How Do You Want it to Affect your Career?

When deciding upon graduate school think about why you want to go.

• Do you desire a new position?
• Are you looking for a raise in your salary?
• Or do you want to improve your craft to help your current students?

Graduate degrees offer many benefits, but to get the most out of it, you need to know how you want it to affect your career.

If you’re looking for a new position, an advanced degree can open the door for that. Most upper-level jobs require a master’s degree, so if you’re looking for a leadership role an advanced degree can help with that. If you’re looking for a salary increase, an advanced degree often means a higher salary.

However, it’s wise to do your homework and compare your salary now to know if you’ll be making more once you obtain your new degree. Lastly, if you’re looking to advance your knowledge to help your current students, an advanced degree can provide you with specific skills that can make a difference in your students’ lives.

What Degree is Best for Your Goals?

What exactly do you plan on studying in graduate school? Graduate school is a time for you to hone in on a specific skill(s) but choosing the right program can be a tough choice.

There are three levels of graduate study:

• Graduate certificates or endorsements
• Master’s degrees
• Doctoral degrees

Graduate certificates and endorsements are not a degree, but they do require a bachelor’s degree to obtain one. If you’re looking to obtain new skills quickly, this is an option because they usually take about 20 credit hours.

A master’s degree can take about two years to complete, and you become a “master” in your chosen field.

Some of the most popular master’s options for teachers are:

• Curriculum and instruction
• Early Childhood Education
• Higher Education
• Administration & Leadership

A doctoral degree is the highest level in academia and is considered a terminal degree. Graduates in this program are usually in administrative roles in K-12 and higher education.

What Can You Afford?

Before you embark on such a long-term commitment it’s wise to consider if you can fund this investment in your education. Graduate school can be very expensive, according to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost of a public school master’s degree is around $54,000.

However, once you decide on the school you want to go to, you can fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to help you determine which federal aid assistance you may be able to receive. You also have the option to take out a federal or private school loan. If you’re currently working, you can ask your employer if they offer tuition reimbursement benefits. Budgeting is also essential on an educator salary when pursuing graduate programs.

Another option to help you fund graduate school is to pursue outside funding like a fellowship. A fellowship is a monetary award that helps pay for your academic pursuits. In the end, the hope is that with your new degree, you’ll have the earning potential to make paying off school manageable.

Do You Have the Time?

Timing and time management is important when deciding on graduate school. If you just completed your undergraduate degree and feel the pressure to move right on to graduate school, then you should know that there is no age restriction for when you decide to go. Before you invest your time into such a big commitment, make sure the time is right for you. If you’re going because you’re not sure what you want to do next, then you may not get that much out of the experience. However, if you think you are ready to dedicate the time and time management skills needed to invest in furthering your education, then you may have a very rewarding experience.

Going to grad school can be a huge adjustment, especially if you decide to go after being in the workforce for some time. You will need a support system to help motivate you and get you through any challenging times. However, once you’ve decided to commit to graduate school, it can be a transformative experience. You’ll be in the company of like-minded individuals and learn from incredible teachers.

If you’re interested in pursuing an advanced degree and want to learn more, please explore our online, hybrid, and in-person master’s and doctorate degrees.

The post Graduate School Questions to Ask Yourself Before Applying appeared first on Graduate Programs for Educators.

Many of the times grad students feel this kind of stress are during specific times of the school year, including, but not limited to, the beginning of the school year, at report card times, and at parent/teacher conference times. These time-intensive spots in the K-12 school year have the possibility of conflicting with impending coursework assignments or graduate program classes.

Grad students may feel pressured that there simply isn’t enough time in some weeks to do their best work and fulfill their work obligations equally. When family or personal issues are added to that mix, the result can be significant stress.

Steps to Take to Postpone an Assignment Deadline or Miss a Class

If you find yourself in one of those situations where you don’t think you can meet a graduate school deadline, communicate with the professor as soon as possible. Your graduate school professor will appreciate that you are being proactive in letting them know it will be difficult for you to do your best on an assignment and still be able to get it in on time. Ask for a deadline extension so that you can do your best work on it.

The same thing applies to the situation in which you may have to miss a class. Simply let the professor know that you will have a hard time getting to class due to whatever the circumstances are, and then ask how you can make this up. Professors may have an extra assignment or other way to make up that class. But you can’t expect to get a free pass. It can be tough to juggle required work evening commitments and your regular night of class. The bottom line is that effective communication early on is very helpful.

Use Your Best Judgement

Using good judgement is important in every aspect of your life, especially when having to juggle grad school, work, and family. When asking to miss a class, always offer to do something extra to make that up. When asking for an assignment postponement, be sure that the reason sounds worthwhile and not something the professor is going to think is questionable.

Always err on the side of caution when it comes to attendance or a homework deadline. Illness, a death in the family, schedule conflicts with work responsibilities are all items that are entirely valid reasons to ask for a postponement.

