Educational Specialist
Program Overview
Table of Contents
What is an educational specialist?
An Ed.S. in School Leadership is a post-master’s degree program for experienced scholars and leaders in the education field who seek to develop their potential and competencies and who are committed to improving pre-K–12 education within their organizations and beyond. The Ed.S. in School Leadership prepares educators to lead in individual schools as principals, assistant principals, instructional coaches, interventionists or teacher leaders. The Ed.S. degree can also provide a path to district-level positions that do not require a superintendent certification. Some district roles could include assistant superintendents, directorships (such as director of elementary education or director of secondary education) and roles in areas like facilities and transportation.
Why pursue an Ed.S. at Furman?
The Ed.S. in School Leadership prepares graduates to lead in our schools, strengthen our communities and equip diverse learners for tomorrow’s challenges. Furman offers a curriculum that allows you to secure your Ed.S. without interrupting your current teaching or administrative role. Learn from some of the most respected professors and practitioners in education. Our faculty have been there. They’ve served years, often decades, in the leadership roles you are looking to pursue – who better to help you navigate your career goals in education? Learn more about graduate studies in education and how to apply.
How will you learn?
Reputable and rigorous, our program aims to grow leaders who are able to bring about transformational change, in addition to equipping graduates with the expertise in the day-to-day operations involved in running a school.
Unlike many leadership programs that provide only a semester-long stretch of practical experience, the Ed.S. at Furman includes a yearlong practicum.
From closing out a school year to opening a new one, and everything in between, candidates for the Ed.S. in School Leadership will develop a budget, build a master schedule, provide teacher feedback, oversee state testing, manage after-school programs, gain insights into school-community relations and more. You’ll emerge from the experience with the skills, know-how and confidence you need to take the next step in your career.
Careers for Ed.S. graduates
You’re an experienced teacher with a master’s, but you’re ready for new challenges. An Ed.S. makes you part of the hiring conversation when it comes to district-level and building-level leadership roles.
Some vocations include:
- Assistant superintendent
- Directorships at the district level (director of elementary education, or director of secondary education)
- Career center director
- Elementary school principal
- Secondary school principal
- Middle school principal
- Elementary school assistant principal
- Middle school assistant principal
- Secondary school assistant principal
- Instructional coach and other district-level positions (such as curriculum coordinator, or special education coordinator)
- Coordinator of special academic programs (such as extended day, reading, summer school, and foreign exchange)
- Data/quality specialist
- Writing interventionist
- Registrar
- Associate principal
- Associate administrator
- Behavior interventionist
- Director of student services
- Chief academic officer
Ed.S. courses: What will you study?
Sample courses for School Leadership include (in order):
Educational Specialist FAQ
Our graduates become district and school leaders who improve student learning and help shape the culture, vision and path forward for their organizations. Some sample roles include assistant superintendent, directorships at the district level (director of elementary education, or director of secondary education), career center director, elementary school principal, middle school principal, secondary school principal, elementary school assistant principal, middle school assistant principle, secondary school assistant principal, instructional coach and other district-level positions (such as curriculum coordinator, or special education coordinator), coordinator of special academic programs (such as extended day, reading, summer school, and foreign exchange), data/quality specialist, writing interventionist, registrar, associate principal, associate administrator, behavior interventionist, director of student services and chief academic officer.
The Ed.S. at Furman is typically a two- to three-year program.
Apply today by visiting our Begin Your Application page.
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96%Teacher retention rate for Furman education graduates within five years, compared to 50% nationally
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66Furman education graduates who are named “teacher of the year” over the last five years
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100+Years the Department of Education has prepared teachers and administrators
What our students say
Our faculty
Your academic advisor will help you explore your passions, define your interests and achieve your goals. You’ll tap into a widespread network of community and alumni mentors to help you on your individual educational path – and to the opportunities at the end of it. Pair theory with practice under the expert guidance of faculty who have worked in and led schools at all levels. Furman’s education faculty represent decades of study and real-world expertise. Learn more about graduate studies in education and how to apply.
Harris Heath
