What is a Doctorate in Early Childhood Education?

A doctorate in early childhood allows an educator to make an even greater impact in the early childhood field. It deepens one’s knowledge, helps refine research skills, and allows educators to connect and network with other professionals in the field. A program such as this typically requires between 60-90 credit hours of work.

Additionally, admission requirements for a doctorate in early childhood education often require a master’s degree in a related field, letters of recommendation from academic and professional references, writing samples, statement of purpose, professional resume demonstrating teaching experience, and GRE scores. With all the requirements to work towards a doctorate, what are the reasons educators seek this degree?

Reasons to Earn a Doctorate in Early Childhood Education

Research from the National Association for the Education of Young Children reports that children’s brains undergo rapid development up to the age of eight. This rate of growth is much greater than at any other time in their lives. These reports also find strong evidence that education in these early years is a factor in determining a child’s later academic performance, professional success, and economic outcomes. A strong early childhood education can even influence the probability of involvement, or lack of involvement, in criminal activity in the future.

There are many reasons one would like to pursue a doctorate in the early childhood field. For starters, it sets an educator up for taking on research and leadership positions in early childhood education as well as teaching at the college or university level. Educators with a doctorate in early childhood can become candidates for administer or superintendent roles.

A doctoral degree also allows one to advance educational theories that can transform education at a broader level, creating positive changes in the field. There are many advantages to working towards a doctorate degree, but what are some other things someone should consider before embarking on the journey towards their next degree?

Things to Consider Before Pursuing a Doctorate

There are many reasons to pursue a doctorate degree. A good starting place is to determine your “why.”

• Are you a lifelong learner that wants to advance your knowledge in the field?
• Are you considering a role in administration?
• Do you want to work at the collegiate level?

Or maybe you simply want to max yourself out on the pay scale. There is no wrong answer, but knowing your why can help you keep your goals at the forefront of your mind as you enter into this next phase of schooling.

Once you have determined your why, do your homework. Be sure to pick a program that meets your personal and professional goals. Consider academic rigor, the requirements necessary for completion, and the faculty you will be working with.

Additionally, there are dozens of programs to consider, and the time required to complete them varies.

• Do you want to pursue a degree that can mostly be completed virtually?
• Do you learn best in person?

These are all valuable questions to put some thought into. Reaching out to an advisor at the schools you are considering is a great resource to consider. Ask for the contact information of recent graduates that would be available to answer questions. These students are often the most honest about the programs they have just completed and a great way to make sure you are choosing the best one for you.

Lastly, set realistic goals and expectations for yourself. Decide when it works best for you and your family to set aside the time you need to focus on your schooling. For some, that may be Saturday mornings. For others, that may be post kid bedtime a few nights a week. Establishing a routine will help make the school-work seem more predictable and less stressful. Additionally,  make sure you turn to ways you can destress as well as self-care techniques so you don’t burn yourself out throughout the process.

Earning a doctorate in early childhood education is an amazing accomplishment. Determine your “why,” find the right program, and set realistic goals for yourself, all while making time for distress and self-care, will help make this journey a positive experience.    

Because of the importance of those formative years, early childhood education careers are vital in setting learners up for success. In the field of education, the Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) degree is a terminal degree that can prepare professionals to make an impact in early childhood education. Ed.D. graduates who have studied topics like leadership and education policy can make a positive difference in school districts, classrooms, nonprofits, and other settings that deliver early childhood education.

Interested in advancing your career? Check out our available doctorate in education graduate programs and get started today!

The post The Rewards of a Doctorate in Early Childhood Education appeared first on Graduate Programs for Educators.

The doctorate is a highly specialized degree that opens up a wide range of career opportunities in the field of education. While many people assume that earning a doctorate in education only leads to careers in academia or school administration, the truth is that the degree can qualify you for a variety of roles both inside and outside the classroom. While many individuals with a doctorate in education pursue traditional academic roles as professors and researchers, numerous other career opportunities are available to those with this degree. In this article, we will explore some of the jobs that a doctorate in education qualifies you for.

Perhaps the most obvious career path for someone who has completed doctoral programs in education is to pursue a role in academia. This might involve teaching courses in education, conducting research in the field, or mentoring graduate students. Here are a few examples of academic roles that someone with a doctorate in education might pursue:

Academic Roles

Professor

Many colleges and universities require their faculty members to hold a doctorate degree in their field. In the case of education, professors may teach courses in subjects like educational psychology, curriculum design, or educational leadership. They may also conduct research in these areas, publish academic articles or books, and serve on committees or advisory boards within their institution.

Department Chair

In some cases, a professor with a doctorate in education may be promoted to serve as the chair of their department. This role typically involves overseeing the department’s curriculum, managing faculty members, and developing policies that support the department’s mission and goals.

Academic Dean

Another potential career path for someone with a doctorate in education is to serve as an academic dean. In this role, they would oversee one or more academic departments within a college or university, work with faculty members to develop new programs or initiatives and ensure that the institution is meeting its academic standards.