Things like having to attend a party, a birthday, getting your hair done, etc. may not be looked upon as favorably. One strategy worth considering is to take a personal day to complete an assignment if you are running into some difficulties. That may help to alleviate the stress.

Be Honest and Forthright

It is crucial to be very honest with your professor when requesting an extension for an assignment or exemption from a class. Do not beat around the bush or make excuses. Remember, your instructors have been doing this job for a while and have been in the same spot that you are now finding yourself in.

Just straightforwardly state the issue and ask for the extension or accommodation in person or through an assignment deadline extension email. Let them know why, how you will handle this, and what you will do in the future to prevent the same thing from happening. Taking ownership of the situation will put you in a much better light than making excuses.

Don’t Let it Become a Habit and Plan Proactively

Missing a class or having to postpone the deadline of an assignment is not the end of the world. Things do come up in life and it is better to be proactive about handling it. Do not make this a habit.

A professor will be most impressed when you have taken the steps to chart the semester ahead of time, comparing the class times and due dates with your work dates and personal life dates. Then, way ahead of time, you can talk to the professor about potentially rough times that may arise and give them a heads-up that you might have to ask for a deadline extension during a certain week. As long as you are proactive and organized, this will not reflect poorly on you.

Try to put things in perspective and not let these glitches in assignments or classes spoil the experience; concentrate on giving your best efforts to your coursework and making connections with peers while in class. They will also be struggling with the same things and being able to talk together about things that pop up can be helpful to all.

Looking for more ways to prep for graduate school or thinking of taking the plunge into a program? Check out our 200+ available masters, doctorates, endorsements, and certifications and educator’s blog to advance your career today!

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For decades, academic research has involved the use of books, encyclopedias, old periodicals, and primary sources. Specific primary documents include letters, journal entries, or historical papers. Academic researchers would often spend hours in public, state, or university libraries to have the best access to current journals, articles, and publications.

In addition to traditional printed research in academia, lab experiments, trials, interviews with sources, focus groups, surveys, and polls have also been used in academic research for years. The choice of materials used for academic research depends on the subject matter and topic. Researchers often captured their copious notes in notebooks or on recording devices.

The rise of using technology in everyday life, however, has significantly impacted how academic research is currently conducted, especially in education, education graduate programs, and universities. Instead of writing down research in notebooks, they are typed. Tape recorders have been replaced with phones or iPads. Technology software now enables individuals to easy collect, interpret, and analyze data. Email polls and surveys have replaced phone calls and boardrooms of focus groups. Lastly, the digital organization of newspaper articles, journal articles, and online encyclopedias, thanks to online internet search engines, makes academic research easy and convenient.

As long as a person has a device with internet capabilities, they can research and access academic research databases at home or on the go. You can even ask Alexa to provide you with a fact you instantly need to know. Yes, technology has made academic research a much less grueling and time-consuming process. However, it may not always be as simple as that.

Pros and Cons of Google for Academic Research

Lifelong readers and leaners have always been interested in looking up information and finding out facts on various subject matters. Instead of people now saying, “I need to look that up,” people say, “Google it,” and we know exactly what that means. Google is the most popular search engine of organization information on the web.

Pros

By typing a few strong key words in the search bar on Google, a person is given a countless number of links to click on and explore the information. A researcher can instantly receive pages of articles, publications, and news stories to read.

The pros of using Google for academic research include:

• Convenience
• Saving time
• Organization
• Relevancy
• Ease

Cons

While the pros certainly outweigh the cons, there are some negatives when it comes to relying on Google for academic research. Since Google organizes everything based on SEO or keywords, the search engine picks up anything related to the topic a person is searching for. This includes information from local news stories, blogs, and social media platforms.

Google does not discern through all of their information to determine if it a link is actually verified and vetted research or if it is simply someone’s opinion. Just because an article shows up in a Google search does not mean it is appropriate for academic research.

If a researcher puts all of their confidence in Google, it can be detrimental to their research. Primary resources, specific journal articles and publications, and books are still truly only available offline. For an academic researcher, libraries and bookstores are still an important part of finding valid research.

Tips for Using Google for Academic Research

There are several tips to consider when using Google for academic research.

Utilize Credible Sources

The first one is to remember to determine whether each link or source provided during a search is credible.

Use Google Efficiently

The second tip is to use Google efficiently and as a time saver since it can easily suggest book titles and publications on the topic to check out from the library. Another important tip is to determine if a provided article is relevant and supports your research.

Use Timely Sources

It is recommended that virtual research should only be considered timely within the last ten years.

Google Scholar

The best tip for using Google for academic research is to use Google Scholar, and other Google Tools. This more specific search engine created by Google was specifically designed for research. Google Scholar is truly a catalog of research-based and vetted journals and publications. It only contains cited articles, publication extracts, and case studies specific to your search bar topic. The researcher can sort articles in a custom time range or specific year.

