Alternative Education 6000 Education subject sub_topic Within the field of education, there are many different degrees and specializations available. Some of these include ESL (English as a Second Language), Special Education and Early Childhood Education. For Students who want to teach ESL students learn about the most effective strategies to use when teaching students whose first language is not English. Students interested in teaching Special Education need to take specific classes to learn how to teach students with learning disabilities of all kinds. Finally, Early Childhood Education is a specialization which focuses on very young children from the ages of infancy to age eight. These youngest members of society learn in a holistic way (they learn with everything that they are doing, not simply with what is being taught), and adults who want to teach them must understand that and apply this idea to their teaching. 0 0 0 6800 <p>Specializations within the education major make it possible for students to pursue a career path that they will enjoy within the field of education. There are several specializations open to students. These specializations are diverse in nature and appeal. Whether you would like to become an education administrator or a special education teacher there is a specialization to suit the ambitions of all students. Education students may choose to earn a degree traditionally, through campus courses, or with an online education. When assessing career goals students have many choices that will make their education fulfilling and easy to schedule.</p> <b>Teaching Specializations</b><br/> <u>Special Education Endorsement</u> <p>Upon receiving a teaching degree a teacher may decide to pursue an endorsement in special education at the graduate level. The courses required for this endorsement cover topics such as writing student learning plans, assessing the least restrictive environment for students, and working within a team of professionals. These graduate-level courses usually encompass one extra year of schooling after the bachelor's degree. Other subjects covered will include special education laws and mandates as well as techniques for teaching students with disabilities. A more in-depth study of child growth and development is also presented in this curriculum. Many undergraduate degrees in education offer introductory courses to these subjects that will later be counted toward the special education endorsement. Those who pursue an endorsement in special education earn an average of $46,350 per year.</p> <u>College Education</u> <p>Other education majors may decide that teaching at the post-secondary level is the career they desire. University and college professors are often required to have a master's degree or higher in their given subject. These courses will require the student to present a thesis on a subject as it pertains to the education field. Pursuing a doctorate-level degree requires approximately four years of schooling beyond the bachelor's degree and the curriculum is academically rigorous. Doctoral candidates must perform research and provide proof of their theories with concrete studies. At the end of their schooling they will present and defend their findings before a board representing experts in the field.</p> <u>Music and Art Education</u> <p>Music and art education in schools has been linked to higher performance in math on standardized tests. Education majors that wish to become choir, band, theater, or visual arts teachers in elementary schools are required to pursue an endorsement after their bachelor's degree. Though the amount of classes needed varies from state to state the typical course load after the bachelor's degree is twelve or more semester hours for art education. The Department of Education in each state maintains a checklist of requirements that are specific to that state.</p> <u>Math and Science Education</u> <p>There is a high need for math and science teachers at all levels. Teaching these subjects in elementary, middle school, and high school require an undergraduate degree in education, a teaching certificate, and an endorsement or major in either math or science. Endorsement criteria are available from the Department of Education on a state-specific basis. Endorsements are necessary for teaching math or science in kindergarten through grade 8. A major in the field of math or science is required to teach at the high school level. Math endorsements are often academically challenging and may require the student to master a level of math equal to calculus. This ensures that the teacher has a solid foundation in the discipline and can easily teach others the concepts related to it. </p> <b>Administration Specializations</b> <p>Education administrators are responsible for the daily operations of their educational institution. They usually have years of experience in the classroom and enjoy continuing their education through classes and training. To become a building principal, assistant principal, dean, or district administrator a student will need graduate coursework in education administration. This coursework can be completed through an online program or on a university campus. Many campuses recognize that those seeking a master's degree in education administration have ongoing classroom responsibilities and offer courses on weekends or through once a month, intensive trainings. This allows students to earn their degree and continue working at the same time. The master's in education administration requires 60 quarter credits designed around leadership and organization within a school or school district. Courses required include budgeting and financial analysis, leadership and supervision, and curriculum development. Education administrators are also offered elective courses that align with their chosen educational level.</p> <p>For those planning to become administrators in elementary schools they must take a course that is specific to the issues involved with the management of these schools. The same is required of middle school, high school, and post-secondary administrative students. The average salary for an education administrator is $77,740 per year. </p> <p>Many of these degrees and endorsements are available through local community colleges, university campuses, and through online education. Receiving an online teaching degree means that the student is able to complete coursework at a personal pace. This kind of flexibility is enabling more people to earn higher education degrees while working and raising their family at the same time.</p> <b>Article References</b><br/><br/> California American University<br/> <a href="http://www.calamuniv.edu/med.html"target="_blank">http://www.calamuniv.edu/med.html</a><br/><br/> U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics<br/> <i>Education Administrators</i><br/> <a href="http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos007.htm"target="_blank">http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos007.htm</a><br/> <i>Special Education Teachers</i><br/> <a href="http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos070.htm"target="_blank">http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos070.htm</a><br/><br/> State-by-State Endorsement Criteria: Department of Education<br/> <a href="http://www.ed.gov/about/contacts/state/index.html?src=gu"target="_blank">http://www.ed.gov/about/contacts/state/index.html?src=gu</a><br/><br/> education-specializations Education Specializations 1 0 0