Education Policy Roles

Another area where a doctorate in education can be useful is in the field of education policy. This might involve working with government agencies, non-profits, or educational institutions to develop policies that promote student success and educational equity. Here are a few examples of education policy roles that someone with a doctorate in education might pursue:

Education Consultant

Many school districts or educational organizations hire consultants to help them develop and implement new policies or programs. A consultant with a doctorate in education might specialize in areas like curriculum design, assessment and evaluation, or teacher professional development.

Education Policy Analyst

Another potential career path for someone with a doctorate in education is to work as a policy analyst for a government agency or non-profit organization. In this role, they would analyze data, research current policies, and recommend new policies or initiatives supporting student success and educational equity.

Education Advocate

Someone with a doctorate in education might also choose to work as an advocate for educational issues. This might involve lobbying for policies that support students and teachers, working with community organizations to promote educational equity, or writing articles or blog posts that raise awareness about important issues in the field.

K-12 School Leadership Roles

Most of the job roles occupied by individuals who have a doctorate in education are roles held by leaders in K-12 school districts. Some of the job roles include:

School Administrator

One of the most common career paths for individuals with a doctorate in education is becoming a school administrator. School administrators are responsible for overseeing the daily operations of schools, from managing budgets and resources to hiring and supervising staff. They also play a critical role in setting policies that affect the educational outcomes of students. This would include job titles such as: assistant principals, principals, district directors, executive directors, chiefs, assistant superintendents, deputy superintendents and superintendents.

Curriculum Specialist

Curriculum specialists are responsible for designing and implementing educational programs that align with the goals and objectives of a school or district. They work closely with teachers and other educators to develop instructional materials and assessments that promote student learning and achievement.

Corporate Training Roles

While it may seem surprising, a doctorate in education can also be useful for those interested in corporate training roles. Many companies are recognizing the importance of ongoing employee development and are hiring professionals with advanced degrees to design and implement training programs. Here are a few examples of corporate training roles that someone with a doctorate in education might pursue:

Corporate Trainer

Corporate trainers use their expertise in education to design and deliver training programs for employees in various industries. They develop training materials, conduct training sessions, and evaluate the effectiveness of training programs. Corporate trainers work for corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

Learning and Development Manager

In this role, someone with a doctorate in education might work with a company’s leadership team to develop training programs that align with the organization’s goals and values. They would also oversee the implementation of these programs and evaluate their effectiveness.

Instructional Designer

An instructional designer with a doctorate in education might specialize in designing training materials and courses for adult learners. They would work closely with subject matter experts to create relevant materials for adults that complement adult learning styles.

In conclusion, a doctorate in education offers numerous career opportunities beyond traditional academic roles. Whether you aspire to become a school administrator, educational researcher, or corporate trainer, a doctorate in education can help you achieve your professional goals while making a positive impact on the field of education.

Are you interested in pursuing a doctorate program to advance your career? If so, check out our available in-person, hybrid, or online doctoral programs in education today!

The post Jobs That a Doctorate in Education Qualifies You For appeared first on Graduate Programs for Educators.

Another consideration of earning a doctorate is more extrinsic in motivation. Earning a doctorate can make an educator more marketable for career advancement. A doctorate within a field is both respected and well-recognized. As such, the grad degree leads to heightened credibility within the field. These doctoral degrees can even lead to additional certifications, opening the door to new fields under the education umbrella. A doctorate certainly makes a candidate more marketable for most fields in education.

Why I Chose to Pursue a Doctoral Degree

The decision to start down a path toward an additional degree is not one to take lightly. There will undoubtedly be additional pressures in your life during this period. Perseverance and resilience are essential for the successful completion of a graduate degree. This commitment will require time, which may take time away from family and other aspects of life. Balance is essential, and the individual must be confident that the investment is in their best interest.

Earning a doctorate is a bucket list item for many individuals. I would include myself in this group of individuals, as my degree was my personal goal. Graduate programs add to a feeling of accomplishment. I knew I wanted a doctorate, but the timing and expense were looming considerations at points in my life.

In addition, a person must get beyond fear of failure. Many accomplished people fear the next step as it might be the one that impedes their success. I realized that we cannot live in fear, but rather must embrace life and its challenges. Entering a doctoral program with eight of my colleagues provided the assurance I needed to begin my doctoral degree.

Another consideration that led to my pursuit of the doctoral degree was the desire to make a greater impact within the field of education. I wanted to teach additional education courses at the collegiate level, write articles for publication, present at conferences, and eventually pursue the position of division superintendent. While I knew that some of these accomplishments could be pursued without the doctorate, I also knew that adding the credential would make me more marketable and credible. Upward mobility is strongly linked to the completion of this degree.