When a researcher takes advantage of this special feature and combines it with books, primary documents, and historical or scientific data, the academic research is valid and useful. Google and technology has certainly changed academic research, but when it is used correctly and intelligently, it is only for the better.

Are you interested in pursuing your education graduate degree? Check out our 190+ available masters, doctorates, endorsements, and certifications to advance your career today! 

The post How Google Has Changed Academic Research appeared first on Graduate Programs for Educators.

The Significance of a Dissertation in an Advanced Degree Program

Pursuing a graduate degree in education leads to career advancement and increased skills to impact students. Obtaining an advanced degree provides opportunities for educators to grow and conduct research on a specific topic. An advanced degree in education comes in the form of either a master’s degree or doctoral degree. Generally, in a master of education program, a student’s culminating project is a thesis. For the doctoral degree, the culminating project is the dissertation.

It is important for educators to continue learning and have access to professional development. Completing a dissertation or thesis in a graduate program gives educators the skills, research methods, and knowledge to impact their school or organization.

To understand the importance of these research-based projects, it is vital to look at the differences between the two and also the outcomes of completing the projects. For educators who want to pursue a doctorate degree, there are two options. These are the Ph.D. or Ed.D. in Education.

For those pursuing a master’s degree, there are multiple options such as the Master of Education (M.Ed.), Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T), or a Master of Science in Education (M.S.E.).

All of these graduate programs may have different names, but have similar areas of concentration such as:

• Curriculum and instruction
• Educational leadership and administration
• Science
• Educational technology
• Engineering
• Math
• STEM
• Elementary or Secondary Education

The significance of completing a dissertation comes from learning how to conduct research, find positive solutions to an issue in the education field, and produce scholarly and practical work that adds value to the field.

In the process of completing a dissertation or thesis, it is essential to plan out the project’s objectives and brainstorm the steps it takes to complete the project. Knowing when to start brainstorming, beginning the process, and finding resources to make a project successful are vital to making an impact in the field.

When to Start Brainstorming Grad Degree Dissertation Topics

Once you have determined the type of degree and concentration you want to do research in it is important to begin brainstorming the topic you want to work on. Most graduate programs have a set of core classes that focus on developing the educational leader, a set of specialized classes, and finally, a culminating dissertation or thesis.

While taking the core classes, the students need to begin brainstorming the topic of their research project. For example, a graduate student in an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership program may consider a dissertation topic of the Professional Development and Experiences of K-12 School Administrators, while a student in a M.Ed. in Elementary Education program would write a thesis on Incorporating Literacy Strategies Across Multiple Curriculum Areas in Elementary Schools.

How to Kick Off Your Brainstorm Sessions for Dissertation Topics in Education

Writing a dissertation can be challenging, but knowing the structure of the dissertation and what resources you can utilize will put you on a path to success. When preparing your dissertation topic ideas and brainstorming for your thesis or dissertation there are multiple ways to start the process.

In the beginning phases of brainstorming it is important to have a clear specific topic you want to research. However, it is normal to have a change in interest. Consider creating a list of two to three topics that interest you. This will help you create a framework to collect research and literature on the topics. As the literature and research increases you will be able to develop a plan to complete your project.

Talk to Program Peers

One way to kick off your brainstorming journey for dissertation topics could be to discuss with your program peers. This can be your professor, current students in your cohort, or colleagues at your school. Another way to begin your brainstorming session would be to use a graphic organizer or mind map. Completing a research-based project comes with the important components of a design process.

Research, Research, Research

Researching dissertation education topics that are interesting to you will help in defining the topic and finding effective resources to complete the project. In order to have an effective process, place specific goals for time management, when to conduct research, and who to interview to get professional insight on your topic.

Creating Personal Success

Along your journey to complete your project, there will be challenges. However, there are tips to success to help you create a high-quality project. Setting goals and embedding yourself with a network of colleagues who are also working on a thesis will help you find new ideas and support for your project. Consider creating a list of priorities when it comes to creating and completing your project. List out your resources and your goals and objectives that will give you access to information that will help you finish your work. Collaboration is key to complete the dissertation and thesis.

Interview Scholarly Professionals

Along the way it is vital to interview peers and professionals who have completed their own scholarly work. Additionally, balancing your work and home life will help you prioritize your goals and individual needs. Your topic is unique to you, but the experiences you will gain while completing your project will give you deeper insight, enhanced skills, and tools to make an impact in the field of education.

When you are done with your project you will have the knowledge and skills to add value to your life personally and your school or organization.

Want to advance your career as an educator? Check out our 190+ available masters, doctorates, endorsements, and certifications to advance your career today!

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Find the Format for You

With the help of technology, graduate school does not have to be a huge, extra burden for educators. There are many different models and formats to help the working educator navigate how to balance work and school. These different models are meant to allow teachers to have the flexibility to teach and pursue a degree. It allows teachers to continue their education while still working.

