Making the decision to further your career by entering a graduate program takes a lot of thought and planning. To reach your career and educational goals, some tips and tricks can help you succeed and get the most out of your program.

Setting Goals

Taking time to set both long and short-term goals will help you make consistent progress through your graduate program. Start by setting long-term goals. These goals will help you identify what you would like to achieve by the completion of the program. They will help provide a clear direction to keep your focus and efforts on reaching your goal. Long-term goals can be identified for the entirety of the program as well as for each semester. Short-term goals are important because they help to break the long-term goals into smaller more manageable steps.

They provide a roadmap to keep you focused on what needs to be accomplished in the near future while providing a sense of direction and purpose. This can increase motivation and productivity by seeing the measurable progress throughout each week, month, course, and semester. Short-term goals can also help with time management. They can help you prioritize tasks as well as manage time more efficiently. Achieving short-term goals can give you a sense of accomplishment that will help build momentum towards achieving your long-term goals.

Networking

Attending graduate school allows you to network with other professionals. This can lead to knowledge sharing, career opportunities, and professional development. Being an active participant in your courses will enable you to get to know and learn from your professors and classmates.

Networking allows you to share your knowledge and learn from other experts in your field. You can exchange ideas and gain insights that can help you in your career. This can also lead to peer collaboration which can help you create more engaging and effective lessons for your students.

Career opportunities are another benefit of networking while in graduate school. You may learn of opportunities within your field that you may not have previously been aware of.

Networking can also help you find new job opportunities or get referrals from someone in your network by meeting and building relationships with your graduate program’s professors and classmates. By connecting with other professionals through networking, you can gain guidance and mentorship to develop your skills and knowledge in your field of study long after the graduate program has ended.

Utilizing Your Resources

Working through a graduate program is a large undertaking. Add in teaching full-time, and you can feel as if there needs to be more hours in a day to complete all that needs to be done. It is important to identify and utilize your resources while attending graduate school. Your resources can consist of family, friends, colleagues, classmates, professors, as well as college resources such as writing centers, academic advisors, and counselors. Identify your support system and be sure to utilize them when needed.

Organization

Organization is key when beginning and working through a graduate program. It is important to organize all aspects of your life before and during a graduate program to be successful. Time management is the most thought about form of organization however, more aspects of organization are required for graduate school success. With good organization skills, you can manage your workload and achieve academic success.

Time management is an important organizational skill. Using a planner and blocking out time to complete tasks will help you prioritize what needs to be done and by when. This will help keep track of classes, assignments, and deadlines. Be sure to include time for studying, research, work, family, self-care and fun.

Set up a filing system. This will include items such as coursework, research, notes, professional articles, teaching materials, etc. When possible, keep digital files for ease of use and organization. This will help save time by having what you need easily accessible at all times.

Create a dedicated workspace that is clear of clutter and distractions. Having a well-lit space with all the supplies you need will provide you with an area where you can focus on your work efficiently.

Self-Care

Arguably the most important tip for success in graduate school is self-care. Graduate students need to maintain their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Attending graduate school can be stressful, especially while also working. Neglecting self-care can lead to burnout. Taking time for yourself to have a healthy sleep routine, nutrition, exercise, and engaging in activities you enjoy can improve your overall well-being. Finding a balance that works for you can help you successfully navigate the demands of graduate school.

Why You Should Choose OAESA with Concordia University Chicago for Your Graduate Degree

Choosing OAESA for your graduate degree is the first step in having a successful graduate school experience. The online platform makes it easy to navigate the program during a time that works for you which is very helpful when working full time. The supportive professors are a wealth of knowledge and working through the program with a cohort allows for networking opportunities with other professionals. OAESA also provides many opportunities for support and growth throughout your graduate program and beyond.

Ready to advance your career with a graduate degree? Check out our available graduate programs and get started today!

The post Tips and Tricks for Success in Graduate Programs appeared first on Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators.

Find the Format for You

Start by taking a close look at your weekly schedule and the demands of your job. Does your daily work schedule stay consistent from week to week? Do you have additional duties or work assignments that will potentially take time from your evenings, weekends, or other commitment free time?

Another factor to consider is your work environment’s ebbs and flow. Are there certain times of year that you tend to have higher work demands? Using this information when scheduling classes will be beneficial to help you maintain a healthy balance between work and school demands. If a certain time of year is generally busier than another, you can adjust your course load to help reduce the amount of additional time needed for schoolwork. And during times of less demand from work, you could possibly add a class or take a course that requires a larger time commitment to meet the requirements.

