Why Become an Educational Specialist in Curriculum and Instruction?

• You will broaden your knowledge base and familiarity with the individual and group needs of students in PreK-12 classrooms.
• You will gain knowledge of specific curriculum models appropriate for students who are gifted and those who have mild disabilities.
• Additional teaching models and strategies for optimizing student learning and meeting their diverse needs within the PreK-12 classroom will be provided
• Evaluation experiences with curriculum models are incorporated into your program
• The curriculum builds on a logical sequence and foundation for the final core course, EDU 735, Advanced Curriculum Theory and Planning

In addition, you will have the opportunity to:

• Prepare for National Board Certification in teaching
• Gain the potential to advance your career and salary
• Expand expertise in program development and evaluation
• Develop in-school leadership abilities

The design of the degree provides 6 different foci:

1) Early Childhood & Elementary
2) ESOL
3) Gifted Education (eligibility to apply for Gifted Endorsement)
4) Montessori
5) Reading-PreK/Primary & Elementary (eligibility to apply for Reading Endorsement)
6) Reading-Secondary (eligibility to apply for Reading Endorsement)

In many cases, Ed.S. credits may be transferred into doctoral programs.

Many school districts provide salary increases for the specialist degree or 30 credits beyond the master's degree.