Many colleges and universities’ graduate school of education offer different options for master’s degrees, such as online, hybrid, or in-person. Schools use a range of teaching formats to support busy professionals and provide flexibility to students. These different formats help students to work and gain a degree.

In-Person

The in-person model is just that — when you attend all of your classes in person; this is typically the traditional school approach. This allows the student to learn from the teacher during class time. It also requires the student to have the time to go to campus for the day and time of the class.

Online

The online model allows the student to work on their own to complete the materials for the course. In many online classes, the teacher will post the different modules and assignments for the course, and the students dictate when the work will be completed based on their schedules.

In many online classes, the course runs for a designated period with different due dates throughout. The student can work at their own pace to complete the assignments. Some online classes also post all the assignments for the entire course at once, with the due dates being the last day of the course. With this type of online model, the teacher could post the lectures for the student to watch on their own time rather than having the student attend.

This format allows the student to have the freedom to complete the material on their own time when it works best for them. This model puts a lot on the student, but the freedom to complete the work on one’s own time can be more beneficial and worthwhile, especially while working full-time.

Hybrid

The hybrid model combines the in-person and online model. This model has students attend class in-person and also complete online work. In some cases, educators teach remote and in-person students simultaneously using tools like video conferencing hardware and software.

Another way the hybrid model works is that students attend an online lecture during the week but have the opportunity to complete the work independently. The online lectures help students to understand the material and assignments that they will have to complete. These lectures are typically required.

The students have the freedom to complete the work on their own just as they would in the online model. This model allows students to access their teacher, whether in the classroom or through an online platform such as Zoom, and the ability to complete assignments on their own time.

Use Your Time Wisely

Regardless of which model of classes is chosen when pursuing a master’s or doctorate degree, it is always best to use your time wisely. Again, it is challenging when balancing work and classes since many classes require a lot of reading and lengthy assignments.

It is best to understand what model works best for you and your lifestyle. When deciding on a program, it is best to pick the right program that fits your needs academically and logistically. To do this, it might be helpful to reach out to your friends, family, or colleagues to see what they have done and what worked for them and their schedules.

Your support network may offer ideas or suggestions you have not considered. It is important to understand what you are undertaking before you fully commit. Some colleges or universities let you take a course or two before fully enrolling. This allows you to see the coursework and style of the program you want to complete, which will be helpful down the line for how to balance school and work, and give you a taste of the work load.

Many programs also offer weekend or evening classes and summer programs so that you can complete a degree while working during the day. Many colleges and universities want to make obtaining a degree possible. They will offer more flexible course options to help those who work. It is extremely important to look into all of these options when considering a program.

Communicate with Professors and Cohort

Once you are enrolled, it is extremely beneficial to reach out to your professors and classmates to help one another. One of the best things I did while completing my online master’s degree was have a group chat with all cohort members. Since the program was solely online, we did not have the opportunity to collaborate in the classroom face-to-face.

However, by obtaining phone numbers, email addresses, and having a group discussion board through the school’s learning management system, we could communicate with one another to help each other. If one person did not necessarily understand the assignment, they could ask our group for clarification. This made the learning process much easier and more manageable.

Many of my professors also offered online office hours where you could host a Zoom meeting with them to have a discussion. Professors want you to learn what they are teaching and do your best, just like we as elementary or secondary teachers want for our students. If there is an issue, most professors are available to meet, whether through email or to set up an appointment.

It can go a long way if you are open, honest, and willing to reach out to your cohort and professors. It is worthwhile to make the connections and can help with future endeavors.

Additional Tips and Tricks

Overall, choosing the right graduate program is so important; time and money are the two most significant factors in the decision. The best advice I can give is to take your time researching programs. Make sure you choose a program that suits your needs. The right program is out there for you; taking the time and effort to find it is well worth it in the end.

Are you interested in taking the next step in your career and pursuing a graduate degree? Check out our available graduate education programs and get started today!

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Peer educators are student leaders with some level of expertise or training in the area they are serving students. They are students themselves but take on an additional role similar to that of a mentor and can assist with tutoring in small groups, large groups, or individually. They can also provide emotional support and advise less experienced students.

What are the Benefits of Peer Education?

There are many benefits of peer education in graduate programs. Peer educators are encouraging to students, which can help attitudes toward learning. Using a peer educator for learning is more engaging and enables personalization of the learning experience for students. Student goals and questions can be more specifically focused upon. This may lead to higher academic achievement as a more engaging experience has shown academic benefits.

Peer educators also provide a different kind of emotional support to graduate students than that of a regular professor. Peer educators are closer in age, experience, and are more likely to bond with the student. Professors may come and go depending upon the classes that are taken; however, a peer educator is there for the entire experience and can provide important stability.

