What is an education specialist?
6 Min Read
It’s no secret that education is evolving.
Advancements in classroom technologies, artificial intelligence (AI) and remote learning have transformed traditional teaching methods in recent years. As the instructional methods of the past are replaced with new, cutting-edge teaching tools, education specialists play a major role in supporting both students and teachers through the fast-changing landscape of education.
Education specialists work directly with school faculty and students to identify issues within a curriculum and develop learning solutions for diverse students. Going beyond the classroom, these professionals are laying the groundwork for the future of education.
And with a top-ranked degree from Brenau University, becoming an education specialist could be the next step on your own teaching career path.
What is an education specialist degree?
An education specialist degree, also known as an Ed.S. degree, allows you to specialize in academic instruction and qualify for professional advancement opportunities, greater job security and competitive salaries. Some Ed.S. programs offer concentrations in specific areas of education, like early childhood and special education.
The education specialist degree is a post-graduate program that can typically be completed in just one year by full-time students. It is designed to compound the knowledge and skills delivered by a master’s degree, preparing you to advance your career and make a bigger impact in the education field.
This level of education is only available to current education professionals who have completed a master’s degree and are ready to go beyond their classroom duties. After completing your post-graduate education, you’ll graduate with the qualifications to pursue a variety of leadership roles both in and outside of the classroom.
What does an education specialist do?
Education specialists take on the task of improving instructional materials to ensure the learning needs of diverse students are met. However, after completing your Ed.S., you’ll also be qualified to pursue a variety of other leadership roles within the education field.
Let’s explore some of today’s most in-demand roles commonly pursued by education specialist degree graduates, along with the industry demand and forecast for each position.
Education Specialist
Salary potential: $81,036/year1
Responsibilities: Education specialists work in both public and private schools to ensure the latest teaching methods and tools are being used effectively. Responsibilities for this role may include observing teachers inside the classroom, revising curriculum, assessing students, staying informed on new education tools and methods, advocating for new teaching methods and advising school administrators on necessary changes and solutions. In short, these professionals lead schools into the future of education.2
Industry growth forecast: The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects this area of education to grow at a steady pace of 2% through 2033, creating about 4,000 new roles. Because of the post-graduate education requirement, the education specialist role is competitive and rewarding for those who are dedicated to advancing in the field.3
Educational Therapist
Salary potential: $84,940/year4
Responsibilities: Educational therapists work directly with children who have learning disabilities or are experiencing learning challenges. As learning disabilities and challenges can impact a child’s personal life and influence their future, it is an educational therapist’s goal to inspire confidence in children while helping them get excited about and enjoy learning. Responsibilities for this role may be conducted inside schools or through private practice and may include introducing children to new learning techniques, combining education with play and developing learning plans with parents and guardians.5
Industry growth forecast: Hundreds of new educational therapist positions are expected to be created through 2033, making this role extremely competitive for Ed.S. graduates.6
School Principal
Salary potential: $103,460/year7
Responsibilities: Principals serve as leaders for the teaching staff of their schools. They are responsible for making important decisions that will impact their faculty and students, such as choosing a curriculum, implementing safety procedures, providing behavioral interventions, planning school activities and consulting with education specialists on what academic changes need to be made.
Industry growth forecast: Because schools require a limited number of leaders, the need for elementary, middle and high school principals is not expected to grow exponentially through 2033. However, more than 20,000 principal positions are still projected to become available each year, making this role competitive and obtainable for those who obtain the required credentials.7
Expand your career in education with an education specialist degree from Brenau University
Deciding to pursue an education specialist degree is the first step towards advancing your career. The next step is choosing the Ed.S. degree program that’s right for your long-term professional goals.
Brenau offers three career-focused education specialist degree programs, offering expert-level leadership skills for in-demand areas of education.
Ed.S. in Elementary Education
Total credit hours: 31
Average completion time: 4 semesters
What to expect: The online Ed.S. in Elementary Education program requires the completion of seven core courses and delivers the complex problem-solving skills required to overcome challenges in the teaching profession. You’ll learn to support the social and personal development of young learners while encouraging active engagement inside the classroom. This program also offers hands-on experience in creating a curriculum and assessing the intellectual development of students.
Ed.S. in Middle Grades Education
Total credit hours: 31
Average completion time: 4 semesters
What to expect: The online Ed.S. in Middle Grades Education program requires the completion of seven core courses and prepares you to support adolescent learners through expert leadership. With support from expert faculty, you’ll build a strong understanding of current issues and policies within education while gaining effective problem-solving skills you can immediately apply in your career. This program is offered entirely online, allowing you to access your courses on your schedule from the place of your choice.
Ed.S. in Special Education
Total credit hours: 31
Average completion time: 4 semesters
What to expect: The online Ed.S. in Special Education program focuses on improving teaching methods and incorporating new educational technologies in the special education classroom. You’ll gain expert-level knowledge of special education policy and law while participating in experiential learning opportunities that prepare you to impact real change in your field. Additionally, all courses for this program can be completed through Brenau’s interactive online classroom.
Brenau’s online Ed.S. programs are designed to empower you to become an effective leader in education. Courses are taught by expert faculty with real-world experience, so you’ll receive the academic support and guidance you need every step of the way.
Get started with Brenau today. Contact an enrollment counselor for more information.
Sources
- ZipRecruiter. “Education Specialist Salary in Atlanta, Georgia.” Retrieved September 25, 2024, from https://www.ziprecruiter.com.
- ZipRecruiter. “What is an Education Specialist and How to Become One.” Retrieved September 9, 2024, from https://www.ziprecruiter.com.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Instructional Coordinators.” Retrieved September 9, 2024, from https://www.bls.gov.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: 19-3034 School Psychologists.” Retrieved September 10, 2024, from https://www.bls.gov.
- Child Mind Institute. “What is an Educational Therapist?” Retrieved September 10, 2024, from https://childmind.org.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Psychologists.” Retrieved September 10, 2024, from https://www.bls.gov.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals.” Retrieved September 10, 2024, from https://www.bls.gov.