How My Doctorate Helped My Career

I selected a doctoral program that fit my needs as a current leader within a school system. My leadership track helped me to study leadership skills and models that were useful to me as a principal at the time. Relevant, meaningful, and practical programs are often of most use to educators. I did not earn an additional certification through my doctoral program as my state affords persons with a specialist degree the opportunity to hold a Division Superintendent’s License. Yet, my investment in the program provided additional confidence and understanding of the field.

Many divisions add a paid stipend for anyone with a doctorate. In this regard, my doctoral degree added to my compensation, which helps my career in the present and boosts future retirement earnings. In addition, the doctoral degree, combined with my leading a highly successful school, allowed me to speak at numerous conferences and publish relevant educational articles. These accomplishments opened to door for me to become an adjunct faculty member in leadership studies at the collegiate level.

What I Learned Through the Degree that I Still Use

I am able to use the skills gained from my doctorate program on a daily basis. Earning the credential was certainly a key factor in my becoming a superintendent. Since I selected a degree program that aligns with my leadership career, I can use the leadership skills to create better working conditions for employees and learning experiences for our students. One of the critical understandings from my program was leading by example as a servant leader. Empathy and serving others are driving forces of my daily goals.

Further, educators’ time is too limited to focus on initiatives that are not producing sound results. The program’s focus on data-driven instruction and evaluation helps me use action research on the job to refine an educational system to produce the best results. The dissertation phase, although daunting, is essential for understanding how to evaluate and rely on sound data to make informed decisions. Educators are prepared to have a larger impact as they apply research methods to answer relevant questions about daily practices and gaps in existing studies.

I can use the skills that I learned along the path to the doctoral degree to remain relevant as a college professor in educational leadership. Further, the degree opens the door to present and write about education. As such, these opportunities help motivate me to continue to learn and grow within the field as an administrator. Continual growth and learning should be the goal of any educator.

Each person needs to believe in themselves and make the best decision for them regarding their future and career. The best way to start is a conversation with colleagues who have earned a doctorate and college graduate education departments.

Are you interested in pursuing a doctorate program to advance your career? If so, check out our available in-person, hybrid, or online doctoral programs in education today!

The post How My Doctorate Elevated My Career appeared first on Graduate Programs for Educators.

Find the Format for You

With the help of technology, graduate school does not have to be a huge, extra burden for educators. There are many different models and formats to help the working educator navigate how to balance work and school. These different models are meant to allow teachers to have the flexibility to teach and pursue a degree. It allows teachers to continue their education while still working.

Many colleges and universities’ graduate school of education offer different options for master’s degrees, such as online, hybrid, or in-person. Schools use a range of teaching formats to support busy professionals and provide flexibility to students. These different formats help students to work and gain a degree.

In-Person

The in-person model is just that — when you attend all of your classes in person; this is typically the traditional school approach. This allows the student to learn from the teacher during class time. It also requires the student to have the time to go to campus for the day and time of the class.

Online

The online model allows the student to work on their own to complete the materials for the course. In many online classes, the teacher will post the different modules and assignments for the course, and the students dictate when the work will be completed based on their schedules.

In many online classes, the course runs for a designated period with different due dates throughout. The student can work at their own pace to complete the assignments. Some online classes also post all the assignments for the entire course at once, with the due dates being the last day of the course. With this type of online model, the teacher could post the lectures for the student to watch on their own time rather than having the student attend.

This format allows the student to have the freedom to complete the material on their own time when it works best for them. This model puts a lot on the student, but the freedom to complete the work on one’s own time can be more beneficial and worthwhile, especially while working full-time.

Hybrid

The hybrid model combines the in-person and online model. This model has students attend class in-person and also complete online work. In some cases, educators teach remote and in-person students simultaneously using tools like video conferencing hardware and software.

Another way the hybrid model works is that students attend an online lecture during the week but have the opportunity to complete the work independently. The online lectures help students to understand the material and assignments that they will have to complete. These lectures are typically required.

The students have the freedom to complete the work on their own just as they would in the online model. This model allows students to access their teacher, whether in the classroom or through an online platform such as Zoom, and the ability to complete assignments on their own time.

Use Your Time Wisely

Regardless of which model of classes is chosen when pursuing a master’s or doctorate degree, it is always best to use your time wisely. Again, it is challenging when balancing work and classes since many classes require a lot of reading and lengthy assignments.

It is best to understand what model works best for you and your lifestyle. When deciding on a program, it is best to pick the right program that fits your needs academically and logistically. To do this, it might be helpful to reach out to your friends, family, or colleagues to see what they have done and what worked for them and their schedules.

Your support network may offer ideas or suggestions you have not considered. It is important to understand what you are undertaking before you fully commit. Some colleges or universities let you take a course or two before fully enrolling. This allows you to see the coursework and style of the program you want to complete, which will be helpful down the line for how to balance school and work, and give you a taste of the work load.

Many programs also offer weekend or evening classes and summer programs so that you can complete a degree while working during the day. Many colleges and universities want to make obtaining a degree possible. They will offer more flexible course options to help those who work. It is extremely important to look into all of these options when considering a program.