It is vital to check into peer educators when selecting a graduate-level program so that the student knows they will have that additional support throughout the entire experience. Without peer education groups, a graduate student may feel more uncertain and lack confidence. Stress levels may be higher, and it can be easier for a student to give up.

How to Promote Peer Education in Graduate Programs

You can expect peer educators to have accurate information and be able to help with issues that may arise, whether they are more content-oriented or of a personal nature. As a first step, professors in graduate programs should encourage students to seek out help or advice from a peer educator.

Group Study Sessions

If a student is having trouble understanding the details of differentiation in lesson planning, the peer educator could host small group study sessions or be available to answer questions.

Scheduling Help

Perhaps a student is having difficulty getting their schedule and the graduate program to fit together. A peer educator can look over the scheduling issues and make suggestions for things the student can try to do to rectify the issues. Ultimately, it is up to the student to implement what works best for them. Peer educators can be a strong source of support for a master’s graduate student, doctoral graduate student, and more.

Diverse Peer Feedback

Peer educators will be non-judgmental and respectful of a student’s status. They will be able to provide excellent feedback and support in both content and social situations relating to their field of study. This is helpful as there are various types of students in a graduate-level education program. There may be somewhat older adults pursuing a second career and some students who are just beginning. The peer educator will be able to bridge any gaps in understanding for all kinds of students.

Suppose the second career student is having trouble adapting to what the school culture and climate is during their observations. A peer educator can talk about school cultures in general and help that student to get a better idea of what goes on in the school workplace.

Observation/Student Teaching Advice

There are significant differences between the corporate world and a school. Likewise, a beginning student may be having trouble arranging their observations or student teaching experiences. A peer educator may be able to give concrete suggestions as to how to go about contacting various schools and suggest ways to speak to the administrators in charge.

A newer student may not have built up contacts in the education field like a more seasoned student has. The peer educator will assist as much as they can while helping to build up the student’s confidence level regardless of the issue. Peer educators help you, as the student, to focus on understanding things rather than solving problems for you. They help you help yourself.

Help Tackling Problems

If a graduate student is experiencing difficulty in their observation or student teaching, they may feel they are not connecting with the cooperating teacher on a philosophical level and may want to talk about it.

The student can ask a peer educator to help them narrow down the problem and brainstorm why this may be happening. They may work together to develop a list of ways the student can approach the cooperating teacher or role-play how the situation may play out. The student must then decide which methods to try for themselves.

Sometimes graduate-level students want to play a larger part in their observation or student teaching program than what is prescribed. The peer educator can help them find a good way to approach their cooperating teacher about modifications to the program. This can be helpful and lead to good experiences to highlight on a resume.

It is easier for students to approach someone more on their level who has just been through some of the same things rather than going to a full-time professor with these things. There may be a hesitancy to go to a professor since the professor assigns grades, and a student may be worried it could make them look bad in front of them.

Personal Advice

If a student is having trouble with something like behavior management, they may be afraid that the professor will think they did not fully learn the material. It would be less stressful for a student to seek a peer educator to ask questions about how these behavior strategies realistically work, not only in theory. In addition, more personal issues may pop up that a graduate student will want to discuss with a peer educator rather than a professor.

Because the peer educator is at a different level, the student might be more comfortable talking about these more personal topics with them. These can be anything from health issues to scheduling issues to ways to approach their professor or cooperating teacher about things.

If the university you attend offers peer educators as a resource, it would be very beneficial to take advantage of them for additional help and advice. They can help to give a different perspective than that of a seasoned professor.

Interested in pursuing a graduate degree in education? Check out our available programs and get started today!

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When teachers know that the project will be beneficial to their students, they do not hesitate to pay for it. Unfortunately, this can become very costly over time. It does get to the point when teachers cannot come up with the funds for projects or programs, which can be disheartening.

There is a solution to the financial strain of creating new programs and projects! Grants. Large corporations like Walmart, Apple, and Home Depot have many different grants for educators and non-educators. Foundations within communities also offer many grants to local teachers and schools in their areas. The key for educators in securing these grants is finding them and applying for them.

What is a Grant Proposal?

To be awarded a grant, you must put forth an amazing grant proposal. The grant proposal is part of the application process where you show the corporations or foundations how your program or project aligns with their mission. Grants typically have themes or topics that they focus on each year. It is your responsibility to show them how what you will be doing accomplishes their goal.

What Kinds of Grants are Available to Educators?

There are a variety of grants for educators. You must research and find the one that best fits your project because this can cover the operating costs of the program. There are grants for after-school programs focusing on nutrition, STEM, the arts, music, language learning, careers, and many more.

There are also grants for educators who want to pursue research opportunities in areas like poverty and grades, COVID-19 pandemic and loss of learning, technology and disabilities, Universal Design for Learning, and more.