Learning all you can about the graduate program of interest is also important. Read about the courses and speak with your advisor to get a good idea on what the workload will entail throughout the entire program. If you are able to speak with current or past students as well as the professors, you will gain further insight into the courses and the commitment that will be needed to be successful. When speaking with current and past students, remember that everyone has different work habits. Think about how you learn and perform best and how that may look for each of the courses and their individual requirements.

How to Use Your Time Wisely

Organization

Once registered for classes, be sure to get yourself organized. As soon as the syllabus is available, be sure to read through it noting all due dates. This is where using a planner will come in handy. Having access to a digital planner or calendar app on your electronic device will allow you to conveniently access due dates at all times. Another nice feature is that calendar apps allow you to set reminders.

These reminders can help ensure that tasks are not being overlooked and that you are not overbooking yourself. Using a paper planner or desk calendar can also be beneficial. Writing due dates out on a paper planner can help you easily see when assignments are due and give you an opportunity to map out the days and times that you can work on these assignments.

Assignments

Be sure to thoroughly read through the requirements for each assignment. You will find that some will require extensive work over several days. This could include meeting with peers, either in person or virtual, reading, compiling information, or writing. It is beneficial to map out the times that you will work on these tasks so that they are not missed and adequate time is given for each assignment.

Self-Care

Schedule downtime and practice self-care. The hours spent working at a job and focusing on graduate school can take a toll on a person, leading them to burnout. Downtime should be scheduled weekly. Having time to rest and recharge will enable you to keep working on your goals. This will look different for each person however, eating healthy foods, getting adequate sleep, engaging in physical activities, remaining active in hobbies, visiting with family and friends, and resting are all important activities for one to engage in while working and taking graduate courses.

Your Support System

Identify the community that will act as your support system throughout the degree program. People who can be part of your community include but are not limited to family, friends, and colleagues. Be open and honest with those you have identified as part of your support system so that they can help support you as you navigate the need to set boundaries about your availability and work to manage deadlines. Family and friends can help you take care of some of your home life responsibilities giving you more time to work on your classes or enjoy some much-needed revitalizing downtime.

Finding supportive colleagues will also be beneficial because they will be able to help you with work commitments and understand when you cannot take on additional tasks and responsibilities. Finding a colleague who has already worked through a graduate degree can also be extremely helpful as they will be able to help you navigate through the balance between work and graduate school responsibilities.

Deciding to pursue a graduate degree is a big decision that takes a lot of thought. With a little planning, working toward a graduate degree while also working full-time is attainable and rewarding.

Looking to advance your career and continue your education? Check out our available graduate degree programs and get started today!

The post Balancing Graduate School and Work appeared first on Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators.

Think about all the reasons teachers must continue their education. One year you could be teaching the state’s adopted curriculum standards, and the next, a new set could be released that you will need to teach. You could masterfully prepare your students for the state’s mandatory high-stakes tests, and the next year, the state could switch to a different assessment where you must prepare your students for an entirely different type of assessment.

You could have thought that you had a handle on the fundamentals of teaching, and then the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps the globe. In an instant, all the rules and expectations of teaching and learning transform, and now you have to continue to move forward with students who needed you more than ever and parents looking to you for guidance and stability.

Teachers will never have it all figured out. Change is inevitable, and adaptability is key. There is good news, though: teachers can continually learn and transform with the world through continuing education, and continuing education has never been more readily available.

Why Teachers Continue their Education

There are a variety of reasons that teachers continue their education. Some reasons are altruistic in nature. Teachers are generally the embodiment of lifelong learners, desiring to expand their knowledge base. Teachers may want to continue their education just because they want to be the best version of themselves or because they truly enjoy the educational process.

Other times, teachers may need to continue their education because it is required of them. For example, in Ohio, to renew a five-year teaching license, a teacher must complete six semester hours of graduate credits or acquire 180 contact hours in continuing education exercises.  More than not, teachers continue their education to keep up with changing trends, strategies, and expectations because they want to be the best version of themselves for their students.

Ways to Continue Your Education as an Educator

Graduate Degree

There are many ways for continuing your education as an educator. Of course, there are always options to pursue a master’s degree, doctorate degree, endorsements, or certifications. This can be done all online or in-person; whatever works best for you!

Virtual Networking

Some options are informal and free. If you use social media such as Facebook or Instagram, you can easily find a network of other teachers worldwide and look for fresh and new ideas and strategies, all from the comfort of your couch!

Collaboration

If you prefer face-to-face interaction, collaboration with other teachers in your own district or county might be a better fit for you. Some of the best practices and strategies I have learned, have come from observing and collaborating with my co-workers. Learning from and with other teachers can be transformative. Who better to learn from than people undergoing the same experiences as you?

