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

If you're a licensed teacher looking to take on more leadership roles, you might want to consider getting a Master of Education or Education Specialist degree in Teacher Leadership. This advanced degree is perfect for teachers who want to make a greater impact at their school without leaving the classroom or becoming a principal. With this degree, you can become an instructional coach, department chair, mentor teacher, or curriculum specialist, and still keep teaching. It's a great way to expand your influence and make a difference in your school. Some universities, like National Louis University, offer this degree through their National College of Education. They have a National College of Education that provides both a Master of Education and an Education Specialist degree in Teacher Leadership. This way, you can choose the path that's right for you and take your teaching career to the next level.

What Is an M.Ed. or Ed. S. in Teacher Leadership?

Teacher leadership programs help teachers become leaders in their own classrooms, where they can support their colleagues and help improve the whole school. These programs don't require teachers to become administrators; instead, they let them stay in the classroom while still taking on leadership roles. Some states and school districts have even created special designations or endorsements for these teacher leaders, which are different from being a principal or assistant principal. This way, teachers can still make a big impact on their schools without leaving their teaching jobs. They can work with other teachers to improve instruction, lead school-wide initiatives, and act as a connection between teachers and administrators.

National Louis University has a program for teachers who want to be leaders. It's called the M.Ed. or Ed. S. in Teacher Leadership. This program is special because it follows the National Teacher Leader Model Standards. The goal is to help teachers become leaders who care about fairness and equality in education. The best part is that you can take this program completely online. The coursework is connected to real problems that teachers face every day. This means students can use what they learn to help their own students, school, and community. For example, they can work on projects that address specific challenges in their own classrooms or schools. To finish the program, students need to complete 33 semester hours of coursework. This can be done at their own pace, since the program is online. The M.Ed. with a Teacher Leader Endorsement is a great way for teachers to become leaders and make a positive impact on their students and community. By customizing their learning, teachers can become more effective leaders and create positive change in their schools.

Why Pursue an M.Ed. or Ed. S. in Teacher Leadership?

Some teachers reach a point where they want more say and to be in charge of more, but they don't want to stop teaching completely and be an administrator. That's where teacher leadership comes in - it's a way for teachers to keep teaching, but also take on more leadership roles, like helping other teachers, leading a team, or working on making their school better. They can do this while still teaching, so they don't have to choose between the two.

This program is perfect for teachers who want to make a difference in their schools, especially when it comes to fairness and equality. Many teacher leadership programs, like the one at NLU, focus on social justice and making sure all students have the same opportunities, rather than just managing a school. This approach is really important for creating positive change in education. By emphasizing equity and social justice, these programs help teachers become leaders who can make a real impact on their students' lives and create a more just and equitable learning environment.

Schools and districts are now using teacher leadership to improve teaching and retain experienced teachers. This approach gives talented teachers a chance to advance in their careers without leaving the classroom to become administrators. To support this, many districts have created special teacher leader positions that come with extra pay or a lighter schedule. These roles recognize the value of teachers who can both teach and lead, and help to keep them in the classroom where they can make a bigger impact. By doing so, schools can benefit from their expertise and experience, and teachers can continue to grow and develop in their careers without having to give up what they love - teaching.

Key Questions About the M.Ed. or Ed. S. in Teacher Leadership

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

So, you're looking at Teacher Leadership programs. These are for teachers who already have their license and are looking to take on more leadership roles in their schools. They're not for people who are just starting and want to become teachers. Instead, they're for teachers who want to build on what they're already doing in the classroom and develop more formal leadership skills. This way, they can make an even bigger impact on their students and their schools.

Does this degree lead to a principal license?

Teacher leadership is not the same as being a principal or assistant principal. It's a different path that leads to special recognition for teachers who demonstrate strong instructional leadership. This recognition is usually given through a teacher leader endorsement or a similar credential. It's not a license to be a school administrator, but rather a way to acknowledge a teacher's ability to lead in the classroom. If a teacher wants to become a principal, they usually need to pursue a separate degree in educational leadership.

What roles does this degree typically lead to?

Some common jobs for people who have completed their education include coach for teachers, lead teacher, team leader, curriculum specialist, grade-level leader, and department chair. These jobs involve leading and supporting other teachers, and often the person still teaches, even if it's just part-time.

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

If you're a teacher looking to advance your career, you might be wondering which degree is right for you. For those who don't already have a master's degree, an M.Ed. is usually the way to go if you want to get into teacher leadership. This degree can help you develop the skills you need to take on more leadership roles in your school or district. On the other hand, if you already have a master's degree and you're looking for something more specialized or advanced, an Ed.S. might be a better fit. This degree can help you dive deeper into a particular area of interest and can even be a stepping stone to further study at the doctoral level. Ultimately, the choice between an M.Ed. and an Ed.S. depends on your individual goals and where you are in your career.

Does teacher leadership come with a pay increase?

The way teachers are paid for taking on leadership roles can vary a lot depending on the school district and the specific job. Some districts provide extra money, called a stipend, to teachers who become leaders, such as instructional coaches or department heads. Others give them credit for the extra education they need to become leaders, and that's reflected in their regular salary. If you're thinking about becoming a teacher leader, you should look into how your district handles pay and recognition for these roles, as it varies by district.

What the Curriculum Typically Covers

Most schools have their own set of requirements, but there are some common things you'll usually find in a teacher leadership curriculum. This can include classes on things like:

• Instructional coaching and mentoring
• Data analysis and using research to drive classroom and school decision-making
• Engaging stakeholders — families, colleagues, and administrators — to support student learning
• Facilitating collaborative professional learning communities
• Social justice and educational equity in school improvement work
• Leading change within a school without formal administrative authority

Career Outcomes

If you're looking to take your teaching career to the next level, you might want to consider a role in teacher leadership. This can include roles such as instructional coach, lead teacher, or department chair. These roles are all about helping other teachers improve and making sure students get the best education possible. The good news is that these kinds of jobs are in demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says that instructional coordinators, which include many instructional coaching roles, will be increasingly needed over the next ten years. This is because schools want to support their teachers in a more structured way, rather than just relying on administrators to tell them what to do. You can find out more about the job outlook and how much these roles typically pay by checking out the data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It's a great resource for planning your next career move. Whether you're interested in being a curriculum specialist, a grade-level team leader, or a mentor teacher for new hires, there are lots of opportunities available in teacher leadership.

Occupational Outlook Handbook, Instructional Coordinators.

Many teachers who take on leadership roles get a little extra money or some time off from teaching, but they don't necessarily get a whole new salary. So, a lot of them use these roles to build experience and create a portfolio that can help them move into bigger administrative jobs, like assistant principal or principal, down the line. Even though being a teacher leader doesn't automatically make you a principal, it can still be a really valuable step in that direction. On the other hand, some teachers like these hybrid roles, where they get to keep teaching and have a say in what's going on in their school, and they might stay in these roles for their whole careers. They like being able to balance their time in the classroom with opportunities to make a greater impact on their school community.

Earn a Master of Education or Education Specialist degree in Teacher Leadership at National Louis University.

National Louis University has a special program for teachers who want to be leaders. They can get a master's degree or a special education degree online. This program is designed to help teachers become better leaders in their schools and classrooms. It focuses on ensuring all students receive a fair and equal education. When teachers complete this program, they can become coaches, lead teachers, team leaders, or specialists in curriculum design. The program is perfect for teachers who want to stay in the classroom while also taking on more responsibilities at their school. They learn how to be instructional leaders and make a positive impact on their students and school community.