Educators and school administrators can also find grants that will cover the costs of professional development opportunities. This includes specialized speakers, out-of-town conferences, and instruction on new educational programs.

Technology grants are very popular, especially with educators who experienced the need for new technology during the pandemic. Technology grants can supply laptops or tablets for an entire class, document cameras, smartboards, or even 3D printers.

Finally, there are grants that target specific underserved populations. These grants will be awarded for programs that work with particular student groups.

How Do You Apply for a Grant?

First, be sure to ask permission from your school principal or district administrator who oversees grants. You do not want to take all the time to put together your proposal and then be told that you cannot submit it because someone already has.

Once you have gotten the green light to apply for the grant, go to the corporation’s or foundation’s website and print out all grant materials. Sometimes, grants can be an easy, fill-in application. Other times, grant applications can be very lengthy and require many documents to be attached to the application. Applying for grants can be time-consuming, and due dates are very strict. Be sure to evaluate all application requirements to not miss a deadline.

Read through the requirements, locate the due dates, and get writing.

What are the Main Components of a Grant Proposal?

When it comes to how to write a grant proposal, components vary from grant to grant. However, there are some main parts that you can expect to find in how to write a grant proposal for education or funding.

First and foremost, you should do a needs assessment to prove that your program or project is needed within your school community.

Collect Data and Info

Create a survey for the students, parents, or teachers affected positively by the grant. Collect the data and write a narrative using this information to explain why your program should be funded – a statement of need. You will need a description of your organization and the mission and goals of your school.

Name Your Project

Give your project or program a name. Make it something catchy or use an acronym. Next, create a very detailed project or program description. Include the goals and outcomes and show how you will know whether or not you have reached those goals.

Then explain how your project is different than any other projects in your area. You will not be awarded the grant if there are already many programs like the one you are proposing. Show how your program is distinct from anything else.

Identify Your Focus

Next, identify your focus area and how that matches with the grant. Is the grant about breaking the cycle of poverty? Is it about increasing the number of Latinx high school students who enter teaching majors in college? Whatever the grant’s theme is, show how your program has the same theme.

Another component of a grant proposal may be the community benefit or impact. Reach out to community stakeholders and ask for their thoughts on how your educational program will affect the community as a whole. Include this information in your grant proposal.

Grant Funds

It might seem like an obvious component, but you will need to include the requested monetary amount and a detailed project budget. Break down the requested amount and show where every dollar will be spent. If you are requesting technology, for example, find out how much each tablet costs and list how many you will purchase with the grant funds.

If you are buying art supplies, break it down into paint brushes, paint, paper, and individual costs. Individuals reviewing the grants will want to know how you will be using the money. One last possible component may be the personnel needed to run your project or program. Depending on the size of your program, you might be planning on creating a grant-funded position. Explain this position and the requirements for the person who will hold the position.

Although all this information on writing a grant proposal may seem overwhelming, it does not have to be. Starting a few months before the grant deadline will ensure that you have enough time to gather all the needed components. Being awarded a grant and seeing your program come to life is worth all the time that you took to apply for the grant.

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The COVID-19 pandemic has made it clear that education has changed in many ways. Because of the newly pervasive virus variant, universities and colleges are experiencing staff shortages.  We are still experiencing schools closing for in-person learning and a pause in extracurricular activities due to the pandemic.

Schools are also now forced to address learning gaps. During virtual learning, students of all levels have missed out on their collaborative group time which is essential; colleges and schools are trying to find time to implement peer support.

As we continue through these challenging times, we have to ensure that teaching and learning continue to occur in schools.

Things to Consider Before Applying

Below are some of the things you need to consider before deciding to go back to school:

Safety

New instructional challenges and barriers to implementing COVID-19 prevention measures have affected teachers’ mental health. The mental health of the educator is linked to how effective they feel in their classroom.

With coronavirus cases surging, several states are suspending in-person learning. The current situation with the pandemic and the virus variants are putting states in a tough place. When it is safe, we must continue to have in-person learning experiences for students. Despite the challenges, we need to keep the students safe and learning.

The big question is, how do we move forward with all the barriers we are presently facing? Some would say constant collaboration; we are thankful for the constant collaboration between schools and the health department.

A Great Need

A lot of people say, “I want to make a difference.” This is a wonderful time to make a difference. Individuals need to step back and wonder about a career path they might have never considered because it is time to look at all possibilities. Look at your skillset and pursue that path; identify the areas you want to develop, find out what you are good at, and seek those areas by furthering your education.

According to recent guidance from the Tennessee Department of Education, the criteria that confirm the lowest-performing schools is in process. There is a great need for graduate schools to start preparing their students to address this challenge because states are restarting the accountability piece since the pandemic and students will continue to be tested in reading, math, and science.

Mental Health

Schools also need to provide mental health support, and students need to know how to access mental health services. Universities can have a significant impact on mental health and students’ understanding of the subject.

