For those who have always dreamed of a career in teaching, hearing about the different issues affecting the American educational system today can be discouraging. Lack of required funding, unnecessary standardized testing, and overcrowded classrooms are only a few of the many problems that need to be resolved.

Often overlooked, however, is the potential that individual teachers have to make meaningful contributions and changes within the education system. In this blog post, we’ll detail some of the most significant ways that an advanced degree in education can enable you to make a positive impact on your community.

An Advanced degree in education will provide you with the crucial skills to make a difference in many students’ lives.

Perhaps most simply, a graduate education degree will provide you with valuable teaching skills that will enable you to help your students succeed. Despite the systemic issues affecting the education system, individual teachers have amazing potential to influence their students in a positive way. Pursuing an advanced degree in education will allow you to hone your skills as an educator and learn about new and useful pedagogical techniques to help your future students.

In Neumann University’s graduate education programs, smaller classes allow for individual attention and in-depth discussions. You will have time to ask questions, get to know your professors, and collaborate with your fellow students.

You’ll be able to inspire change on a larger scale within your community.

Quality education in local schools is widely considered to be one of the most important assets of a strong community, and a graduate degree in education will qualify you for many significant administrative positions to make a difference in your local schools.

As a principal or vice principal, you will be able to make important decisions regarding funding and logistics for your school, and in doing so, you can ensure that each choice made is in the best interest of your students.

Fulfill your innate potential as an educator.

Hardly insignificant is the sense of personal fulfillment that you’re sure to experience in choosing to pursue a career that you’re passionate about.

What aspects of teaching most excite you? The right graduate degree in education will help you learn how to harness your own talents and skills for your career.

Ashley Graves, a 2015 Neumann graduate who now works as a special education teacher in an art-focused charter school, is a prime example of how focusing on your passions can result in a fulfilling career.

At Neumann University, we have several different advanced programs so that you can choose to focus on whichever area you’re most interested in.

Options include:

• M.S. in Special Education with Autism Endorsement
• M.S. in Education with an emphasis in Social Emotional Learning
• M.S. in Education with Dual Teaching Certification (Early Elementary and Special Education) 
• M.S. in Education (Online)
• M.S. in Education with Administrative Certification (School Principal) and PDE-approved Endorsement
  
• Ed.D. in Educational Leadership

An Advanced Degree in education can prepare you to enter the nonprofit world.  

If you're interested in using your pedagogical expertise in the nonprofit sector, you're in luck. There are many nonprofit organizations that are dedicated to working on everything from improving literacy rates and closing the achievement gap to implementing helpful after-school programs and developing summer academic programming.

A graduate degree in education will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to support (and even lead!) these organizations and initiatives. You’ll be able to identify the areas that need work in your local education system and then work with nonprofits to help children in your community receive the best education possible.

Whether you decide to work for an education-focused nonprofit, seek an administrative position in your local school district, or work directly with students in a classroom, an advanced education degree is certain to help you make an impact on your community.

If you’re interested in pursuing an advanced degree that will guarantee you a rich and dynamic career path, contact us at Neumann University and schedule a visit!

We would love to help you reach your true potential in the field of education.

Interested in more resources that highlight the significance of a graduate education degree? Subscribe to NeuPerspectives today!