A new online master's degree, offered by the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, could help teachers find their niche as instructional specialists. The program, which may be completed in 24 months, begins Aug. 26.
Instructional specialists often work as consultants who advise administrators, teachers and other professional personnel in the planning and implementation of educational programs. For example, an instructional specialist may:
• take on the role of department chair, content coach, lead teacher or curriculum coordinator;
• direct the planning, development, field-testing and evaluation of curricula;
• manage the textbook adoption process;
• direct instructional-related staff development;
• supervise development of instructional guidelines, policies, regulations, and official notices;
• interpret statutes and regulations for staff and community;
• manage budget requests and monitor expenditures.
The Louisiana Department of Education recently created the position of instructional coach, which is a type of instructional specialist.
UL Lafayette's 36-hour program, which is designed for certified teachers, leads to a master's degree in education in curriculum and instruction with an instructional specialist concentration. Successful completion of the coursework also leads to certification as a Louisiana Department of Education Instructional Coach.
For additional information, visit online.louisiana.edu or call (337) 482-1126.