Professional Development

Other times teachers will partake in continuing education though professional development provided to them though school district. This professional development might be from textbook companies pushing their products or required by the department of education on training for certain subjects like Dyslexia screening or supporting social-emotional welfare for our students.

Higher education is another version of professional development in which one can participate. There have never been so many ways to earn college credit than now: online, in-person, in a cohort, on your own, via videos, on a set schedule, on your time frame, or through traditional learning pathways. Teachers can find any number of courses or programs to study as a means of bettering themselves and growing professionally.

Conferences

Conferences are another way to grow professionally. Like working with your co-workers at school, going to conferences to hear topics of your own selection is also a great way to grow as an educator. You will learn from an expert, while having the ability to network with other educators interested in topics important to you. These conferences can be in person, via video conferences, or pre-recorded. The options are endless!

Benefits of Continuing Education

There are many benefits of continuing education. First, the opportunity for a promotion at work may happen with additional education. Suppose you decide to get a graduate degree in teacher leadership, curriculum and instruction, or educational leadership. In that case, you can be promoted to an administrative position such as a principal, curriculum director, or intervention specialist. Leaving the classroom could lead to another benefit of continuing education, enhanced benefits.

With new job opportunities comes the possibility of a higher salary, paid health insurance, and better retirement packages. There may be some tradeoffs like less time off in the summer or higher pressure for performance, but a higher salary is enough for many to continue their education.

Having more education or training, can also contribute to you becoming a more marketable employee within a district by standing apart from other candidates for positions as they become available such as lead teacher, reading specialist, or mentor teacher roles. These roles do give teachers opportunity for movement within the field of education.

Finally, another benefit of continuing education may be in the form of becoming a different form of yourself. You may be inspired to step out of your old routines and habits to try different strategies and challenge yourself to step out of the box you have resided. By experimenting and pushing yourself, you have the ability to become an altered version of yourself, and you, your colleagues, your school, and your students have the potential to benefit from the transformation.

Benefits of Receiving Continued Education at OAESA with Concordia University Chicago 

I started to feel complacent in my job as a middle school teacher after 18 years. I loved teaching and knew that I was in the right field of work, but I needed a change. I felt stuck in a rut and needed a challenge to reinvigorate myself.

I am the epitome of a lifelong learner; I love to read, learn, and explore. So, after reflection on how I could pivot mid-career, I knew that I wanted to gain a graduate degree and set my sights on a change in position, still in the world of education, but outside the classroom. I gained my master’s degree through OAESA with Concordia University Chicago.

With the completion of this degree, new avenues could be opened for me to become a school leader using my new skills and fresh perspective: reading specialist, curriculum director, testing coordinator, or principal. Through my master’s program, my passion for education was revived, and within nine months of acquiring my educational leadership degree with principal’s license, I was hired as Curriculum Director and Testing Coordinator.

Today, I feel more fulfilled, challenged, and deeply satisfied with my new career. I don’t know where future education will take me, but I do know that I am not done learning or growing. My book is not over, just another chapter completed.

Looking to advance your career and continue your education? Check out our available graduate degree programs and get started today!

The post The Importance of Continuing Education for Teachers appeared first on Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators.

After speaking to the principal at my school about obtaining a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, he suggested I instead obtain a master’s degree in school leadership to become more widely marketable. His advice helped me to decide on pursuing my M.A. in School Leadership with Ohio Principal Licensure through OAESA in conjunction with Concordia University Chicago, and I have never regretted this decision.

Within nine months of gaining this degree, I was named the new curriculum director at the same district where I was already working and loved dearly.

What Does a Curriculum Director Do?

Numerous responsibilities land on the shoulders of a curriculum director. While these roles vary greatly based on the district, some core aspects remain a common thread, regardless of where you chose to work.

• Choosing or creating curriculum for teachers to adopt
• Supporting teachers in the implementation of said curriculum
• Evaluating the effectiveness of the curriculum
• Keeping the teaching staff up-to-date with educational developments
• Fostering collaboration vertically and horizontally within your school
• Ensuring curricula aligns to the standards established by the state
• Arranging effective professional development or workshops for teachers to help them efficiently utilize the adopted curriculum
• Guiding teachers with designing and implementing curriculum and assessments
• Ensuring that the assessments students are taking are preparing them for the high-stakes tests outlined by state and federal requirements
• Reviewing testing data
• Supporting and mentoring teachers as needed
• Providing feedback to school administrators regarding teachers’ utilization of curriculum materials
• Creating a sturdy base for student learning
• Preparing students for life after high school

Curriculum Director Requirements: Skills

A curriculum director must have a wide artillery of skills to be effective in this position.

Communication

Every day, a curriculum director communicates with multiple school administrators, teachers, students, parents, and community partners. Expectations must be clearly expressed to a variety of individuals.

