The field of education is a transformative one. Education is the avenue through which tangible change is made in the lives of future generations — and it provides the basis for critical thinking and objective problem-solving, skills of which our society is in dire need today.
But educators often face a variety of challenges, including burnout. So, what skills do teachers need in order to perpetuate innovative education, stay motivated and in turn, help the next generation reach their full potential?
Let’s explore just a few of the critical skills that aspiring educators should learn as they work to incorporate innovative education practices in the classroom.
Innovative Education Starts with These 5 Skills
In order to drive students to succeed, educators need to approach teaching from a holistic, innovative perspective. One of the most valuable ways that aspiring educators can learn these critical teaching skills is through a Master of Science in Education, a graduate education degree that’s rooted in theory, data and strategy.
Let’s explore five skills that help educators foster an innovative approach to education.
Skill 1: Creating Inclusive Learning Environments
Inclusive learning means that students who have traditionally been left behind in some capacity (due to disabilities, for example, barriers, etc.) have access to real-world learning opportunities alongside their peers. Inclusive education benefits all students, regardless of background, socio-economic status, race or unique learning needs.
By approaching education with the skill of fostering inclusive learning environments, teachers empower diverse groups of students to thrive and gain confidence, which is paramount to driving students towards future success.
Explore more on the subject of inclusive learning with our blog, Fostering Inclusive Classrooms With a Special Education Credential.
Skill 2: Harnessing the Power of Technology in the Classroom
Technology critically impacts innovation across all industries, but the education landscape in particular benefits from the use of technology. When students have access to technology, they’re able to more fully connect with resources, tools and programs that will help them succeed throughout their academic journey and eventually, professional career.
Harnessing the power of technology also makes a variety of specific learning opportunities possible; technology in the classroom:
- Supports personalized learning initiatives
- Fosters innovative learning approaches for all students
- Creates a more engaged environment for discovery
- Provides a more well-rounded learning experience
Skill 3: Prioritizing Inclusive Excellence in Schools
Inclusiveness in schools is practicing compassion, empathy, understanding and social emotional learning initiatives. Inclusive practices leads to more collaborative learning for all, regardless of student background or learning style.
Inclusiveness also creates access to critically important resources and opportunities that lead to student empowerment, which is paramount to student success both in the classroom and well beyond.
Skill 4: Advancing Through Teaching Specialization
One sure way to increase your overall skill set and marketability as a teacher is through pursuing a teaching specialization. A teaching specialization can come in the form of a credential that prepares you to teach with sharpened skills in one particular area, such as special education, multiple or single subject.
With a teaching specialization on your resume, you will also experience the following:
- Higher salaries
- Advanced career options
- More promotion opportunities
- Increased job security
Skill 5: Nurturing Professional Sustainability Practices
It’s no secret that teachers often experience burnout due to lack of work/life balance. In order to adequately set yourself up for success, you’ll need to focus on self-care — in other words, you’ll need to practice professional sustainability skills.
Prioritizing professional sustainability practices in the form of self-compassion will increase the likelihood of experiencing a lifelong, meaningful teaching career in whatever education role you’re passionate about.
Drive Innovative Education with an MS in Education from the Mount
At Mount Saint Mary’s University Los Angeles, we are committed to equipping our Master of Science in Education students with the sought-after skills needed to foster innovative education practices in a variety of school settings.
We are dedicated to showing our graduate education students the same compassion, empathy and quality attention that we teach them to show their own students once they enter the workforce. At the Mount, you will join a community of driven, innovative education professionals who all want to make a difference in the teaching field.
Here are a few things that you can expect when you choose the MS in Education at the Mount:
- Opportunity to specialize through credentials
- Small, intimate class sizes
- Expert faculty who encourage hands-on learning
- Flexible learning format options
- Competitive tuition costs/fees
You have the valuable opportunity to become the innovative education expert that’s critically needed in the field today. If you’re ready to start your next academic venture at the Mount, we invite you to schedule an appointment to chat with us, request more information or get started on your application today.