Communicate with Professors and Cohort

Once you are enrolled, it is extremely beneficial to reach out to your professors and classmates to help one another. One of the best things I did while completing my online master’s degree was have a group chat with all cohort members. Since the program was solely online, we did not have the opportunity to collaborate in the classroom face-to-face.

However, by obtaining phone numbers, email addresses, and having a group discussion board through the school’s learning management system, we could communicate with one another to help each other. If one person did not necessarily understand the assignment, they could ask our group for clarification. This made the learning process much easier and more manageable.

Many of my professors also offered online office hours where you could host a Zoom meeting with them to have a discussion. Professors want you to learn what they are teaching and do your best, just like we as elementary or secondary teachers want for our students. If there is an issue, most professors are available to meet, whether through email or to set up an appointment.

It can go a long way if you are open, honest, and willing to reach out to your cohort and professors. It is worthwhile to make the connections and can help with future endeavors.

Additional Tips and Tricks

Overall, choosing the right graduate program is so important; time and money are the two most significant factors in the decision. The best advice I can give is to take your time researching programs. Make sure you choose a program that suits your needs. The right program is out there for you; taking the time and effort to find it is well worth it in the end.

Are you interested in taking the next step in your career and pursuing a graduate degree? Check out our available graduate education programs and get started today!

The post Balancing School and Work: Graduate School appeared first on Graduate Programs for Educators.

What Does a Music Teacher Do?

Elementary

For most music education positions at the elementary level, the teacher is required to instruct students in basic music skills as this is generally the students’ first exposure to musical elements in an organized setting. Elementary music teachers typically introduce the main elements of music throughout their chosen curriculum. Those elements include tempo, dynamics, pitch, rhythm, melody, timbre, and texture.

Secondary

Middle school and high school music teachers may offer general music curriculum courses as determined by their respective schools. However, many have acquired the skills necessary for a more specific music practice such as band  by the time students reach those grade levels. Teachers in the higher grade levels are more likely to teach classes specific to those areas.

General Tasks

Regardless of the grade level, most music teachers are also responsible for completing holiday musicals, programs, or concerts. From open houses to graduations or Halloween to Easter, music teachers create, produce, and oversee various programs for the school community to attend and enjoy. Most importantly, these types of experiences are the ones that many students remember years after their time in the music classroom has ended.

Music Teacher Requirements: Skills

First and foremost, anyone considering the role of music teacher should have a love and passion for music. Music teachers can have varying skill levels and specialties in terms of their musicianship, but it is a must that they have a genuine love and appreciation for music. This alone will translate into one’s teaching in the classroom and make the learning experience more valuable for all students.

More importantly, anyone pursuing a career in music education should find great enjoyment in sharing music with others! Aside from having a passion for music, music teachers should possess musical talent. This can include singing, playing an instrument, etc.

In addition to this, music teachers must have a vast and sufficient knowledge of music skills, aside from their area of emphasis (i.e. voice, piano, or other instruments.) This is an essential requirement as music teachers will be instructing students in multiple elements of music throughout a school year and must be ready to guide students as necessary to produce the best musical results.

Music Teacher Requirements: Education

To become a music teacher, one must first acquire at least a bachelor’s degree in music education. The degree will include general education courses to aid prospective teachers in best practices and classroom management skills. There will also be courses catered explicitly to expanding one’s own musical skills and methods of teaching music to students.

Near the end of the coursework, prospective teachers must take and pass specific teacher certification exams to obtain a teaching license. These requirements and the number of necessary exams may vary by state. Still, typically, they consist of one or two general education exams and multiple area-specific exams related to music. Both the bachelor’s degree and teaching certification are, more often than not, the only two main requirements to begin teaching music in a public school setting.

For those who may be switching careers or want to take a different route, alternative teacher certifications are a very doable and efficient path.

After being certified as a teacher, there are more advanced certifications that can be obtained to grow one’s skills and for professional development purposes. Three major music teaching methodologies have grown in popularity over the others and offer unique strategies and sequences for introducing and teaching music skills to students:

• Orff
• Dalcroze
• Kodály

Several universities and organizations found in various locations across the country offer certification in these methodologies. By adding this certification to your skill set, one elevates their teaching ability and becomes even more valuable as an employee to potential employers. It also shows one’s willingness to grow and desire to improve as an educator.

Why Should You Consider Music Teacher Jobs? 

There are many benefits to music teacher jobs and teaching music to children:

• Music teacher salary
• Health benefits
• Vacation days
• The job of a music teacher is always exciting
• Curriculum changes quickly
• Has ample opportunities for creativity
• Generates unique learning experiences for students

By providing students with unforgettable musical experiences, students are more likely to join a choir, play an instrument, and more as they enter adulthood. Seeing students grow and expand their musical abilities is one of the most significant advantages of being a music teacher.