Listening Skills

Perhaps more important that speaking is listening. Any good communicator knows that you must listen to the needs and desires of people to try to find compromise and common ground. Daily, I listen to struggles of the teachers in my district. Sometimes they have issues I can fix, but mostly, they just want someone to listen to the struggles of using a new curriculum or preparing students for a state test.

Collaboration

Frequently, I foster collaboration among whole departments of teachers when planning vertical and horizontal alignment. It greatly benefits students if I am successful in obtaining collaboration among the groups of teachers I am working with. Building consistency comes through collaboration.

Leadership

A curriculum director must be able to lead a group of teachers in their development, utilization, and reflection of curriculum materials.

Organizational Skills

A curriculum director must have an abundance of organizational skills to balance a wide variety of daily tasks which coincide simultaneously.

Fostering Relationships

Possibly the most critical aspect of a curriculum director’s job is working with people and trying to get them to work in conjunction toward a common goal. People want to be seen, heard, and appreciated, rightfully so. I make it a goal of mine to create relationships with the individuals I work with. You are more willing to work for someone when you feel seen and heard. So, I always take the time to get to know people personally. It will pay dividends when working collaboratively in a meeting down the road!

Motivating

Finally, it is essential to be a motivator. A curriculum director can be a disruptor to the status quo. In order to get people to be open to change, I have to dig deep to motivate teachers to change. I always have to help teachers focus on our common denominator, our reason for change: students. With the right motivation and support, teachers will always side with what is best for students.

Curriculum Director Requirements: Education

One cannot just choose to be a curriculum director on a whim; there are a succession of stepping stones one must take on the route to becoming one. While these requirements vary by location, some requirements are to be expected. At the very least, one must have a bachelor’s degree in education and several years of teaching experience to have a basic understanding of curriculum.

Master’s Degree

More than likely, a school will require a candidate to have a master’s degree since curriculum director is often considered an administration position. OAESA’s graduate degrees would be a wonderful place for you to begin this journey. I obtained my M.A. fully online by taking 33 credit hours in only two years. This master’s degree prepared me fully for the role I obtained as curriculum director in my district.

Principal’s License

While not required everywhere, some districts, such as mine, require a curriculum director to also have a principal’s license. I oftentimes help support the district’s principals in their daily tasks and act as a sounding board when the principals are completing teacher evaluations or looking into school policy. The program I completed through OAESA and Concordia University Chicago prepared me perfectly with this stipulation since my degree came in tandem with a principal’s license.

Normally, a master’s degree is sufficient to obtain a curriculum director’s position, but if you wish to further your knowledge in curriculum, OAESA also offers a flexible online curriculum and instruction doctoral program which can be completed in just four years to provide an even deeper perspective of curriculum and instruction.

Why Should You Consider a Curriculum Director Position?

There are several reasons you should consider taking a role as a curriculum director. To start, if you have the drive to make a larger impact in your school, what better place than in curriculum? I know that my efforts and work impacts, not just a classroom or grade of students; my decisions impact a district of students. I know that every decision I make will directly impact the district’s students’ preparation for proficiency tests, graduation, career readiness, and adulthood.

Another perk to becoming a curriculum director is the salary. While varying greatly by district and location, curriculum director positions are mainly administrative in nature, and they often come with a higher salary.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2021, the average salary of a curriculum director was $63,740, with the highest 10% of curriculum directors making an average of $101,090 per year.

Furthermore, another reason you should consider a curriculum director position is the availability of jobs. The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics stated that in the decade of 2020-2030, there is an anticipated 10% increase in the demand for curriculum directors; approximately 18,400 new positions are expected to become available in the next decade.

Additionally, by working as a curriculum director, I am continually gaining experience, which may open additional doors to future jobs down the road. After working as a curriculum director for two years, I have learned about multiple aspects of education that I was not privy to as a teacher. I have the background knowledge now that would make me more marketable if I decided I wanted to become a principal, work for a state governmental agency, or a post-secondary position.

Finally, other benefits come with a curriculum director position. Again, these benefits vary based on location, but as an administrator, your medical insurance may be covered by the district, you may receive a larger contribution towards retirement, or you may receive a higher amount of life insurance provided by the district.

One common misconception of a curriculum director job is that you will not get to enjoy a summer off. However, you may be surprised to learn that as curriculum director, you might have more vacation days that you can use in the summer. Also, in my district, I am on an eleven-month contract, allowing me to have an entire month off in the summer to spend with my children to create memories and enjoy each other’s company.

