Before you can begin working as a teacher, you have to get the right certifications. Many teachers choose to get a Master’s degree in education because it enhances their job prospects. In addition, this field of study helps you to know more about teaching and the latest techniques before you begin working. To get started on your Master’s in Education, begin with these courses.
1. A Practical Approach to Classroom Management
Even if you know more about a subject than anyone in the world, it will not matter if you cannot manage your class. Classroom management helps you to ensure that your students feel safe in an environment that is conducive to learning. This type of class focuses on practical, low-stress ways to manage a classroom. In classroom management classes, you will learn techniques like backup systems, classroom structure, responsibility training and limit setting.
Resource: 5 Skills to Master during an M.Ed. Program
2. Elements of Diversity: Special Education
At some point, you will most likely have a student with special needs. Courses in special education provide you with the right disability studies framework to teach these students. These classes focus on inclusion and learning how to teach diverse students. In addition, they are designed to increase your knowledge of the responsibilities and needs of disabled students.
3. Introduction to Teaching
Most Master’s degrees in education require you to take an introduction to teaching classes. In general, you will be expected to choose an introductory class in your specialized subject. You may select a class on teaching mathematics, history, English, science or a similar subject. During the course, you will learn core aspects of teaching such as lesson planning, instructional strategies, reflective skills and forming instructional goals.
4. Teaching English, History, Math or Another Subject
Once you have finished introductory courses in your subject area, you can move on to additional classes on the same topic. You may learn how to use a scholar practitioner approach to teaching and assess student learning. These classes often include ways to encourage essential skills, improve the student’s educational experience and find ways to develop the right materials for teaching.
5. Practicum in Secondary Education and Other Topics
At the end of your degree, you will complete a practicum in your specific subject area. This involves completing fieldwork at schools in the area. During this time, you will observe teachers, assist in classes and teach courses. Before you can do the practicum, you are typically required to complete a pre-practicum preparation so that you can make the most out of this experience. Depending on your focus area, you may complete the practicum at an elementary school or in secondary education.
With the right education, you can obtain a rewarding job in the field of education. While each college offers different courses, most Master’s in Education programs will include some variation of the previous classes. To obtain your degree, you will have to pass these classes and learn the concepts taught within them. Once your degree is complete, you are ready to begin your job search and start working as a teacher.