Along with this, music teachers can create clubs or other extracurricular activities related to music that students may join or attend to further their skills and joy of music:

• Singing club or choir
• Jazz band
• Instrument or voice lessons

Another fantastic benefit of being a music teacher is that you have many avenues for progressing your teaching skills. First, music teachers who work in the same area may meet periodically to discuss and share lesson ideas or other music teaching concepts. This is where music teachers learn best practices and gain priceless knowledge that may be implemented into their classrooms to better shape student learning.

Additionally, there are many music teaching groups available on social media that provide many instructional ideas that may aid in planning and the development of lessons. Support groups such as these make the role of music teacher even more rewarding and fun!

How to Become a Music Teacher

To become a music teacher, one must first enjoy music and some type of musical ability. From there, prospective music teachers should begin their collegiate career, taking general education courses and various music courses as determined by their respective universities. As coursework is near its completion, the potential teacher must pass a series of exams to obtain a beginning teacher certification.

Once these requirements have been achieved, it is time to begin searching for available employment in the area one desires to teach. Then, the real fun can begin; it is time to create engaging lessons that bring music to life for students and keep them coming back for more!

Interested in becoming a teacher? Check out our available programs and get started on your next journey today!

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The COVID-19 pandemic has made it clear that education has changed in many ways. Because of the newly pervasive virus variant, universities and colleges are experiencing staff shortages.  We are still experiencing schools closing for in-person learning and a pause in extracurricular activities due to the pandemic.

Schools are also now forced to address learning gaps. During virtual learning, students of all levels have missed out on their collaborative group time which is essential; colleges and schools are trying to find time to implement peer support.

As we continue through these challenging times, we have to ensure that teaching and learning continue to occur in schools.

Things to Consider Before Applying

Below are some of the things you need to consider before deciding to go back to school:

Safety

New instructional challenges and barriers to implementing COVID-19 prevention measures have affected teachers’ mental health. The mental health of the educator is linked to how effective they feel in their classroom.

With coronavirus cases surging, several states are suspending in-person learning. The current situation with the pandemic and the virus variants are putting states in a tough place. When it is safe, we must continue to have in-person learning experiences for students. Despite the challenges, we need to keep the students safe and learning.

The big question is, how do we move forward with all the barriers we are presently facing? Some would say constant collaboration; we are thankful for the constant collaboration between schools and the health department.

A Great Need

A lot of people say, “I want to make a difference.” This is a wonderful time to make a difference. Individuals need to step back and wonder about a career path they might have never considered because it is time to look at all possibilities. Look at your skillset and pursue that path; identify the areas you want to develop, find out what you are good at, and seek those areas by furthering your education.

According to recent guidance from the Tennessee Department of Education, the criteria that confirm the lowest-performing schools is in process. There is a great need for graduate schools to start preparing their students to address this challenge because states are restarting the accountability piece since the pandemic and students will continue to be tested in reading, math, and science.

Mental Health

Schools also need to provide mental health support, and students need to know how to access mental health services. Universities can have a significant impact on mental health and students’ understanding of the subject.

Research by the National Association of School Psychologists shows that students are more likely to seek counseling when resources are available at school. From the research they gathered, they also concluded that students who receive social, emotional, and mental health support achieve better academically.

Technology

During the pandemic, a lot of emphasis was put on virtual learning. Students learned to use technology in ways they had never done before. One of the advantages of enrolling in a graduate program is that we have a new look and opportunity of using technology which gives a better learning experience for students.

Educators have a great opportunity of using technology and incorporating strategies that include:

• Gamified learning
• Digital field trips
• Integrating social media
• Gathering student feedback
• Creating digital content
• Reviewing and critiquing webpages
• Incorporating video and multimedia into instructional lessons

We have more opportunities for learning gains than we did last year, and this is because students have more access to materials online than last year. As we begin in 2022, students are going to experience new platforms; colleges, states, and students better understand using technology than they did before.

Strategies for Success as a Grad Student During COVID

Several colleges are moving to remote or virtual learning, but research indicates face-to-face instruction is beneficial for students. States and colleges are forced to make adjustments to keep students learning. For example, several states are distributing at-home COVID-19 rapid tests for staff and students.

Below are some of the strategies for success as a graduate student during COVID:

Online Programs

A majority of colleges offer fully online programs which can be the best option for some students amidst this pandemic.

Engaging Programs

Universities are offering interactive courses that are engaging for students and allow students to be independent.

Learning Supports

Colleges need to have learning support for students, and schools need to establish a committee to address learning and teaching.

Peer Tutoring

The pandemic has affected people in different ways; students need tutoring to address the learning loss.

Curriculum

Schools need to revisit, alter the course of their curriculum, and analyze what was working before the pandemic and what adjustments must be made.

Mental Health Issues

A lot of students have been affected by the pandemic. It is extremely beneficial when colleges address mental health among the students.