How to Become a Curriculum Director

If you are interested in becoming a curriculum director, I urge you to start the process now! The only regret that I have about obtaining my degree through OAESA and beginning a new career is taking so long to get started. My new role as curriculum director has given me the fulfillment, excitement, and enrichment that I was craving.

Once you decide upon a program that will suit you, the enrollment process is easy! You can reserve a seat in the program of your choice, arrange for financial aid, and fulfill the application requirements to get started. Step-by-step instructions are outlined on OAESA’s website for you to follow.

If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career as a curriculum director, I urge you to get started today.

Looking to advance your career and continue your education? Check out our available graduate degree programs and get started today!

The post How to Become a Curriculum Director appeared first on Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators.

Benefits of Master’s Program for Educators

Earning a master’s degree provides educators with many opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of their content. Teachers passionate about their grade level or subject area can acquire a deeper understanding of educational theory and practices. They will also acquire several additional skills that will enable them to provide quality education for their students and be viewed as a leader in the classroom with a higher degree of credibility.

While earning a graduate degree, a deeper understanding of educational theories and pedagogical skills will be gained, providing educators with a chance to reflect on their instructional practices and to adjust how they teach, assess, and give feedback to their students This results in overall better student outcomes.

Career Opportunities

In addition to gaining skills to become a more effective teacher in the classroom, an educator who earns a master’s in education will also have opportunities to advance their career outside of the classroom.

These opportunities include leadership roles such as a:

• Principal
• District administrator
• Instructional coach or specialist

Educators who would like to specialize in a different educational area, such as school counseling and school psychology, can do so by earning a master’s degree.

Other opportunities available to individuals earning a master’s degree include:

• Working in higher education
• Writing curriculum
• Designing instruction
• Educational consulting
• Becoming an educational director in the corporate world
• Working as an educational policy analyst or developer

Additional Advantages

A Competitive Edge

In addition to gaining skills and advancing your career with an opportunity for different positions, earning a master’s in education can give an educator a competitive edge when applying for new jobs and leadership roles.

Professional Development

It is also an excellent way for educators to receive professional development and renew their teaching licenses. Educators who have earned their master’s degree can also expect a salary increase. School districts typically offer a monetary incentive to educators who have earned their master’s degree by using a higher pay scale for those individuals.

What to Consider Before Pursuing a Master’s Degree

Before deciding to pursue a master’s degree a candidate needs to think about their professional goals, the time commitment needed for the program, financial responsibility, and mode of instruction.

Professional Goals

Before embarking on this journey, deciding what your professional goals are is essential. Really consider where you see yourself professionally in five to ten years. Will the program you are considering help you to get there? Exploring options, talking with colleagues, and talking with academic advisors is an excellent way to get information about the program you seek and learn how it may help you reach your professional goals.

Your Schedule

Next, you must consider your current commitments and how working on a master’s degree can fit your schedule. Can you dedicate the time needed to work toward your master’s degree? Master’s level courses can be fast paced with a lot of time spent reading, researching, discussing, and writing each week.

Make sure that you can carve out the necessary time that will be needed to dedicate toward coursework without affecting family and work commitments. With a bit of planning, taking on the extra responsibility of graduate coursework is feasible.

Mode of Instruction

Another consideration is the mode of instruction. Courses can be in-person, virtual, or a hybrid model including in-person and virtual. Choosing a program based on how you learn best and what can fit into your schedule is an important consideration before enrolling in a program.

Exploring an online program will greatly help with scheduling. Online courses can generally be completed at any time and there is the added benefit of not having to commute to campus, saving hours each week.

Finances

There is no doubt that earning a master’s degree will not only take time and effort to complete but can also become a significant financial commitment. Begin by looking at your budget to see what you can pay for your degree. Perhaps you have money set aside in savings to cover some or all of the program. If not, there are other options available.

Explore the available private and federal loan options. The Federal Stafford Loan and the Federal Grad PLUS Loans are possible options if you need to borrow money. These federal loans offer lower interest rates and fees compared to private loans. Other options may include employer reimbursement, private grants, and scholarships, so be sure to explore these avenues as well. Check out OAESA with Concordia University Chicago’s “How-To-Pay” page for more information.

Pursuing a master’s degree in education takes a lot of self-reflection, exploration, and planning but can be very advantageous.

Earning a master’s degree in education provides educators with:

• New skills
• Enhanced credibility
• An ability to become a leader in education
• The chance to take on new roles
• A pay increase
• So much more

Committing to earning a master’s degree in education will have life-long benefits for you and the students with whom you will work.

Ready to advance your career with a graduate degree? Check out our available graduate programs and get started today!

The post Advantages of a Master’s Degree for Educators appeared first on Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators.

