As a dedicated educator, you may be interested in pursuing positions teaching students with special needs or in positions of leadership in curriculum and instruction development. Earning an advanced degree from Northern Kentucky University will provide you with the skills and competencies required to meet your professional goals.
Northern Kentucky University has developed five education specialist programs for licensed teachers who have the desire to expand their influence in the field of education. Each program is:
- 100% online
- Offered with multiple start dates
- Convenient and accessible anywhere you have an internet connection
- Taught by the same faculty as on-campus programs
- Designed to prepare individuals for leadership roles with the potential to achieve higher earnings
Although the coursework in each program incorporates real-world experience and an embedded capstone project, each has a unique focus and distinct requirements. NKU’s Ed.S. programs offer a Rank I credential in Kentucky. Your choices range from leadership in curriculum design and development to behavior analysis or special education (learning and behavior disorders or moderate and severe disabilities). With additional coursework, you can earn special education certification.
Education Specialist in Teaching and Leading – Curriculum & Instruction
Northern Kentucky University’s online Education Specialist in Teaching and Leading – Curriculum & Instruction program is designed for those interested in leadership in curriculum development and design. In as few as 18 months, the program will enhance your teaching practice by helping you develop “strategies, effective teaching, program evaluation, student assessment, and teacher professional development” (NKU). The program prepares you to construct curriculum that creates a positive change in student achievement at the local, regional, state and federal levels of education.
Education Specialist in Teaching and Leading – Autism & Applied Behavior Analysis
If you would like to broaden your skill set in working with children with autism, NKU’s Education Specialist in Teaching and Leading – Autism & Applied Behavior Analysis program arms you with the expertise to help influence positive change for this group of learners. The program also provides a pathway to a Rank I designation on your Kentucky teaching certificate and to becoming a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst, allowing you to work in environments beyond the public school system, such as institutions or community agencies or as an independent practitioner.
Education Specialist in Teaching and Leading – Special Education
NKU’s Education Specialist in Teaching and Leading – Special Education program can give you the skills to make a positive impact on children with learning exceptionalities and build toward a Rank I teaching certification in Kentucky. In this program, you will develop your expertise in working with exceptional children using student assessment for those with learning and behavior disorders, customizing lesson plans for their success, applying appropriate methodology and management techniques, analyzing legal requirements and educational approaches, and learning applied behavior analysis techniques appropriate for all children.
Education Specialist in Teaching and Leading – Moderate & Severe Disabilities (MSD)
If your calling is to work with children with severe academic challenges, choose the Education Specialist in Teaching and Leading – Moderate & Severe Disabilities (MSD) program. Core courses in this 100% online program include best practices in collaboration, inclusion and research as well as a capstone project. The program will prepare you to guide students toward overcoming significant intellectual disabilities or behavioral challenges. Upon completion of the program, you will be qualified for a Rank I teaching certification in Kentucky and ready for leadership roles in both academic and community settings, tutoring, respite care, day habilitation programs and residential facilities.
Education Specialist in Teaching and Leading – Learning & Behavior Disorders (LBD)
NKU’s online Education Specialist in Teaching and Leading – Learning and Behavior Disorders (LBD) program allows individuals to directly impact educational models for children with disabilities and exceptionalities. This program prepares educators to become mentors for new LBD teachers. You will develop research and leadership skills to assess teaching practices and curriculum as you take on a leadership position in your school or district. The program teaches procedures and methods for remedial learning and behavior disorders, intellectual and orthopedic disabilities, educational assessment techniques, and more.
Learn more about Northern Kentucky University’s online Education Specialist programs.