Deciding to go to grad school? Check out our available programs and enroll today!

The post The New Year: Going Back to School During COVID appeared first on Graduate Programs for Educators.

Big Purchases You May Be Considering

One of the primary characteristics of those who have success with their money is that every dollar has an assignment and they live within their means. This means they don’t want to tie their hands by spending too much each month on a car or house.

So before we get into those big purchases such as a graduate degree, a car, or house, let us take a look at managing the money you have to make these purchases possible.

How to Manage Debt as an Educator

Managing and getting out of debt as an educator is likely the biggest challenge to making big purchases as an educator. Many of us have had or still have student loans that we need to pay off.

Let me make a plug for getting out of debt as soon as possible. Many debt reduction options exist, from debt snowball strategies and consolidation, to loan forgiveness.

The first tip for managing debt as an educator is to have a budget to work from. Make sure your four walls are taken care of first:

• Rent/mortgage
• Must-have utilities
  • Rent/mortgage and utilities = no more than 30-35% of your take-home pay
• Food/clothes
• Transportation to get work

The next step for most people is their debt or student loans. Between the four walls and debt, most people have to be very intentional about what they do next with their money. If there is room in your budget after your debt minimums, see what you can add to that to pay off your debt more quickly.

After the first five things mentioned above (four walls and debts), some of you may want to look at setting money aside for a down payment on a car or house. By having a budget, you will know how much you can use to get out of debt or how much you can save for a big purchase. This will also give you a timeline for when you can make that down payment on a car or house.

When gathering and saving the cash you need, check your credit score. This will allow you to take care of things that may need to be done before you buy, especially if your credit score is low.  

Preparing to Buy

When your debt is either gone or a solid management plan is in place, perhaps you’re looking into a master’s or doctorate degree.

During this time, don’t make any major purchases that will impact your credit score and start with two things in mind: the end goal and what you can afford. Once the degree is achieved, most employers are only concerned with your experience and what you bring to the table, not where your degree came from.

It might be worth it to take the online master’s program that is $5,000-$10,000 less than the more “prestigious” program that will end up getting you the same job and salary. That may potentially be $10,000 less you have to pay off in loans.

Although they are not as plentiful, graduate-level scholarships, grants, and loans are available for graduate college. Do your research on this and talk to your graduate school of choice about these possibilities. You also may be lucky enough to find a place to work that will pay for any of this in return for you to work there for a certain number of years; go for it! It will pay dividends in the long run.

Now, how does this work with a car purchase? Your budget will tell you how expensive of a car you can afford. Your goal each day is to get from your residence to your work safely and reliably. Can this be done for $200 less a month with a Honda versus a BMW?

There are also many car loans out there for educators, such as Educators Credit Union and Teachers Federal Credit Union with lower interest rates, different loans to fit your needs, and some 100% financing. There are local banks that will have rates for educators also. It will take some research on your part, but some options will cost less in the long run for educators.

Making the Purchase

Don’t be afraid of looking at used cars. You could get the same car with only 30,000-40,000 miles on it for as much as $10,000-20,000 less than if you bought it new, saving you hundreds of dollars a month on the same car.

Many of the financing options for the car will give 36 to 72 months to pay it off. Remember, the shorter the terms, the sooner you pay it off, but you cannot go over what you can afford.

When it comes to home purchases, the process is similar to the car. Although you are in debt when purchasing a house, it also accrues value, and a car does not. What can you afford, and what will it take to get you in there?

There are mortgage options for educators to get down payment assistance, first-time homebuyer rates, and no fees. There are also some mortgages out there for 3% down, which is very attainable for teachers and others that make a mid-range salary.

After The Buy

Don’t forget to make room in your budget for car or house maintenance. One key to keeping your car running and home gaining value over time, is regular maintenance. Not only does it help the value of your house, but for your car, it increases the chance that you actually pay off the car and still have a good reliable vehicle that is paid for.

In short:

• Manage your budget and know what you can afford
• Make sure your four walls and debts are taken care of
  • Get out of debt as quickly as you can
• Look into loan programs for cars and houses
• Research graduate programs scholarship options

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However, as time passes, and as the young teacher becomes more comfortable with all the challenges, the idea of becoming a school leader begins to seem more reasonable and, perhaps, appealing. When teachers start thinking about graduate programs to further their education, although there are many options to choose from, it may be that becoming a school principal is the right choice.

Educational Leadership

A graduate degree in educational leadership would be necessary for anyone hoping to pursue a career as a school administrator. This would include school principals, of course, and other top positions such as department heads, central office administrators, and instructional supervisors. There are master’s, educational specialist, and doctoral degrees all available for this area.

In many programs, the licensure component to include an add-on in educational leadership is included in the degree plan. Educational leadership programs will consist of a great deal of study on instructional methods and strategies, current trends in education, and management skills to include personnel, budgeting, and teacher evaluations. As opposed to other administrative and leadership degrees, the focus is more directed toward instruction than management skills in educational leadership.

