Educators looking to advance their careers and apply their passion for education in leadership roles may want to explore a program like a Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction.
This type of program gives them the opportunity to learn how to maximize student engagement and achievement. They can put these learning outcomes to use in a role that provides opportunities for them to create, implement and evaluate curriculum.
Career Opportunities With an MSCI
Educators who earn the M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction — Instructional Coach/Teacher Leader PreK-12 can qualify for a number of roles.
- Curriculum Director
- Curriculum and Assessment Director
- Curriculum Coordinator
- Instructional Coordinator
- Instructional Specialist
- Instructional Coach
- Teacher Leader
The kind of roles they qualify for will depend on the institution, program and concentration, as each will have its own requirements.
What Does the M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction — Instructional Coach and Teacher Leader PreK-12 Concentration Cover?
One such program comes from Emporia State University.
In the M.S. in Curriculum & Instruction program from ESU, students will:
- Design and implement curriculum for PreK-12.
- Learn the fundamental principles and theories of educational research, curriculum models and curriculum leadership.
- Learn to improve problem-solving, critical thinking and decision-making related to producing and evaluating curriculum at the local, state and national levels.
- Develop leadership skills in integrating technology and gain knowledge of its association with curriculum reform.
Emporia State University requires students specializing in instructional coaching and teacher leadership to choose three courses. Students can select the topics and skills they wish to develop.
ESU offers the following courses for students to choose from:
- Professional Development & The Adult Learner: Gain knowledge and skills that teacher leaders need to design, implement and assess effective professional development.
- Mentoring & Coaching: Learn how to advance colleagues’ skills by providing useful feedback.
- School Leadership Theory: Acquire skills to develop healthy organizations and a culture that promotes creativity and performance.
- Brain-Based Learning: Apply brain and cognitive science to teaching practices.
- Advanced Theory and Practice in Teaching: Analyze research on teaching practices to share with educators for practical use.
- Designing Instructional Programs: Create a course that results in high-achievement outcomes and fulfills standards.
Students interested in ESU’s online program have four M.S. in C&I concentration options:
- Curriculum Leadership PreK-12
- Effective Practitioner PreK-12
- Instructional Coach/Teacher Leader PreK-12
- National Board Certification PreK-12
The best option depends on the leadership path the student wishes to pursue. Regardless of the specialty, all candidates learn to effectively integrate educational technologies into the classroom from the angles of professional development, teaching, student learning and curriculum design.
Another important factor is that all four degrees incorporate practical application and experience. Most of the courses integrate a practical component where students can learn and demonstrate their understanding of the new material through projects and simulations.
Leadership roles outside of the classroom often require a master’s degree, so not only will these four programs prime students for new careers in education but also administrative positions.
Learn more about Emporia State University’s online Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction (C&I) — Instructional Coach/Teacher Leader PreK-12 program.