Research by the National Association of School Psychologists shows that students are more likely to seek counseling when resources are available at school. From the research they gathered, they also concluded that students who receive social, emotional, and mental health support achieve better academically.

Technology

During the pandemic, a lot of emphasis was put on virtual learning. Students learned to use technology in ways they had never done before. One of the advantages of enrolling in a graduate program is that we have a new look and opportunity of using technology which gives a better learning experience for students.

Educators have a great opportunity of using technology and incorporating strategies that include:

• Gamified learning
• Digital field trips
• Integrating social media
• Gathering student feedback
• Creating digital content
• Reviewing and critiquing webpages
• Incorporating video and multimedia into instructional lessons

We have more opportunities for learning gains than we did last year, and this is because students have more access to materials online than last year. As we begin in 2022, students are going to experience new platforms; colleges, states, and students better understand using technology than they did before.

Strategies for Success as a Grad Student During COVID

Several colleges are moving to remote or virtual learning, but research indicates face-to-face instruction is beneficial for students. States and colleges are forced to make adjustments to keep students learning. For example, several states are distributing at-home COVID-19 rapid tests for staff and students.

Below are some of the strategies for success as a graduate student during COVID:

Online Programs

A majority of colleges offer fully online programs which can be the best option for some students amidst this pandemic.

Engaging Programs

Universities are offering interactive courses that are engaging for students and allow students to be independent.

Learning Supports

Colleges need to have learning support for students, and schools need to establish a committee to address learning and teaching.

Peer Tutoring

The pandemic has affected people in different ways; students need tutoring to address the learning loss.

Curriculum

Schools need to revisit, alter the course of their curriculum, and analyze what was working before the pandemic and what adjustments must be made.

Mental Health Issues

A lot of students have been affected by the pandemic. It is extremely beneficial when colleges address mental health among the students.

Deciding to go to grad school? Check out our available programs and enroll today!

The post The New Year: Going Back to School During COVID appeared first on Graduate Programs for Educators.

Academic research is a systematic approach to increase knowledge on a particular subject matter or topic. The deep exploration and study of a specific topic found through academic research are often used to explain particular facts, misconceptions, and opinions of a relevant topic about a field of study.

A person’s academic research is most often associated with a master’s degree, doctoral program, or professional contribution to journals, conferences, or internships.

Why is Academic Research Important in Graduate School?

Academic research is essential in graduate school because it is often the culminating project or final paper submitted to support a candidate’s complete understanding of a topic within a graduate program. The actual academic research usually takes a year or more to complete in addition to a two-year to five-year time period in an in-person or online program, depending on the field of study and amount of coursework required.

Academic research often indicates or proves that a candidate is qualified to be a leader in their field of study while also representing the graduate school. Academic research is an in-depth critical analysis of statistics, observations, literature, case studies, and theories closely related to a graduate school candidate’s professional interests and career path.

More often than not, the academic research conducted in graduate school is later published in a trade publication or periodical. It can also be submitted and used as a research-based presentation at a professional trade or industry conference. Sometimes, it is even used later to write and publish a book on the subject matter. In this instance, graduate school is the driving force behind academic research.

How Do I Know if Something is Credible?

Several factors can be used to determine if academic research is credible. The first question to ask is why the study was chosen in the first place to fully examine. Then, ask a variety of inquiry-based questions to support the reason behind the research:

• What is the purpose of the research?
• Why was this research so important to conduct?
• How relevant is this research?

It is important to identify the credentials of the person conducting the research, what school is backing or supporting the academic research, and if any particular organization or institution funds the research.

The sample size of the case study and the data collected are important to review for credibility in addition to understanding the measures and said outcomes of the conducted research. Finally, peer-reviewed and trusted resources are a good indicator of credible sources. 

Academic Research Tips: How to Find Trustworthy Research

When an individual is completing the actual research, it is imperative to ensure that trustworthy research is available to help create a substantial research paper to present. One of the best ways to do this is to be skeptical about everything you read. The tips to finding trustworthy research are similar to determining if something is indeed credible. Peer-reviewed papers and highly ranked trusted institutions and organizations often produce and publish the most trustworthy research.

Reviewing the identity of the researcher conducting the academic research and their credentials of the person conducting the research is vital to locate trustworthy research. Find out if a particular school, organization, or institution is backing, supporting, or funding the academic research.

Depending on the industry, a various institutions and organizations are nationally and internationally recognized as trustworthy research sources in their field. Check the sources cited by the author of the research as well. In addition to reviews, check if the research received any awards, accolades, testimonials, or endorsements.

Visit a university library, public library, or academic research library to begin the research process. Google Scholar is an online search that is primarily focused on housing academic journals, articles, and publications on a particular subject matter. Finding trustworthy research begins by finding and selecting relevant articles, journals, and publications that address the topic a student or candidate is researching.

