The Arkansas State University (A-State) online Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Educational Leadership, Special Education Director program prepares special education teachers to become inspirational leaders. Graduates are equipped to lead significant improvements in curriculum and instruction (C&I) design, technology integration and overall program effectiveness. The success of these advancements depends on the teachers that put these improvements into action.
Here’s where strategically designed professional development (PD) and ongoing coaching come into play. Special education directors at both school and district levels are essential in crafting programs that empower teachers and maximize the impact on student learning. Here’s how they can achieve this:
Effective, Targeted and Efficient Development
Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, effective PD identifies specific needs based on teacher skill gaps, individual student needs and program improvements. This targeted strategy ensures valuable time is spent on directly relevant topics, such as specific strategies for differentiated instruction or implementing new assistive technologies. Efficient professional development uses a blend of formats like workshops, online modules and collaborative learning to cater to different learning styles and make the most of the time educators have.
Focused and Intentional Training
Focused professional development studies specific skills and knowledge areas, ensuring teachers understand the “why” behind new practices, not just the “how.” This encourages a deeper understanding and a stronger commitment to implementation. Intentional training connects PD directly to school and district goals, creating a clear pathway for teachers to bridge the gap between learning and real-world use.
Coaching for Continuous Improvement
Ongoing coaching allows teachers to integrate new strategies in their classrooms. Coaches provide personalized guidance, observe teaching practices and offer constructive feedback. This collaborative approach fosters a supportive space for growth and allows teachers to refine their performance while reflecting on student growth.
Impacting Special Education Programs
These well-designed professional development and coaching programs can lead to major advancements across various aspects of special education (SPED) programs, such as the following:
- Curriculum and instruction. Targeted professional development can provide teachers with differentiated instruction techniques, data-driven decision-making skills and knowledge of evidence-based practices that cater to diverse learning needs.
- Technology integration. Training focused on integrating assistive technologies can enhance learning experiences for students with disabilities while providing teachers with the skills to manage and use these tools effectively.
- Collaboration and communication. Collaborative learning opportunities within PD programs can encourage better communication and collaboration among special education teachers and general education teachers, leading to more inclusive learning environments.
Gain the Tools to Evolve Special Education With an Online Ed.S. Degree
A-State’s online Ed.S. in Educational Leadership, Special Education Director program prepares graduates with the knowledge and skills to lead these types of successful special education professional development programs. The program focuses on:
- Curriculum design and management. The curriculum development courses focus on how to choose and structure content, select appropriate materials and activities, understand factors that influence curriculum updates, and address current curriculum trends in modern elementary and secondary schools. The Curriculum Management class emphasizes the skills and processes needed to effectively oversee the curriculum and formalize the decision-making process around it.
- Ethical leadership. Studying ethical leadership provides educators with a solid foundation of educational administration, emphasizing how ethical and professional conduct should guide their decisions and actions.
- Communication. Encouraging strong communication skills to collaborate with parents, peers and administrators further supports student success.
By providing future special education directors with these skills, A-State allows them to design and implement effective professional development programs. These programs, in turn, empower teachers in the classroom.
Learn more about Arkansas State University’s online Education Specialist in Educational Leadership, Special Education Director program.