Before beginning a graduate program with OAESA in collaboration with Concordia University Chicago, I had several concerns about starting a graduate program. I had four young children at home ranging from ten years to eight months of age when I began my program, so I was already in the midst of a busy season of life. I questioned whether the online programs were truly designed with full-time working educators in mind. Could I balance being a full-time teacher, mother, and student?

However, my desire to obtain a more prominent leadership position in education prevailed over my concerns, so I took the plunge and spoke with an advisor to help guide me to the right path for furthering my education. Shortly after this phone call, I enrolled in OAESA’s school leadership graduate program, which I have never regretted.

Did You have any Reservations about a Fully Online Program?

I consider myself somewhat old school in nature, only having participated in a traditional educational setting, so the thought of an online graduate program made me apprehensive. Did I have the technical skills to maneuver my way through an online program successfully? Would I feel isolated in this journey learning in an online environment with strangers I have never “met”? Would my professors be accessible to me when I needed something in a fully online program?

All of these fears were quickly soothed after enrolling. It was clear during my first class that the fully online option was tailor-made for working-class educators.

How Did OAESA with Concordia University Chicago’s Online Format Address Your Concerns?

With all of these concerns swimming in my head, I had to have some clarity before deciding to begin or not begin a new graduate program. I spoke with an advisor who gave me an overview of the program and assured me that this program was indeed made for busy working professionals like myself who have other obligations they would have to uphold while simultaneously being enrolled in a graduate program. Having a flexible online format where I would only have to take one class every eight weeks made the program seem more feasible when considering the other demands on my time.

Furthermore, I found OAESA to be very personal, not cold and isolated as I had feared. I worked closely with the Graduate Information Office’s Maggie Kaminska as a point person. I would direct many of my questions to her first. She was friendly and able to either answer my questions or point me in the right direction of someone who could help, creating a very personal experience.

Many professors went above and beyond to make themselves accessible to me throughout my graduate program. I texted, emailed, spoke on the phone, and video chatted with several professors. Communication and support are paramount to OAESA’s graduate programs.

What Resources and Tools did You Use throughout Your Program?

In the School Leadership master’s program with Ohio Principal Licensure, there were many tools that helped support me throughout the program. First of all, OAESA provides personalized advising throughout the entire graduate program. My advisor helped me to navigate registering for classes, deciding the order of classes I needed to take, ordering transcripts, and applying for graduation. I never felt alone; if I had a question that my advisor could not answer, I was quickly directed to those best equipped to answer.

A Concordia email account and access to the online teaching and learning application Blackboard were two examples of resources and tools that supported me throughout my graduate program. The Concordia email granted me access to news of my program, an easy to connect with classmates and teachers, and a central location for communication to flow through.

Blackboard was provided to be the home base for all classwork. Class assignments, notes, reading assignments, discussion boards, and grades were all housed in one convenient location, making the navigation of an online program user-friendly.

How Did You Foster Connection and Collaboration with Your Cohort and Professors

Connection and collaboration were easily made with my cohorts and professors. Having only 18 students maximum in each class created an environment where connections were made quickly with my peers. Small class sizes and a cohort-based program made the entire master’s program feel intimate.

What begins as a group of people you don’t know at all can quickly become a close-knit group of learners working toward the same end goal. Professional connections are forged within the cohort you are placed in and last long after graduation. We were arranged into groups based on our geographic locations for the culminating internship, so a sense of comradery was built as we worked through our internships together with other teachers from nearby districts and schools.

Likewise, my fears of never getting to know my professors were quickly put aside. Professors not only interacted with me via weekly discussion questions, but they were also responsive, answering questions when I emailed them. It quickly became clear that it was possible to collaborate and build relationships with others in the program even in a virtual setting.

In Your Opinion, What are the Top Advantages of an OAESA with Concordia University Chicago’s Online Master’s Degree Program?

One of the best advantages of an OAESA online master’s degree is that the programs are created for Ohio teachers in mind. The program I pursued was made to support the needs and meet the requirements needed for a teacher to take the next step into a leadership position within an Ohio school district. All licensure and endorsement programs are fully approved and recognized by The Ohio Department of Education and aligned with Ohio Education Standards.

Personalized attention is another advantage high on my list. Class sizes limited to 18 students or less keeps classes small and personal, fostering a sense of community in the graduate programs. It was easy to create a network of connections with other local teachers and future leaders in Ohio schools. The completion rate in the principal licensure program is 100%, demonstrating that every student is supported throughout their graduate program from OAESA to ensure we all make it to the finish line.

Finally, affordability is another advantage. Prices are guaranteed not to increase during the entirety of your program. If you cannot “pay-as-you-go” there is a convenient financial aid plan, making this program affordable for working teachers.

