If you are considering an advanced degree in education, an M.Ed. with a science focus provides the necessary skills and strategies for an experienced teacher to make a classroom, assignment or career change.
Enhance Your Professional Career
There is an ongoing need for teachers who have a strong background in science at every grade level.
At the elementary level, teachers who have a strong science background can incorporate scientific concepts into other content areas and help students examine their influence on a wide variety of everyday life experiences. In addition, students who are exposed to the processes of scientific inquiry in the early grades will find the practice more natural and easier to use as they progress to higher grades.
If you are an experienced teacher at the elementary level, looking for a change, an M.Ed. with an emphasis in science will prepare you to teach middle and high school biology, physics and earth science.
As a science teacher with a Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction – Science from Southeastern Oklahoma State University, you will have the opportunity to learn about the “impact of science and technology on civilizations, creativity, innovation and future trends.” Working with your students on problem-solving techniques and methods of inquiry, you will bring science to life for them.
Make a Change in Your Career in Education
If you are an experienced teacher who would like to transition into a leadership role, a science-focused M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction from Southeastern Oklahoma State University will prepare you for positions as a curriculum specialist or instructional coordinator. You will work with teachers and other administrators to enhance science learning in the classroom. Here are just a few of the responsibilities:
- Evaluate and modify or adjust curriculum.
- Integrate technology into the science classroom.
- Provide adequate training for teachers.
- Inform all stakeholders of changes in state and national science learning standards.
Make a Change in Your Career
With a science-specialized master of education degree, you’ll also have access to educational opportunities outside of the traditional school environment. For example:
Park Naturalist – Working at a national, state or local park, a park naturalist plans and conducts educational programs for park visitors. These workshops, tours or classes cover the natural features of the park as well as its history.
Museum Curator – With a master of education in science, you may find a position as the curator of a small science-oriented museum or a large museum with different areas of specialization. Like the park naturalist, you may conduct tours and present programs about various science exhibits. At times, a curator oversees research projects at the museum.
The National Science Teacher Shortage Continues
The need for teachers with a strong background in science will continue to grow as all areas in the field of science expand. According to CNN, 43 states reported a shortage of science teachers in 2017.
Teachers who receive quality training in the area of science will provide an important service to their students, their communities and the world. As long-time advocate for science and health Elizabeth Marincola said, “Some of the country’s most complicated and urgent public policy debates have at their center been questions of science. It is imperative that the public is engaged in science issues which have an impact on their lives, in their own self-interest, to best thrive in modern society.”
Learn more about Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s online M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction – Science program.
Sources:
Study.com: Instructional Coordinator: Employment Info & Requirements
CNN: Schools Throughout the Country Are Grappling With Teacher Shortage, Data Show
NCBI: Why Is Public Science Education Important?