It is recommended that sources published within the past ten years are the most reliable and relevant materials for up-to-date and current research. An exception would be when you are looking for historical pedagogy or theories to support the present-day research.

Once you find, read, and critically analyze the research that you have found, it is time to use it effectively to share and present your research. Organize and communicate information in a manner that allows you to write and express your research efficiently. Finally, you present and defend your research to your committee within the graduate program.

The ultimate goal of academic research is to make an impact, create a solution to a problem, or better a system within your industry or organization. When academic research can be implemented for a positive outcome, the purpose of completing the academic research in the first place is validated.

Interested in looking into graduate programs? Check out our available education programs and enroll today!

The post Graduate School Strategies: What is Academic Research? appeared first on Graduate Programs for Educators.

How to Find an Advisor for Graduate School

Find an Expert in Your Interests

Choosing an advisor who knows a lot about the field you’re interested in is important. If you have a specific area of study that you want to pursue in graduate school, then you’ll want to choose an advisor specializing in that area. For example, if the area you want to focus on is administration and leadership, then find someone who specializes in that. Research any articles or publications that they’ve written on the topic; this will help you see if your views align with theirs. If you find they don’t, you can either keep looking for another advisor that’s better suited for you or you can use that advisor to help challenge you academically.

Finding an advisor that is an expert in the field you are pursuing will be vital to your success. Because your interests align, they will understand your challenges and be able to give you advice and support to help you get the experience with more ease.

Ensure They Have Time

You want to select a grad advisor that has time in their schedule. As you go through the selection process make sure you ask them how much time they have to spend on each graduate student they advise. You want an advisor who you feel comfortable with and who will get back to you promptly. If you find that the perfect advisor is overloaded with work or travels a lot, then maybe you should consider a different one. Find someone who has enough time and isn’t stretched too thin.

Many of us are guilty of taking on more than we can handle. Graduate advisors are not immune to this. Make sure the person you ask to be your graduate advisor has the time to dedicate to you. As you progress through your program and internship, you will have many questions and often. You want to have an advisor that has the ability to get back to you promptly, and you do not want to feel you are “bothering” your advisor when you need to reach out. Feeling uncomfortable or annoying to your graduate advisor can certainly have adverse effects on your experience and could potentially turn you off to a career in that field. Your graduate advisor is really your “window” into that particular career path, so this experience will really impact your viewpoint.

What’s Their Reputation?

To find a well-respected advisor in the field you are pursuing, consider asking past or present students about the potential advisors you’re interested in interviewing. Asking around campus or searching for reviews of them online can help you get honest feedback. Ask how their communication skills are, how often they were available to meet, what their approach to advising is, and about their work style and research interests. Knowing all of this information will help you better gauge what kind of advisor they will be to you.

Finding a trustworthy and knowledgeable advisor can not only help you get through this important academic experience but also can help you make connections that may potentially get you a job in the future. Here are a few things to look for in a potential advisor.

Look for someone who is:

• Well-respected
• Trustworthy
• Inspiring
• Knowledgeable in their field
• Has the time
• Motivational
• Passionate

Through this experience with your advisor, you will get to network with many different people in the field, and you can gain so much knowledge from not just your advisor, but from their circle. You may make connections that could potentially help you obtain a job in the future. The possibilities are truly endless.

Do They Understand Your Career Path?

Your advisor is there to help guide you on your career path. To do this, they must understand what your career path is. To get the most out of your experience with your graduate advisor, they need to understand what your goals are for graduate school and beyond. If your long-term goal is finding a different job right after graduation, then make sure to communicate that. Professors have a lot of connections and may be able to help you network and get an interview right after you graduate. Use this time with them to discuss your goals.

Ask Lots of Questions

Graduate school is a huge commitment. To ensure you are making the right choice, it’s important to ask a lot of questions. Remember, a graduate advisor’s job is to advise you and help you pursue your goals. A great way to find the perfect fit is to interview a variety of potential advisors. Here are a few questions to ask in an interview.

• What are your credentials?
• How many graduate students are you currently advising? What is the men/woman ratio?
• What are your research interests?
• How many graduate students have graduated under your advisement?
• What is your mentorship style?

Pursuing a graduate degree is a journey, but you don’t have to do it alone. That is what your advisor is there for, they are there to help you, support you, and make sure you are on the right path. To make the best decision that is right for you in finding an advisor for grad school, take the time to research potential advisors. Ask around, do your research, use your network, and don’t be afraid to ask them the relevant questions. If you communicate your goals, it is their responsibility to help you succeed the best they can during your time in graduate school.

As John Maxwell said, “Leaders become great not because of their power, but because of their ability to empower others.” Your graduate advisor has the ability to empower you and give you the confidence, knowledge, and skills necessary to succeed!

Interested in continuing your education? Check out our education graduate programs and take your next step today!

*Updated October 2022

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