Any fears before I began this program dissipated as I navigated my way through an online graduate program. It was evident that this program was made for Ohio teachers working full-time jobs already.

Suppose this is a path you are also interested in following. In that case, I highly suggest that you take the first step and begin your own venture into an online master’s program from OAESA with Concordia University Chicago!

The post How I Earned my Online Master’s Degree with OAESA and Concordia University Chicago appeared first on Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators.

It was only when I discovered OAESA with Concordia University Chicago, did I finally find a stand-out option that met my needs. The abundance of available resources, the supportive advisors, the ease of navigating the informational website, and the step-by-step instructions for obtaining financial aid are just a few of the reasons I decided to enroll with OAESA in partnership with Concordia University Chicago to obtain a Master of Arts in School Leadership with Ohio Principal’s Licensure.

Available Resources

If you are like me, you see enrolling in a graduate program as a life-changing event. This isn’t something you jump into without first doing your research. A plethora of questions are likely racing through your head:

• What programs are available to me?
• How many classes will I need to take?
• How do I enroll?
• How much will this program cost?

Luckily, there are so many resources on the OAESA with Concordia University Chicago website to help you make the best choice for you!

OAESA with Concordia University Chicago’s website has an abundance of information organized by tabs at the top to ensure you can find what you are looking for. Suppose you are just casually looking for information. In that case, you can read about the diverse program options available or request an informational packet be shared with you via e-mail or mailed to your home address.

If you want to speak with someone personally, you can request a virtual one-on-one chat or call to speak with a counselor or advisor. If a one-on-one chat session isn’t your preference, you can attend a convenient virtual informational meeting via Zoom to find out more about OAESA.

However you feel most comfortable acquiring more information about available programs, the application process, or options for financial aid, there is a tailor-made option for you and your comfort level!

Helpful, Supportive Advisors

After sifting through the abundance of information available on OAESA with Concordia University Chicago’s comprehensive website, some of you may still have questions. Choosing a graduate program is a life-changing decision that you want to be entirely sure of before you begin.

Luckily, OAESA with Concordia University Chicago has outstanding advisors who are prompt at answering questions or concerns you may have throughout your entire experience, from enrollment to graduation. On any page of their website, you will find a link to an advisor’s e-mail that you can contact with any concerns you may have.

In my personal experience, from start to finish, I was always assisted by quick-reacting, informational, and supportive advisors who made my experience one to appreciate.

Navigating Requirements and Locating Information

Once you decide that OAESA with Concordia University Chicago is the right choice for you, the enrollment process couldn’t be easier! There is a student application checklist on the webpage that has a numbered outline of the steps for enrollment. You will be guided through the admissions application process, the graduation registration form, and the payment of the $60 application fee (which can be waived by attending a 20-minute virtual informational meeting).

Once your seat in the program has been reserved, you will continue with the list of requirements such as:

• Arranging financial aid or payment options
• Arranging for letters of recommendation to be uploaded
• Arranging for transcripts to be shared with Concordia University Chicago
• Submitting an objective statement and your teaching license
• Ohio licensure students only: submitting employment verification form

The best part of this process is that all the steps are outlined on the website, ensuring that you know what needs to be done; it really could not be a more user-friendly process.

Financial Aid

Arranging for financial aid is a breeze when you follow the steps outlined on the OAESA with Concordia University Chicago website! Once you navigate to the “How to Pay” section of the website, you can find a phone number to the financial aid office as well as an easy four-step guide for securing financial aid:

1. Complete FAFSA
2. Review Student Aid Report (SAR) for accuracy
3. Review financial aid award letter
4. Complete the loan entrance counseling and promissory note

Why wait?

For years, I put off following my desire to get a principal’s license. When I finally bit the bullet and enrolled, I was extremely pleased with my decision. I can’t explain to you how glad I am that I finally took the plunge and started with OAESA with Concordia University Chicago! I now have a master’s degree, a principal’s license, and a new job of my dreams. My only regret is that I didn’t start my program with OAESA and Concordia University Chicago sooner.

If you have been hesitant about enrolling in a graduate program, I can’t encourage you enough to consider OAESA with Concordia University Chicago. Start your journey today!

The post How OAESA with Concordia University Chicago Made the Admission Process Easy appeared first on Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators.

Why did you want to work in education? What inspired you?

My whole life navigated me toward becoming an educator. When deciding on a major for college, there was no second choice, no decision which needed to be made as far as future careers were concerned: it was always the field of education! I now jokingly tell my students that I loved school so much when I was growing up that I wanted to keep going for the rest of my life, and so, I became a teacher.

I owe my love of school to all the wonderful teachers who cared for and taught me along the way. I was blessed to have teachers who not only loved kids but loved their content. It was through their love of literature, world history, languages, and music that I became bound and determined to become that same source of inspiration for students of my own one day.

