Special needs – Hoping to focus your efforts on students who need extra help to reach their potential? At the graduate level, you may be able to study TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), Special Education, Urban Education, or another special needs area.
A subject area – If you plan to teach a specific subject, you might pursue graduate education in that field. For example, earning a masters of education in art education may be one way to prepare for a teaching path you’re passionate about, while exploring the cultural and educational value of the arts.
Teaching strategies – Some candidates may decide a bit later in their professional lives that they hope to pursue a teaching career path. So, they may still need to study the basics of classroom management, instructional techniques, curriculum planning, etc. Pursuing a master of arts in teaching may be one possible step.
Why Choose Education Graduate Programs On Campus?
Trying to decide between pursuing campus-based, online, or hybrid education masters programs? While any of these possible paths may be a good choice, there may be potential benefits to studying on campus. Here are a few:
In-person learning – Watching an experienced teacher in action may be a great experience for those who hope to pursue classroom teaching, themselves. And since communication and collaboration skills are so important for teachersi, participating in a live classroom setting might be good practice.
Community – Teachers must often work with others in the community, including parents, administrators, and other teachers, to help students achieve their goals.i So, being part of a vibrant campus community may be an important part of your education…not to mention that it may be fun to get involved and meet likeminded professionals.
Resources – A graduate school of education may offer resources ranging from tutoring services to career counseling. And many campuses may offer fitness centers – perfect for building that physical stamina kindergarten and elementary teachers need![v]
Grad school experience – Some students may hope to pursue a more traditional grad school experience, which could mean something different for everyone! Whether you hope to spend long hours in the library or simple enjoy the commons on a nice day, pursuing a campus-based master of education program could be the perfect choice.
How Do I Find Perfect Education Grad Schools for Me?
There’s probably no single answer to that question, or single best graduate school for education! However, you may wish to develop a list of criteria that could help you evaluate education masters programs that just might be a good fit for you. Here are a few possible considerations:
Campus and location – Is your prospective school nearby, or are you willing to relocate? Do you like the look and feel of the campus and surrounding community?
Degree type/concentration – Not every graduate school of education may offer every degree type (like master of science in education programs) or every concentration, like Urban Education. So, try to identify schools that offer the program and curriculum you are most interested in.
Reputation – Is your prospective graduate school for education respected in the teaching field, and does it have a good reputation for helping students pursue their goals?
School accreditation – This is a big one! Accreditation shows that your school meets quality standards set by an independent accrediting agency. Make sure the accrediting agency is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.[vi]
Flexibility – If you hope to continue teaching or working while pursuing your masters degree in education, you may wish to seek programs that offer evening and weekend classes.
Masters in K-12 Education on Campus: Ready to take the next step?
Below, you’ll find some program listings for education masters programs that may interest you. Simply click on Masters in K-12 Education on Campus programs to learn more about what it may offer or to contact the school directly. Best of luck finding the grad school that’s perfect for you!
Sources: [i] bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm#tab-4 | [ii] teach.org/state-certification-view/CA | [iii] teach.org/state-certification-view/WV | [iv] onetonline.org/link/summary/25-2021.00 | [v] bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/kindergarten-and-elementary-school-teachers.htm#tab-4 | [vi] studentaid.ed.gov/sa/prepare-for-college/choosing-schools/consider#accreditation
