Instruction at National Louis University

National Louis University's National College of Education has a program that's perfect for teachers who want to advance their careers. They offer a Master's in Education or an Education Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction. This program is great for educators who want to specialize in specific areas and deepen their expertise. One of the best things about this program is that students can combine different endorsement and certificate pathways into their degree. Many of these pathways even offer graduate credit, which is a big plus. After graduating, students often take on leadership roles in their schools, such as leading a grade level or department, directing curriculum, or even writing curriculum for their entire district.