Degree Overview
The Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) is a post-Master's degree program focused on developing excellence in teachers who wish to gain skills as educational researchers through both critical action and the arts. It is intended to be an effective and recognized way for those students who wish to move into doctoral programs to prepare for that challenge through the introduction to qualitative educational research methods, primarily action research and arts-based research. Learn more about Lesley's Ed.S. in Integrated Teaching Through the Arts.
Benefits for Students
- Students will gain skills as an educational researcher through both critical action and the arts.
- Students will reflect upon and identify topical educational issues for research investigation at the local, state, national and international level.
- Students will develop your potential as an educational leader through your presentation of arts and/or research projects (stemming from course content) in your school and community, at conferences and in other professional settings.
Skill Set Learned
- Core precepts carried throughout the program are: action research and arts-based research methods, critical pedagogy and critical literacy, arts integration in curriculum and instruction, social action, diversity and reflective practice.
- Community action is a requirement in a number of Ed.S. courses and students should be prepared for and committed to their work in the programmoving out into the world!
Project Types and Sample Projects
- How can the arts assist minority students in communicating their test anxiety?
- What characterizes successful mentoring experiences and how can the arts support them?
- How does using the art of storytelling create an environment that supports community building and honors cultural diversity?
- How will music and the stories that connect to it foster intergenerational learning and community links for middle school students?
- How can we cultivate the spiritual/inner lives of teachers and teacher renewal through the arts ?