Someone with a degree in educational leadership could pursue a school principal or other leadership position. This person would also be qualified to serve as a teacher leader at the school level. This could mean being a grade-level team leader or a school-wide teacher leader that mentors others and leads professional development sessions.

School Administration

A master’s, educational specialist, and doctoral degree in school administration is also available in many graduate programs. This would be an appropriate degree for someone hoping to become a school principal or higher-level administrator. However, the focus of a school administration degree will be more on management skills than instructional skills. This type of program would include a lot of financial and budget training, human resources training, problem-solving, and current events and challenges in education. While both degrees can prepare a teacher for a school principal position, one program focuses more on instructional aspects, while the other program focuses on management aspects.

Principal Preparation Program

These programs are a combination of the above-mentioned programs under a slightly different name. However, it is important to note that many districts are beginning to implement their own principal prep programs to prepare teachers that are already in their district. In the district where I teach, they instituted one of these programs.

Candidates for the program were required to have a graduate degree in school administration or educational leadership with the corresponding certification requirements. Through a rigorous application and interview process, participants were chosen. In my district, this was a year-long program that involved instruction and mentoring, including internship experiences, by principals in the district, instructional coaches, and other school administrators.

This program was highly beneficial and successful as it essentially trained the next principals for the district. It is important to note that in most districts that offer this program, the advanced degree in some kind of leadership or administrative program is a prerequisite. Participation would be very advantageous for anyone hoping to become a principal in districts that offer this program.

Educational Technology Leadership

As the name implies, a graduate degree in educational technology leadership is related to leading a school or a district in technology-related ways. A person with an advanced degree in this field would be qualified for administration positions or more niche positions such as a software consultant, distance education director, curriculum specialist, or learning applications designer.

A person with this degree would also be eligible to serve as a district supervisor of technology. So this area would be far more focused on technology, less focused on working with students, and perhaps less time working in schools. 

Instructional Leadership

Both master’s and educational specialist programs are available for instructional leadership.

This type of program would include principal preparation, emphasis on instructional practices, improving student achievement, and related field experiences. A person would be qualified to serve as a school principal, a district administrator, or a school or district instructional coach with this degree.

If the opportunity to be considered for positions such as a school principal, an advanced degree will be necessary. When you look at the benefits, it is most certainly an excellent option for educational professionals with hopes of career advancement.

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Academic research is a systematic approach to increase knowledge on a particular subject matter or topic. The deep exploration and study of a specific topic found through academic research are often used to explain particular facts, misconceptions, and opinions of a relevant topic about a field of study.

A person’s academic research is most often associated with a master’s degree, doctoral program, or professional contribution to journals, conferences, or internships.

Why is Academic Research Important in Graduate School?

Academic research is essential in graduate school because it is often the culminating project or final paper submitted to support a candidate’s complete understanding of a topic within a graduate program. The actual academic research usually takes a year or more to complete in addition to a two-year to five-year time period in an in-person or online program, depending on the field of study and amount of coursework required.

Academic research often indicates or proves that a candidate is qualified to be a leader in their field of study while also representing the graduate school. Academic research is an in-depth critical analysis of statistics, observations, literature, case studies, and theories closely related to a graduate school candidate’s professional interests and career path.

More often than not, the academic research conducted in graduate school is later published in a trade publication or periodical. It can also be submitted and used as a research-based presentation at a professional trade or industry conference. Sometimes, it is even used later to write and publish a book on the subject matter. In this instance, graduate school is the driving force behind academic research.

How Do I Know if Something is Credible?

Several factors can be used to determine if academic research is credible. The first question to ask is why the study was chosen in the first place to fully examine. Then, ask a variety of inquiry-based questions to support the reason behind the research:

• What is the purpose of the research?
• Why was this research so important to conduct?
• How relevant is this research?

It is important to identify the credentials of the person conducting the research, what school is backing or supporting the academic research, and if any particular organization or institution funds the research.

The sample size of the case study and the data collected are important to review for credibility in addition to understanding the measures and said outcomes of the conducted research. Finally, peer-reviewed and trusted resources are a good indicator of credible sources. 

Academic Research Tips: How to Find Trustworthy Research

When an individual is completing the actual research, it is imperative to ensure that trustworthy research is available to help create a substantial research paper to present. One of the best ways to do this is to be skeptical about everything you read. The tips to finding trustworthy research are similar to determining if something is indeed credible. Peer-reviewed papers and highly ranked trusted institutions and organizations often produce and publish the most trustworthy research.

Reviewing the identity of the researcher conducting the academic research and their credentials of the person conducting the research is vital to locate trustworthy research. Find out if a particular school, organization, or institution is backing, supporting, or funding the academic research.

Depending on the industry, a various institutions and organizations are nationally and internationally recognized as trustworthy research sources in their field. Check the sources cited by the author of the research as well. In addition to reviews, check if the research received any awards, accolades, testimonials, or endorsements.

Visit a university library, public library, or academic research library to begin the research process. Google Scholar is an online search that is primarily focused on housing academic journals, articles, and publications on a particular subject matter. Finding trustworthy research begins by finding and selecting relevant articles, journals, and publications that address the topic a student or candidate is researching.

It is recommended that sources published within the past ten years are the most reliable and relevant materials for up-to-date and current research. An exception would be when you are looking for historical pedagogy or theories to support the present-day research.

Once you find, read, and critically analyze the research that you have found, it is time to use it effectively to share and present your research. Organize and communicate information in a manner that allows you to write and express your research efficiently. Finally, you present and defend your research to your committee within the graduate program.

The ultimate goal of academic research is to make an impact, create a solution to a problem, or better a system within your industry or organization. When academic research can be implemented for a positive outcome, the purpose of completing the academic research in the first place is validated.

Interested in looking into graduate programs? Check out our available education programs and enroll today!

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What exactly is inclusive pedagogy, and why is it so important? How has the pandemic impacted inclusive pedagogy and its importance? And what are some ways and examples graduate programs are promoting inclusive pedagogy? Now more than ever, graduate programs promote an inclusive pedagogy that fosters a supportive environment where thoughtfulness and respect are shown.

What is Inclusive Pedagogy and Why is It Important?

Inclusive pedagogy refers to a practice of teaching where educators and their students work together to create a supportive, uplifting, and inclusive environment. This method of pedagogy lays the foundation for every student to have equal access to learning by taking into consideration various perspectives, backgrounds, and other barriers students might have.

Inclusive pedagogy embraces mutual respect and thoughtfulness for every individual student regardless of their gender, race, age, or religion. To take it one step further, inclusive pedagogy requires reflection on educators’ choices, how they teach their content, and how their students may receive it. It also invites educators to consider how their social and cultural identity may impact their students’ learning experiences.

How has COVID Impacted Inclusive Pedagogy and Its Importance?

To say that the pandemic has impacted education would be hugely understated. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way students learn, how they go to school, and the teachers’ abilities to reach students. Additionally, COVID has impacted inclusive pedagogy and brought even greater awareness of inclusive education.

When students switched to online learning at the start of the pandemic, teachers had to be very mindful of the different learning environments that students would be surrounded by regarding internet accessibility, internet speed, home life, behavioral needs, differentiation, and so many more.

Teachers had to understand that not everyone would have an adult to help them log into their Zoom class, help find their workbook, or help get them to a learning space where they could best pay attention. The COVID-19 pandemic helped bring all these inequalities to the forefront of educators’ minds, and through that awareness, inclusive pedagogy has been positively impacted.

Ways Graduate Programs are Promoting Inclusive Pedagogy

Diversifying Course Materials

To promote inclusive pedagogy, graduate programs are diversifying course material in a variety of ways. This may mean reflecting on the curriculum, when it was written, by whom, and if it is still relevant to current practices.

It can also mean incorporating readings from authors of different cultures, nationalities, and perspectives. It means taking your lesson a step further by putting more profound thought into the literature you choose to pair with your coursework so that all groups are better represented.

Bringing Awareness to Language

Graduate programs are paying closer and closer attention to the language they use in more ways than just how they talk about holidays. It has been common practice not to assume everyone celebrates Christmas or Halloween but mentioning Hanukkah and Eid.

Language can have a significant impact in other ways as well. Being more open to discussing pronouns and using they/them/theirs foster gender neutrality. Additionally, programs are working to avoid generalizations of their own lived experiences and not assuming everyone has had that same experience.

Examining Personal Bias

For not only staff but also for students, graduate programs are putting time and effort into examining personal bias. For educators and students alike, this means reflecting on cultural, religious, or gender assumptions and working towards breaking down walls where stereotypes have been built.

It can mean putting thought into how each individual was raised and how that affects the way they view the world or act. Bringing these biases to life can help students move in a positive and more inclusive direction.

Action: Use Role-Play to More Deeply Incorporate Inclusive Pedagogy

Role-playing is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to bring awareness to various situations. By using hypothetical scenarios, students can actively participate and learn from how they would react if they came upon this situation.

These hypothetical situations could be as simple as a classmate with a disability and how one would respond and help that student (a student who may be blind, in a wheelchair, or has a learning disability).

It could be a situation that brings light to socioeconomic status, religious differences, or cultural norms. By giving students the chance to participate and then reflect on these events, they can be more readily prepared when they face similar situations in the educational world.

Graduate programs are taking steps forward to promote inclusive pedagogy. In the hopes of fostering a more supportive educational environment, mutual respect for one another, as well as breaking down gender, religious, or cultural biases. Programs are focusing on what they can do to guide their staff and educate their students in more inclusively. COVID brought greater awareness of educational inequalities, and graduate programs are taking steps in the right direction to solve them.

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