Education Specialist in Teaching and Learning (EdS)

Position Yourself for Possible Career Advancement With an Education Specialist Degree

The Education Specialist in Teaching and Learning (EdS) degree at Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a post-master’s program which allows K-12 educators to enhance the skills and knowledge necessary for developing education communities that improve student outcomes. Offered by GCU’s College of Doctoral Studies, this fully online teaching and learning program emphasizes theories and models of teaching in various educational environments, from elementary to high school.

Throughout this online program, you can:

    Examine the global politics of education and the intervention facilitated by government entities
    
    Study professional learning communities and theories of pedagogy
    
    Explore ways to train and develop the teams that learners are preparing to lead and support
    
    Learn to excel in teaching by studying industry trends, implementing new effective teaching strategies based on original research and applying findings to foster greater classroom success

As a private, Christian university, GCU integrates faith into each of its programs. Courses within the education specialist degree program for teaching and learning use a curriculum rooted in the Christian worldview that addresses socially responsible practices and ethical decision-making within education.

Skills Taught in the Online Education Specialist Degree in Teaching and Learning

The aim of the online EdS degree in teaching and learning is to give current educators the skills, through research-based teaching strategies, to develop collaborative educational communities with the purpose of improving student learning and driving classroom success in K-12 environments.

You will be taught to make connections between past philosophies of education and current issues and emerging trends in the field. This can help you to develop the skills to identify and implement effective models or theories of change, innovative technologies and modern methods to enhance your learning environments.

The specialist degree in education at GCU focuses on the following:

    Using philosophies of teaching and learning as a foundation for improving the teaching and learning process
    
    Examining disruptive innovation and change associated with theories and models
    
    Assessing teaching and learning from a global perspective to understand the social, cultural, organizational and psychological factors that affect the classroom
    
    Using research methods and statistical analysis to produce original research

Build Your Portfolio in the Education Specialist Degree Capstone Project

Career Opportunities for EdS Degree in Teaching and Learning Graduates

Graduates of this program are taught how to move beyond traditional classroom responsibilities and drive change with the research and collaboration skills developed throughout the program.

After completing the program, educators may pursue higher-level roles at the school and district levels or higher. The knowledge and skills developed during the EdS program can equip educators to position themselves for advanced careers in school leadership, administration or consulting.

The online Education Specialist degree in teaching and learning program allows teachers with a master’s degree to position themselves for career advancement without enrolling in a full doctoral program. However, if you are unsure whether you should pursue an EdD or an EdS degree for your career goals, speak with a GCU university counselor for more information about these programs.

If seeking licensure or certification, applicants to the program are responsible for contacting their state department of education for licensure requirements and program approval. In addition, fingerprint/background clearance is required.