Weighing the pros and cons of going back to school for an advanced degree in education? If you're a working parent, odds are you're already burning your candle at both ends to care for your children, stay afloat at work, and keep the dirty dishes and laundry from engulfing your home. The idea of adding some online education courses to an already busy day might sound overwhelming or even insane.
Fortunately for those of you hoping to pursue a teaching career, obtaining your bachelor's or master's in education doesn't have to come between you and your family. In fact, much of the coursework you'll encounter in an online education degree could give you even more reasons to spend quality time with the kids, and enhance their education as well.
Teacher's Pets
Think about it--all parents, regardless of their professions are teachers to their own children. If you start working on your degree in education you'll have that many more techniques to use when dealing with your youngsters, in areas ranging from discipline and instructional methods to easy ways to explain long division. Many of the classes you'll be required to take as part of your master's degree in education can be applied at home with your most loving (and perhaps most critical) pupils. While specific coursework will vary depending on the education school and the degree you're after, some of the following topics will probably be included.
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Fun with Math
Mathematics is often one of the most challenging subject areas for parents and children alike. Stumped when it comes to homework assistance? A course in math instructional techniques could be just the thing. Instead of paying a tutor to teach your 10 year-old about fractions, put that money towards your own degree and enjoy some quiet moments studying together. Learn some math games to play with your first-grader on the next long car trip and watch the journey fly by while you build important skills.
Literate Little Ones
We all know how important it is to read to our children each day. But what if you had the skills to choose the best books for your child's reading level? Rather than relying on a classroom teacher to sufficiently challenge your overachiever or boost your reluctant reader, get the tools to do these crucial tasks yourself. Classes in early literacy are par for the course in most education degree programs, so take advantage of them for your career and your family.
Young Authors
Writing skills are best when developed at a young age. Unfortunately, many schools lack the funding or personnel to effectively teach this important ability. Once you've learned the appropriate techniques, you can conduct your own writing workshops at home. Help your kids express themselves and build a talent that will help them through college and beyond.
Educational Psychology in Action
Understanding the way people learn is a critical component of any degree in education. As a parent, you'll have the advantage over your childless classmates in this subject. In addition to the required classroom observations, you have the benefit of having little learners at home. You may be surprised at what you find out when you apply the theories from this course to your brood.
A Family Project
No teacher could survive without a strong grasp of curriculum development. Designing learning opportunities is important, and can be quite fun when done well. Use your creativity and newfound knowledge to create a curriculum perfectly suited to your children's needs and interests. If you're feeling ambitious you could even let them involve friends or relatives in the project. Imagine working with your kids on geometry as you plan out your family garden, or researching national parks while you arrange next summer's vacation. A degree in education could help you take advantage of these, and many more, teachable moments with your family.
Get Smart!
Sounds like a good time, doesn't it? Getting your master's in education won't be all fun and games, of course. You'll have to write some papers and maybe take exams as well. However, the knowledge you could gain is as applicable at home as it is in the workplace, and the benefits of studying education could have a lasting impact on your paycheck, career, and your children.
