Masters in Education Leadership

What Do You Learn in a Master’s in Education Leadership

A Masters in Science in Educational Leadership (EDLS) is a type of graduate degree program that aims to prepare students to work in leadership positions within the educational system. These courses may provide up-to-date education, learning methods, strategies, and understandings to help encourage the work of teachers and administrative staff in the field. Those who wish to work in leadership positions within an educational program may benefit from this type of educational program.

Students may learn a wide range of topics in the field, including school climate, school administration programs, school safety, and professional ethics. They may also learn skills to enable them to work in guidance, supervision, personal administration, community relations, supervision, and numerous other areas of education.

The following are some of the courses that may be found in a master’s degree in educational leadership, though students may take concentrations outside of this scope.

Courses May Include

The following are some of the courses that may be found in a master’s degree in educational leadership, though students may take concentrations outside of this scope.

Current Trends in Education

This course typically looks at what influences current trends in education. Some of the topics covered may include political, social, and economic influence on the education system. Educational history, reform and renewal are all potential aspects of the course, as well as the role of the teacher.

Technology Leadership

This course commonly looks at how instructional media influences education. It may also cover how to use this media as a tool in education and what ways it may be applied on different levels and in different settings to achieve results.

Technology and Learning

In this course students may investigate issues and concepts regarding integrating technology into the classroom. Professional, state and national standards of the use of different types of technology may also be discussed.

Curriculum and Instruction

This course typically focuses on curriculum development. The course may look at past, current and potential future strategies regarding curriculum and how it is developed. Different frameworks and reflective inquiry are applied and investigated in this course commonly.

Assessment Practices

The purpose of this course is generally to help educators interpret and assess data in educational settings. Both formal and informal assessment are typically covered in this course. How to assess within a classroom and how to apply the results of an assessment may also be discussed.

Psychology of Learning

Learning theories and the current issues of psychology in education are often the focus of this course. The needs of students on all levels are typically examined as well as strategies and practices to meet those needs. Child development learning styles and constructivism may be covered.

Find Funding

The cost of completing a masters degree may be extensive in some situations. Tuition and other fees are set by the school. The average cost of a master’s degree in the 2019/2020 school year was $19,792, according to NCES data. For those who do not want to pay for that out of pocket, there may be a few funding options to help cover those costs.

Below are some suggestions. These may not be all of the options available to students working on a master’s degree program.

Scholarships

For those students who apply for and receive the funds from scholarships, the money typically does not require repayment. That makes applying for scholarships beneficial to many students. To do so, prospective students may need to search for options, follow the directions included to apply, and be awarded the funds. That takes some time, but there are options available to help. Take a look at some potential options in scholarships for students studying education fields. 

Federal Loans

Federal loans may be another option for many students pursuing an educational path at the master’s level. These loans are backed by the federal government. That means the terms and conditions within them are fairly straightforward. It is still important to know what those conditions are to know what to expect.

Master degree federal loans may be available to many students. There are typically fewer and different options available at the graduate level than there are for those studying at the undergrad level, though.

Here is a look at some of the options for graduate degree programs through federal student loans:

• Direct Unsubsidized Loans: These are available to graduate schools and professional students. Unlike direct subsidized loans, which are made available to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need, direct unsubsidized loans do not have a need based requirement. More students may be eligible for them.
• Direct PLUS Loans: These are made available to professional or graduate level students. They are designed to pay for educational expenses that are typically not paid for through other loans. Eligibility for these loans is not based on financial need. However, some require a credit check to be performed, and borrowers may not qualify without meeting other requirements in some cases.
• Direct Consolidation Loans: These loans enable a student to combine all of their undergraduate and graduate level federal debt into one new loan. This consolidation loan is typically provided after a student completes their education.

Private Student Loans

Another potential option for students to pay for their master’s degree in education is the use of private student loans. These are loan programs not backed by the federal government. Typically, they are available to students based on various qualifications. That’s an important factor about them – the terms and conditions vary significantly between loans and lenders. It is critical to know as many of the details about these loans as possible before entering into them.

Some private student loans require students to apply using their credit score. They may have GRE or GPA requirements that need to be met. Others may not have the same qualifications and standards for forbearance or refinancing later either. Know what options in private student loans may be available before choosing this route.

Is education administrator a good career?

An education administrator typically works to plan, direct, and coordinate the activities of kindergarten, elementary, or secondary schools. This may include academic, administrative, and/or auxiliary activities.  They may evaluate curricula, teaching methods, and programs to determine if they meet the goals of the program including in areas of effectiveness and efficiency. This could include ensuring they meet federal, state, and local regulations.

Education administrators may also observe teaching methods while examining learning materials and curricula to determine if they meet specific standards or goals. This may include examining different teaching techniques and providing instruction on where improvements may be necessary.

Some administrators also counsel and guide students in areas of vocational, academic, personal, and behavioral issues. They work with other teachers to develop curriculum standards and maintain them. They may also develop mission statements and performance goals for groups of students. They typically direct and coordinate teacher, other administrator, and support staff activities.

Daily work activities may include determining the operational compliance with standards and regulations related to the educational programs and evaluating program effectiveness. They may also support professional development of others within the educational program. They may advise others on personal and career development. Some also develop educational goals, standards, procedures, and policies within their organization.

To work as an education administrator, many employers require individuals to have a master’s degree or above, with at least 5 years of experience in the teaching field. There is little on-the-job education provided. Employees are expected to have core skills heading into these positions.

• Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions , and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

2023 Median Salary for Education Administrator

The following are the median salaries earned by those working as an education administrator for the 2023 year, based on each state. The data comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Is instructional coordinator a good career?

Those who wish to work as an instructional coordinator may find their job includes a number of different skills and tasks. These individuals typically develop instructional material, incorporate current technology into instruction, and coordinate the overall educational content a group receives. This information is then provided to educators and instructors in the field to allow them to develop a curriculum and to later conduct courses. Those who work in this field may also train and coach teachers to meet specific goals or objectives within the educational program. They may also be called educational consultants and instructional material directors.

Those who work as an instructional coordinator may observe the work of the teaching staff to evaluate their performance and then make recommendations of potential changes that may help to improve skills and end results. They may also plan and conduct teacher training programs, and sometimes conferences, that relate to instructional materials, new equipment, classroom procedures, or teaching aids. They may work to interpret and enforce provisions that are put in place by state or other goals and laws. Some may also conduct workshops and committees to help with the promotion of physical welfare, intellectual well being, and other needs of the students.

These programs may involve curriculum development, material use, equipment use, and implementation of new federal and state programs to teaching and administrative staff members.

The day to day tasks in this field typically include evaluating educational staff performance, training new staff members, enforcing rules or policies as they relate to student behavior, and serving on departmental and institutional committees. They may also work to advise other educators on curriculum, instructional methods, and policies.

To do this type of work as an instructional coordinator, many employers expect extensive education. This typically is a master’s degree or higher with some work experience in the field. There is some but very little on the job education provided in many situations.

• Learning Strategies — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
• Instructing — Teaching others how to do something.
• Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.