Why did you choose OAESA with Concordia University Chicago for your M.A. school leadership degree?

I earned my first master’s degree from a traditional college 12 years prior to attending Concordia University Chicago through OAESA. At that time, I wasn’t married, didn’t have kids, and didn’t have my children’s extracurriculars to attend each night. So, going to a traditional college, which met in person once a week for several hours, was feasible. However, this time around, when I began at OAESA, my life looked very different: I was now married, had four children, and held the role of being a chauffeur each night shuttling my kids to their activities. I knew if I was going to go back to school, it would have to be with an online school which moved at a realistic pace.

After much research into online programs for Ohio educators wanting to become administrators, I was happy to find OAESA with Concordia University Chicago. It was the exact balance of family, work, and school that I could balance at this hectic point in my life. I knew I could handle one class at a time where I could interact with others. I am not the kind of person who could do a self-paced class with no sense of community; it just isn’t who I am. So, when I found OAESA’s program, I knew I had found the program that would work with my life. 

What skills did you gain or sharpen through your program at OAESA with Concordia University Chicago, and how do you use them today?

I would say my writing skills were sharpened the most in the OAESA program. With each new class that I took, the professors would build upon the last requirements as far as professional writing expectations were concerned. I would start each new class and discover some new facet of writing. By the end of my program, when I had to write my final research paper, I was so proud of the professional writing that I was able to produce. Never did I picture myself as being able to write a huge 76-page paper; however, with the school’s scaffolding in place to write this paper piece by piece over an extended period of time, I was shocked to see that I had indeed written a paper to be proud of!

How has your master’s degree impacted you in terms of your current position or a position you’d like to attain in the future?

My master’s degree had an immediate and profound impact on my current position. Throughout my internship last year, I took on the role of designing, implementing, and managing a positive recognition program for my school. My principal couldn’t have been more pleased with my efforts. The school board, community, and students reacted so positively to my efforts that the school created a supplemental position for the work I began in my internship. It was satisfying to see that people appreciated the effort I was putting in to my internship project and wished to keep going even after my internship was completed.

What was a challenge you faced during your school leadership program, and who or what helped you overcome it?

A challenge I faced in my leadership program was learning how to manage my time more efficiently. I have always multi-tasked in my life: going to school and working throughout high school and college, teaching and holding a second job early in my career, and finally, teaching and being a first-time-mother…to twins, no less! I thought I could handle anything!

However, when this program started, I realized that I needed to improve my time management. I had to juggle being a teacher, a mother, a student, an intern, and a supporter of my kids’ activities simultaneously. It was quite tricky to maneuver. I learned that I cannot do it all to the best of my ability without asking for help. So, when I had classwork to do, I would call a babysitter to come play with my kids for a few hours so that I could work while I was at home knowing they were happy and being looked after. It was humbling at first to think that I couldn’t do it all, but then I realized I was doing it all! Asking for help wasn’t a sign of weakness, it was a strategy I needed to use in order to achieve my goals. 

What was the biggest takeaway from your school leadership program?

My biggest takeaway from the educational leadership program was that I learned that I am a leader with a voice. I have always had strong opinions and thoughts about education, but I have held my ideas close to my vest so as not to rock the boat, but through this program I realized that what I have to say is important and needed to be heard by others. It was an epiphany when I understood that being a leader can make a difference, even in the smallest actions that one takes. Decisions that a leader makes are like throwing a rock into a pond; each decision has the ability to ripple through a school. So when making those decisions, it is important to always keep the students at the center of your decisions.

What would you tell (or what advice would you give) prospective students considering the M.A. school leadership degree program at OAESA with Concordia University Chicago?

If you are considering an educational leadership degree program at OAESA with Concordia University Chicago, I would highly recommend moving forward. The registration process, the speed of communication when I had questions, the talented and selfless professors, and the stellar education I received throughout this program left nothing to be desired. I truly feel this program was made with the life of a busy teacher in mind. I highly recommend choosing OAESA with Concordia University Chicago.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

My final thought for those considering a future at OAESA with Concordia University Chicago, I say take the plunge! I dragged my feet for a number of years vacillating between wanting to go to school and talking myself out of it by making excuses that I was too busy or there would be a better time to start. I realized in retrospect that there was never going to be a perfect time to start school. So, if you find you are in the same boat as me, just choose a time when you are prepared mentally to take on a huge challenge that has the possibility of changing your future and go! I wish I had taken the leap to return to school years prior to actually doing so!

The post Alumni Spotlight: Maria Call, M.A. in School Leadership appeared first on Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators.