Teachers and administrators often refer to their profession as a calling. A passion for teaching and a desire to make a difference in the lives of students is often what draws people to education, but that alone isn’t always enough to succeed in this field. Individuals working in education must envision a clear professional path; otherwise, they risk career stagnation.
As an education professional, you can fend off career stagnation by adopting a mindset of continual learning and seeking out new opportunities to grow. By clarifying your career options, we hope that you’ll continue to pursue your passion, share your knowledge with students, and never forget what drew you to education in the first place.
Career advancement can happen inside the classroom. For example, the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) program was established in 2019 to make six-figure salaries a reality for Texas teachers. High-performing teachers can earn one of three designations: Recognized, Exemplary, and Master. Earning a designation generates annual teacher-focused allotment funding for a teacher’s school district. Depending on their campus of employment, a Master teacher can generate anywhere from $12,000 to $32,000 for their school district, with at least 90% of funding going toward teachers’ salaries.
Teachers with an active National Board certificate and active Texas teaching certificate can automatically earn a Recognized designation, but eligible teachers looking to earn their Master designation can do so by meeting performance standards and by applying to the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Teachers set on remaining in their current positions should consider pursuing a designation to realize their potential and earn a higher salary in the process.
Administrating is no less noble a pursuit than teaching. As they advocate for and support teachers and students, assistant principals and principals wear many hats throughout the school day. Principals are vital for overseeing operations, developing curricula, and improving student success. Even teachers who had never before considered these roles often find themselves excelling and thriving in them.
To become a Texas principal, you must meet TEA’s certification requirements:
Chances are you already hold a valid classroom teaching certificate and have two years of creditable teaching experience under your belt, which just leaves earning a master’s degree, completing a preparation program, and passing the exam. Easier said than done, right? But what if you could meet these remaining certification requirements through a single master’s degree program? At The University of Texas Permian Basin, you can. And you can do so from the comfort of your own home.
UT Permian Basin offers an online Master of Arts in Educational Leadership program aligned with the Texas SBEC Principal as Instructional Leader certification competencies. An approved principal educator preparation program, our master’s degree program will help you qualify for principal positions in Texas. Certification is, however, only a fraction of what’s needed to succeed as a school principal.
Under the guidance of our experienced and esteemed faculty, you’ll develop the diverse skill set needed to supervise school programs, build a team of passionate instructors, and foster a collegial school culture, all to ensure the delivery of high-quality education. Self-reflection is among the most important skills a principal can possess, which is why our program teaches the value of reflecting on performance, acting on feedback, and striving for improvement. In as little as one year, you can graduate with the experience and qualifications needed to step into an administrative role.
Any education professional can experience career stagnation—even assistant principals and principals. Like their students, they must become lifelong learners if they’re to realize their full potential. Administrators interested in making a significant impact in their life and the lives of students can pursue a career as a school superintendent. Responsible for overseeing entire school districts, superintendents must collaborate with principals, teachers, coaches, support staff, and members of their community to effectively advocate for their students.
Superintendents are remarkable people capable of thriving under extraordinary pressure. Developing the leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills needed for this role may seem daunting, but rest assured, they can be learned and mastered.
Designed for assistant principals and principals, our online Superintendent Certification program can help you not only meet TEA’s certification requirements but also gain the skills and experience needed to make the role your own. In our online courses, you’ll explore financing, safety, cultural diversity, and other essential public education topics. Our online program is also one of the only four-course programs in Texas with a practicum component throughout, giving you the chance to reflect on your learning as you work to transition into a district-level administration role. Earn your superintendent certification in as little as two semesters and open the door to new possibilities.
UT Permian Basin’s Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Superintendent Certification programs are designed for education professionals interested in making the most of their career opportunities and reaching their full potential. UT Permian Basin’s College of Education also offers online education programs for teachers interested in earning their master’s degree and earning a dual certification. Learning is itself a noble pursuit: one that can empower you to find a rewarding career.
Take the next step on your career path. Apply to one of our online programs to change the trajectory of your life and career.
Nothing compares to seeing a student’s eyes light up as they lose themselves in a good book and share in the journey of a hero or heroine. An adventurous hobbit, a boy who lived, or a girl who fell down a rabbit hole could be compelling them to read on, and as they turn the page to see what happens next, they’re developing literacy skills that’ll serve them throughout life.
A student with such an affinity for reading would be considered an engaged reader: someone “motivated to read, strategic in their approaches to comprehending what they read, knowledgeable in their construction of meaning from text, and socially interactive while reading.” If you’re reading this, chances are you’re interested in helping your students become engaged readers who pursue reading not because they have to but because they want to.
Below are several tips to help you share your love of reading in the classroom. Although these tips are geared more for elementary-aged students, some will undoubtedly benefit readers of all ages and reading levels.
When story time rolls around, teachers often pick up a book and begin reading aloud, and that’s perfectly fine. Any amount of reading can spark a child’s imagination, and reading aloud is especially helpful in the early stages of literacy development. However, reading aloud doesn’t present many opportunities to demonstrate reading strategies, and elementary-aged students need an intermediate step between being read to and reading independently.
Mimicking how parents and children share bedtime stories, shared reading involves having the entire class read along to enlarged text on a projector or big book. Here’s what it might look like in your classroom: After establishing where the class left off and explaining the purpose and goals of this particular reading, you’ll lead the reading and use prompts to encourage discussion (e.g., What’s going to happen next? What sound do these letters make? Is this word a noun, verb, or adjective?). Through shared reading, your students will improve their vocabulary, comprehension, and phonemic awareness and begin to understand how meaningful stories can be.
Reading in elementary school is one of the most important predictors of life success, especially when students read fiction. Around the age of four, children develop what is known as theory of mind: the ability to make mental models of others and consider different points of view. Works of fiction may not be real, but children can still develop a strong emotional connection with their favorite literary characters by empathizing with their hopes, dreams, trials, and tribulations. When stories come to life in a child’s mind, they’re engaging with theory of mind and developing social skills they can bring into the real world.
By now, you’ve probably identified some of your students’ reading strengths and areas for growth. Some students may be better readers, while others may struggle with listening. How can you make sure your entire class is on the same page? One way is with differentiated instruction: the process of adapting lessons to students’ individual strengths, needs, and interests. Giving each of your students the opportunity to discover the joys of reading means providing them with as many avenues to reading as possible.
Part of the thrill of reading is feeling challenged, motivated by the understanding that you’re farther along today than you were the day before. If you have a classroom bookshelf, do your best to stock it with books of varying difficulty levels so that your students are always engaging with stories that excite and interest them. Schedule some independent reading time to give your students the freedom to choose what they want to read.
The adage “a picture is worth a thousand words” is as true as ever. Picture books and chapter books are great for engaging young readers, especially those who may be struggling with text-based books, and graphic novels can be a go-to for older students. Illustrations add another layer to stories while being less intimidating than a long-winded passage, providing additional means for students to interpret a text. A picture can also transcend language and sociocultural barriers that might prevent a student from enjoying a book.
Research has shown that words activate the same regions of the brain regardless of the medium, suggesting that listening to stories is as memorable and impactful as reading them. Playing audiobooks in the classroom helps all students, including those with reading disabilities like dyslexia, develop their literacy skills. This may not seem all that different from reading aloud to your class. However, as enthralling as your performance may be, audiobooks are often narrated by actors and multiple readers who can better capture imaginations with their distinct voices, flawless delivery, and effortless pronunciation.
Hopefully, we’ve given you a few ideas for sharing your love of reading with your classroom. As helpful as these tips may be, however, there’s always more that can be done to help students, especially at-risk students, develop their literacy skills. If you’re interested in going above and beyond to make reading an integral part of your students’ lives, The University of Texas Permian Basin offers a CAEP-accredited online Master of Arts in Literacy that’s right for you.
Aligned with the Texas Education Agency (TEA)’s reading specialist certification, our MA in literacy program can help you advance your career and more effectively serve a broader range of students. Under the guidance of faculty with years of experience in Texas public education, you’ll learn to assess students’ reading strengths, create intervention plans, and assist administrators in improving literacy instruction.
Reluctant to leave the classroom? Don’t be. Our online program will enable you to continue teaching while you pursue your degree and certification. Upon graduating, you’ll be awarded a master’s degree and meet the requirements for reading specialist certification in Texas. Apply to UT Permian Basin’s online MA in literacy program to gain the skills and credentials needed to share your love of reading in any classroom, with any student.
Sources:
https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/teachingresources/discipline/english/literacy/readingviewing/Pages/teachingpracshared.aspx
https://www.huffpost.com/archive/ca/entry/reading-and-life-success_b_16404148
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1134199.pdf
https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/teachingresources/discipline/english/literacy/readingviewing/Pages/teachingpracshared.aspx
https://www.library.pima.gov/blogs/post/picture-this-picture-books-for-older-kids/
For over 50 years, students have benefited from the affordable tuition, vigorous curriculum, and experienced mentorship offered by The University of Texas Permian Basin. Now, undergraduate and graduate students have the opportunity to enroll in virtual courses and receive the same exemplary education without ever having to set foot on campus.
UT Permian Basin offers over 30 online programs designed to empower students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their chosen career fields. Our online programs are as praiseworthy as any found on campus, and we’ve taken every measure to ensure that commonplace barriers to education, such as misleading tuition costs or required standardized testing, have been mitigated or removed.
Let’s take a look at five reasons to join one of our West Texas online degree programs and see if we can’t make a Falcon out of you yet.
We know what you’re looking for: an online program that can accommodate your personal and professional commitments. You’re not alone. Many of our students are working professionals with the goal of maintaining and progressing in their current profession. That’s why the majority of our online programs are entirely online and asynchronous.
In these online and asynchronous programs, coursework can be completed on your own time, at your own pace. You’ll still be able to engage with your instructors and fellow students in 24-hour interactive discussion boards, but now you’ll have the freedom to choose when and where you study. An astronaut on the International Space Station could excel in one of our online programs, assuming they had a Wi-Fi connection.
Our programs that aren’t 100% online still feature online courses, but they require students to engage in a structured learning experience or enroll in practicum or clinical courses. For example, almost all of the programs offered by the College of Education place students in a school setting for a full semester, where they can gain hands-on experience under the watch of their University supervisor. Practicum requirement or not, our online programs are flexible and convenient for all students.
A concern many online students share is the quality of their degree. When a graduate of an online program receives their sheepskin, the last thing they want to see is their degree qualified by the word “online.” At UT Permian Basin, graduates receive the exact same degree as those awarded in our on-campus programs.
Earning a degree online is no longer a rarity; in fact, it’s becoming the norm. Rather than commute to class, students are continuing their education from the comfort and safety of their own homes. This shift has resulted in online degrees being widely regarded with the same respect as traditional degrees. UT Permian Basin graduates are awarded a degree that’s not only identical to a traditional degree but also just as credible to employers.
One of the greatest benefits of The University of Texas Permian is the fact that our online courses are taught by the same respected faculty who teach on campus. Many of our faculty members have years of experience as professionals and instructors in their respective fields. For example, students in our online Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies program are taught exclusively by faculty who have extensive experience in the criminal justice field. Similarly, our online RN to BSN program is led by experienced educators—registered nurses and doctors of nursing practice—who have firsthand experience with the challenges facing nurses today.
In your research, you may have come across certificate or degree programs that require applicants to submit standardized test scores, such as the GRE. These requirements are meant to ensure that applicants are prepared for college-level coursework; however, these requirements can sometimes bar exceptional applicants who would perform far beyond what their test scores might suggest.
At UT Permian Basin, we recognize the value of standardized tests as a piece of the review process, but we want to give as many applicants as possible the chance to change their lives through higher learning. That’s why we try to review applicants on a holistic basis whenever possible.
Applying for admission to many of our online programs requires little more than your transcripts and a completed application. Moreover, many of our programs that do have GRE or GPA requirements have conditional admission requirements that would allow otherwise less qualified applicants to apply.
UT Permian Basin offers some of the most affordable online programs in the country. You can check out our estimated cost of tuition here. Regardless of location, on-campus and remote students pay the same affordable, competitive tuition rate within a program.
Affordable tuition rates aren’t the only financial benefit available to students in our online degree programs. Grants, scholarships, and financial aid options are available, depending on students’ level and program. We also offer payment plans for students unable to pay their tuition all at once. We strive to ensure that financial costs never get in the way of a student and their academic and career goals.
The cost of online learning will always be top of mind, and understandably so. Not all online programs provide the benefits of UT Permian Basin, but the long-term benefits of earning an online degree or certificate from our University far outweigh the immediate costs. By becoming a UT Permian Basin Falcon, you can earn credentials that can open doors to new opportunities, increase your earning potential, and secure a rewarding career. We think that’s well worth the price of admission, don’t you?
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) allows eligible nurses to practice in multiple participating states with one multistate license. This often makes it easier to take travel assignments, provide telehealth services across state lines, and respond where care is needed most.
In this article, you’ll learn:
The benefits the NLC can offer nurses
Yes, Texas is an NLC state. Texas nurses can be awarded a compact license, allowing them to practice in all NLC states, so long as they remain a Texas resident and do the following:
Earning a compact license is an accomplishment that can lead to a number of new, exciting opportunities in the nursing field, including the chance to become a travel nurse.
With the recent shortage of nurses, the demand for travel nurses has surged. To meet this need, many hospitals are offering significantly higher pay to attract skilled professionals from other states. As of March 2023, travel nurses earned an average of $2,588 per week, while permanent nursing staff earned $1,375 per week.
But the benefits of having a compact license don’t end there. With a compact license, a nurse can:
As of 2026, 43 jurisdictions are part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, though implementation status can vary by state or territory. Here’s an exact breakdown of each state currently in the Compact:
| Alabama | Michigan | Pennsylvania |
| Alaska | Minnesota | Rhode Island |
| Arizona | Missouri | South Carolina |
| Arkansas | Mississippi | South Dakota |
| Colorado | Montana | Tennessee |
| Delaware | Nebraska | Texas |
| Georgia | Nevada | Utah |
| Idaho | New Hampshire | Virginia |
| Illinois | New Mexico | Vermont |
| Iowa | New York | Washington |
| Kansas | North Carolina | West Virginia |
| Kentucky | North Dakota | Wisconsin |
| Louisiana | Ohio | Wyoming |
| Maine | Oklahoma | |
| Maryland | Oregon |
The University of Texas Permian Basin offers an online Bachelor of Science in Nursing program that prepares nurses for leadership and decision-making roles in patient care. Nurses who hold a current, unencumbered RN license and live in Texas or another NLC state can enroll in the program.
Designed with nurses’ demanding schedules in mind, our program is almost entirely online and asynchronous. Nurses can complete courses, view lectures, and participate in online discussions from any of the 43 NLC states. Our program does require two clinical courses, which can be conducted in your home state and with the preceptor of your choice. Through our program, you can:
Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), our online program delivers critical, comprehensive, and relevant healthcare training through the highest quality instruction. Courses like Transcultural Nursing, Theories and Issues in Professional Nursing &
Health Care, Management Concepts and Organizational Theory, and Clinical Leadership I and II train students to become tomorrow’s nursing leaders.
In addition to building valuable knowledge and skills, our graduates can also earn an optional Nurse Manager Certificate from Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society. With a compact license, BSN, and Nurse Manager Certificate, graduates are ready to succeed in the nursing field regardless of the state they’re in. If you’d like to expand your skill set and reach your full potential, apply to UT Permian Basin’s online BSN program.
Sources:
https://www.leaderstat.com/compact-state-nursing-license#benefits_of_a_compact_lpnrn_licens
https://cepr.net/publications/how-does-travel-nurse-pay-compare-to-permanent-staff-nurses/
https://www.nursecompact.com/
Other articles you may be interested in:
Picture this: You’re in a hospital room, and a nurse walks in—flustered, but still smiling—with a chart in hand. This expert provider is checking your vitals, catching early warning signs, coordinating with doctors, reassuring your anxious family outside, and solving small healthcare crises in the hallway … all before lunch. Today, nurses are no longer…
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Every year, over 150,000 registered nurses (RNs) graduate from nursing school, ready and eager to make a difference in the lives of patients. They’ve spent up to four years preparing for this moment, poring over textbooks, completing clinicals, and mastering skills. But when it comes time to face the challenges on the hospital floor or…
Superintendents oversee virtually every aspect of a school district, from ensuring that its curriculum meets approved standards to meeting with parents regarding their child’s education. As leaders, superintendents can enact positive, lasting change that benefits the lives of students, teachers, and administrators. They must be able to set an example, inspire others, encourage teamwork, and celebrate successes and failures. Success as a superintendent depends on these qualities, qualities that are clearly not limited to any one race, gender, or professional background. And yet, one demographic remains underrepresented in superintendency in the State of Texas and the nation at large.
Despite the fact that the majority of K-12 educators are women, only 24% of superintendents are women. Why is the percentage of female superintendents so low, and how does gender impact leadership style? As we answer these questions, consider that informed, passionate educators and administrators are increasingly making inroads toward closing this gap, and every day brings us closer to parity in superintendency. We still have a long way to go, but the path to becoming a superintendent has never been clearer.
The underrepresentation of women in superintendency can’t be attributed to any single barrier. Barriers between women and leadership roles lie in societal norms and beliefs—conscious and unconscious—regarding leadership. School board members and headhunters alike can question whether a woman can handle the demands of being a superintendent. These gatekeepers sometimes perceive women as wives, mothers, and caregivers before they are seen as leaders. Women are also more likely than men to set self-imposed barriers on their professional prospects, such as opting not to relocate because of their family or spouse, or assuming that they are underqualified for a role and therefore not applying.
The path to becoming a superintendent is another barrier separating women from leadership roles. While there are exceptions, prospective superintendents in Texas must hold a Principal certificate or equivalent issued by the Texas Education Agency. This certification requirement is common across the nation, as over 80% of superintendents were previously middle and high school principals. The problem? The majority of high school and middle school principals are male, whereas women make up the majority of elementary school principals.
It’s clear that women possess the training and experience necessary to succeed as superintendents, but they’re rarely given the opportunity to prove themselves, and the education field is the worse for it.
When a woman does land the role of superintendent, she can still encounter challenges navigating a male-dominated workplace. Work harder, be stronger, look happier—female superintendents can sometimes feel that they are judged by a different standard than their male counterparts, and for good reason. Everything from their professional dress to their perceived family obligations is under scrutiny.
Female superintendents can be perceived as “emotional,” presumably leading with their hearts instead of their heads. This notion is reflected in a comparative study on gender bias within the superintendency. When asked about their experience as superintendents, female participants described having to be strategic in order to get their point across to men. According to one participant, female superintendents don’t have the luxury of waking up in a bad mood: “Especially for women, you have to self-talk, all the time; it never goes away. You have to put yourself in check all the time.”
All participants, however, shared a passion for their work and a commitment to improving school environments and fostering student learning. Male and female superintendents alike noted the importance of gaining self-knowledge, having a shared vision, and improving the lives of children. Female superintendents may face increased scrutiny where none is warranted, but their commitment to the field of education remains resolute.
Women face an uphill battle becoming and being superintendents, which is a shame considering the unique leadership qualities they possess. A study conducted by Dr. Jessica Garrett, a recently retired associate professor at The University of Texas Permian Basin’s College of Education, looked at the leadership practices of female superintendents in Texas. Participants were asked to rate how frequently they exhibit the five practices of exemplary leadership:
While all superintendents value these practices, everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. Researchers found that female superintendents rated themselves higher in areas that have been shown to have the greatest positive impact on institutions: encourage the heart and inspire and share a vision. Superintendents who inspire a shared vision create a goal-oriented system where others are inspired to contribute to an envisioned future. Superintendents who encourage the heart recognize the gifts of others and celebrate their contributions.
Helping others feel not only valued for their unique qualities but also included in the pursuit of a common goal are some of the most important traits a leader can have. While women continue to be underrepresented in superintendency, entire school districts are missing out on individuals with qualities that can inspire students, teachers, and administrators to reach new heights. Moreover, administrators are most often mentored by male superintendents, meaning that the leadership practices that female superintendents excel at might not be passed down to new superintendents. As the number of female superintendents continues to rise, albeit gradually, the leadership qualities they possess can be passed down to new superintendents of either gender.
The path to becoming a superintendent is fraught with challenges, but it remains a rewarding career like no other. As a superintendent, you can shape the future of your school district and ease the path towards superintendency for other female educators and administrators. At UT Permian Basin, we want to make your transition into the role of superintendent as smooth as possible. Our superintendent certification program is 100% online and designed to develop effective school leaders who are able to envision, articulate, and implement a vision of student success. Apply to our online Superintendent Certification program and become a leader in the Texas public school system.
Sources:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2020/02/20/female-school-district-superintendents-westchester-rockland/4798754002/
https://awl-ojs-tamu.tdl.org/awl/index.php/awl/article/view/142
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1158072.pdf
Over five million students in American public schools are English language learners (ELL), students who are studying to become fluent English speakers. While Spanish is by far the most commonly spoken language by K-12 students with limited English proficiency, other common languages include Vietnamese, Chinese, Arabic, and Hmong. In total, over 400 different languages are spoken by ELLs in public schools across the United States.
The inclusion of ELLs into classrooms has transformed the education landscape for native and non-native English speakers alike. How to best accommodate the needs and diverse backgrounds of ELLs has been a challenge for the public education system for decades—and a growing challenge as the number of ELLs continues to rise. Let’s look at the impact immigration has had on bilingual/English as a second language (ESL) education and see how educators are learning to provide a more inclusive classroom environment for students of all backgrounds.
How does language affect immigrants? More often than not, America’s English-only mentality has had an adverse effect on immigrants. Within the past century alone, states repressed the use of foreign languages by passing laws requiring English-only instruction in public schools. In the early-to-mid 20th century, immigrants, especially Mexican children, were often segregated until they were taught English and “Americanized.” The level of education they received was subpar, and few immigrants went on to high school as a result. Due to the Naturalization Act of 1906, immigrants didn’t even have a chance of becoming United States citizens unless they learned English.
During the civil rights era of the 1960s, people began to accept that being ashamed of one’s own native language and culture is counterproductive to learning. Congress finally took note of the struggles facing immigrants and the advantages of bilingual education, passing the Bilingual Education Act in 1968 and the Equal Educational Opportunities Act (EEOA) in 1974. The EEOA, in particular, requires school districts to take appropriate action “to overcome language barriers that impede [ELL] students from participating equally in state and district educational programs.” What’s considered “appropriate action” remains a hotly debated topic to this day.
Throughout American history, foreign languages have largely been seen as nothing more than a problem for schools to solve. Hence, the goal of bilingual education has been to teach English rather than encourage biliteracy. This prevailing sentiment was the driving force behind the “English Language Acquisition, Language Enhancement, and Academic Achievement Act,” which passed in 2001. Replacing the Bilingual Education Act, this new legislation instead gave priority to English-only instruction.
Over 31 states have passed laws naming English the official language, with several states approving ballot measures to replace bilingual education with English-only education. Even now, our education system struggles with how to best help immigrants assimilate into American life while respecting their native culture and language. Teachers are often at the heart of this debate, helping students learn a new language while they themselves navigate a divisive, shifting educational landscape.
Immigrants have had an incredible impact on bilingual education. However, immigrants are no longer the driving force behind changes to prominent bilingual education programs: their children are. As reported by the Pew Research Center, 72% of public school students between the ages of 5 and 17 who report speaking English “less than very well” are American citizens. Moreover, a number of foreign-born students are born abroad to American parents and naturalized citizens. Less than a quarter of ELLs between the ages of 5 are 17 are noncitizens, and that percentage is even lower for older public school students.
The inclusion of ELLs into classrooms has a measurable impact on education, especially in dual language classrooms. These classrooms offer a bilingual experience in which all students—native English speakers and ELLs alike—are taught in English and a target language, usually Spanish. The goal is to help all students achieve biliteracy. In an article published by NPR, researchers looked at eight million student records and observed that dual language students had higher test scores, higher parent involvement, better attendance, and fewer behavioral problems when compared to students in English-only classrooms or in one-way immersion.
In inclusive classrooms, ELLs can build upon the language skills they already possess without abandoning their native language or feeling excluded. Dual language classrooms can help ELLs feel more accepted and allow non-English-speaking parents to participate more in their child’s education. “Maintaining a student’s native language is vital to their self-esteem, family heritage, and identity,” says See Pha Vang, a teacher with Minnesota’s Saint Paul Public Schools Office of Teaching and Learning. “German, French, Spanish … all native languages are critical to who we are as individuals.”
The advantages of bilingual education apply to native English speakers as well. Not only do native English speakers enjoy the same benefits as their English-learning peers in dual language classrooms, but they can also become more comfortable around people whose race, culture, and native language are different from their own. When the unique needs of ELLs are considered and provided for, all students benefit.
This isn’t to say that ESL classrooms that provide English-only instruction are inherently bad. Far from it. The majority of bilingual education programs in the U.S. fall under this category and are able to serve any non-English speaking student. Both ESL and dual language education can help students learn English. Student success will depend on not only the type of program but also the teacher leading it, which is why the ongoing teacher shortage is so problematic.
From sparking educational reform to enriching the lives of native English speakers, immigrants have had a profound impact on education. The public education system has struggled to address this impact and is now grappling with a shortage of bilingual teachers. As asylum seekers flee from Central America, demand for dual language education is growing, and with bilingual teachers retiring en masse, there simply aren’t enough qualified teachers to lead bilingual education programs effectively.
At The University of Texas Permian Basin, we offer an online Master of Arts in Bilingual/ESL Education program for teachers and administrators interested in educating immigrants and other ELLs. Whether English is your only language or you speak a foreign language fluently, you can make a much-needed difference in the lives of these students. Online courses like Cultural Diversity in Education and the Social Sciences can empower you with the knowledge and skills needed to foster inclusive classrooms where differences are celebrated and embraced. Apply to our online MA in bilingual/ESL education program and teach the next generation of ELLs.
Sources:
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kathy_Escamilla/publication/312265592_Bilingual_Education_in_the_United_States/links/59f88bc80f7e9b553ec0b58a/Bilingual-Education-in-the-United-States.pdf
https://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2016/11/29/497943749/6-potential-brain-benefits-of-bilingual-education#:~:text=In%20studies%20covering%20six%20states,problems%20fewer%2C%20parent%20involvement%20higher.
When people think of liberal arts, they often think of subjects like history or literature. But a liberal arts education is much broader than that. Think: less about locking into one career, more about building skills you’ll use no matter where you land.
At its core, the liberal arts focus on building transferable skills that apply across industries and careers. Rather than training for one specific job, a liberal arts education prepares you to adapt to many possible career paths.
The phrase “liberal arts” comes from the Latin liberales artes, meaning “education worthy of a free person.” In ancient Greece and Rome, this type of education wasn’t about learning a trade. It was about developing the mind.
Philosophers like Cicero believed these studies helped people reason, communicate, and participate in civic life. Later educators took the idea further, arguing that a liberal arts foundation made it easier to adapt as roles changed, whether someone became a politician, a teacher, or even a stone mason.
During the Middle Ages, liberal arts education centered on seven core subjects:
Today, these areas have evolved into broader disciplines. Modern liberal arts programs may include:
This flexibility allows you to tailor your education. Interested in marketing but fascinated by psychology? Great, because a liberal arts pathway lets you combine both. Drawn to public service but curious about communication? That works, too.
A modern liberal arts degree offers a strong academic foundation while allowing room for exploration. One example is a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities, a program that focuses on several subjects, including:
These programs also incorporate core general education subjects like English, math, and science, ensuring you graduate with a well-rounded skill set valued by employers.
Liberal arts degrees open doors to many career paths, including:
Many graduates also pursue advanced degrees in law, business, or education. The versatility of liberal arts is its greatest strength.
The online Bachelor of Arts in Humanities program at UT Permian Basin helps students build essential skills like communication, critical thinking, and social responsibility, all in a flexible online format.
You can choose up to two concentrations to personalize your degree, and with guidance from faculty advisors, you can create an individualized plan of study that aligns with your interests and career goals.
If you’re looking for a degree that values adaptability, creativity, and lifelong learning, a liberal arts education may be the right fit.
Sources:
https://archive.org/details/europeanliteratu0000curt/page/36/mode/2up
https://bighistory.de/Education
https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/glossary/seven-liberal-arts
https://www.memoriapress.com/articles/what-are-the-liberal-arts/
Ever found yourself humming an earworm and suddenly wondering, “Where did this come from—and who created it?” Music is a universal language. It conveys memory, rebellion, grief, joy, and identity. Across centuries, women have used the language of sound in a world where they’ve been told, repeatedly, to stay invisible. Here are some of the…
Modern challenges like AI and global weather crises can stir up fear and controversy. But that’s for the scientists to sort out, right? Not exactly. The humanities play a powerful, often overlooked role in technology and science. Trends in these fields can create ethical, moral, environmental, and philosophical dilemmas. The humanities equip us to navigate…
“Any form of art is a form of power; it has impact, it can affect change – it can not only move us, it makes us move.” — Ossie Davis, actor and activist October is Art and Humanities Month in the United States, a celebration that provides the perfect opportunity to consider how art helps…
If you’re working in the public or the nonprofit sector, you may be ready to move up in your career and become a leader in your field. If you aspire to work in one of those sectors, you may be looking for a way to boost your relevant qualifications. Either way, new credentials can lead to new opportunities. Some government agencies and organizations require a graduate-level degree for advancement. A degree such as a Master of Public Administration (MPA) can make all the difference, positioning you for coveted managerial and directorial roles or helping you transition into either of these rewarding sectors. In short, in addition to expanded knowledge, this degree can bring you greater responsibilities in a new role, greater respect from peers, colleagues, and superiors, and greater compensation prospects.
What Kind of Job Can I Get With a Public Administration Degree?
The public and nonprofit sectors both have a wide range of positions that require the expertise that an MPA degree can provide. That means there are many possibilities when it comes to taking a position commensurate with your degree. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) publishes valuable information about many of these roles. The BLS is considered the authority in salary and job growth statistics as well as standard job descriptions in the United States.
The information below has been collected from the BLS website and is current as of October 2020. As you will see, demand is growing for many of the roles listed. Most of these careers are projected to grow at a rate faster than the national average of 4% through 2029, and some offer six-figure salary potential. Public service can be rewarding both in terms of the work you do and what you get for it in return.
Social and Community Service Managers
Social and community service managers organize and oversee programs, departments, and organizations that work for the public good. They work for nonprofit entities, governmental agencies, and for-profit social services businesses. The field is expected to grow by 17% through 2029. Median annual pay is $67,150.
Financial Managers
The duties of a financial manager include producing financial reports, formulating plans that lay out the future financial goals of their employer, and supervising investment activities. They may work in government or in a variety of industries, including investment firms, financial institutions, and insurance companies. The field is expected to grow by 15% through 2029. Median annual pay is $129,890.
Public Relations and Fundraising Managers
Public relations managers are in charge of maintaining and improving a company’s or organization’s public image, while fundraising managers lead efforts to bring financial donations into their organization. The majority of people employed in one of these positions in the United States work in religious, civic, grantmaking, or professional organizations or in educational services in state, local, or private organizations. The field is expected to grow by 9% through 2029. Median annual pay is $116,180.
Human Resources Managers
Needed in nearly every industry, human resources managers are in charge of planning, managing, and guiding all administrative duties with regard to the acquisition, compensation, retention, and dismissal of employees. The field is expected to grow by 6% through 2029. Median annual pay is $116,720.
Emergency Management Directors
Emergency management directors create and direct emergency plans for assisting populations in the aftermath of natural disasters or other emergency situations. They may work for governments at the local, state, or federal level or for medical facilities, educational institutions, or private companies. The field is expected to grow by 4% through 2029. Median annual pay is $74,590.
Where Can I Earn an MPA Degree?
The University of Texas Permian Basin offers an online Master of Public Administration program that can help you enter into a new career or advance within your existing career in the public or nonprofit sector.
Throughout the program, you’ll learn proven ways to become an effective leader. You’ll discover practical, competent, ethical, and legal ways to address organizational issues and policy questions, with the ultimate aim of upholding the public interest. Graduates from our program have gone on to use their degree and accompanying skills in a variety of fields including economic development, public safety, healthcare, human services, transportation, criminal justice, fine arts, and parks and recreation.
The Benefits of Our Online MPA Program
With its 100% online, asynchronous course format, our Master of Public Administration program enables you to complete studies anywhere, on your own schedule. You’ll find this especially advantageous if you’re juggling work and/or family responsibilities while earning your degree. Tremendous flexibility is just one benefit in a program that enables you to:
Become a leader! A Master of Public Administration online from UT Permian Basin can help you enter or move up in a variety of rewarding careers.
Sources:
https://patimes.org/good-leadership-is-an-imperative-for-proper-public-administration/
The United States is in desperate need of qualified teachers—so much so that schools have started hiring teachers from half a world away. School districts are searching for fully certified professionals, preferably those who are certified to teach two subjects, but what’s the purpose of dual certification if schools are going to such extremes to hire teachers?
Why would an educator need to earn a dual certification to advance their career?
By earning a dual certification, educators prove that they have the skills, knowledge, and experience to lead a classroom. Once certified in their particular areas of study, an educator can advance their career, and one day they may find themselves leading an entire school. Let’s explore how earning a master’s degree and certificate can help emerging and established teachers advance their careers.
How does certification help in career advancement? For many teachers, being able to guide young learners through essential life lessons is one of the most rewarding aspects of their career. Thus, the problem: how can educators advance their career without abandoning the classes and students they adore? Certification allows teachers to do just that. Through dual certification, educators can expand their responsibilities and earn higher salaries, and they can complete the certification process while continuing to teach.
For example, teachers who want to strengthen their understanding of literacy can earn a Master of Arts in Literacy from The University of Texas Permian Basin. Educators who join our online program understand just how important reading is for young children. More than a third of American fourth graders can’t complete their schoolwork successfully due to their poor reading ability. By earning an MA in literacy, teachers can earn a higher salary while ensuring at-risk students aren’t left behind. Moreover, with the addition of two courses, Texas candidates may qualify for the English as a Second Language (ESL) supplemental teacher certification, further increasing career mobility.
If an administrator is interested in advancing their career by becoming a principal, certification allows them to work toward state requirements while remaining in their current position and gaining necessary leadership experience. Principals take an active role in shaping the academic lives of students; however, candidates must obtain the proper certification as well as a master’s degree.
UT Permian Basin offers Texas administrators an affordable, flexible path to principal certification through our online Master of Arts in Educational Leadership program. Program participants learn to become 21st-century educational leaders while taking courses aligned with the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) for Principal and Superintendent Competencies and the standards set by the Educational Leadership Constituent Council. Obtaining a principal certificate in Texas often leads to a six-figure salary, but principals aren’t the only certified professionals who can maximize their earning potential.
Dual certification is especially important in Texas, where teacher salaries lag behind those in states with similar employment levels like California and New York. Like many states, Texas uses a “step and lane” salary schedule for teachers. Depending on the district, teachers can earn a higher starting salary, but it can take well over a decade for a Texas teacher’s salary to peak.
Why get certified? By earning a master’s degree and certifications in specific academic areas, Texas teachers can be paid premiums in some school districts and outearn their peers. A prime example of this is the new initiative to reward Texas’ highest-rated educators. Although the initiative, which is enabling top teachers to earn six-figure salaries, is currently only in effect in select school districts in the Houston area, the push for a modern pay-for-performance system is in full swing.
The purpose of certification goes beyond increasing salaries and career options. The more high-quality a teacher’s education, the better education they’re able to provide to students. Multiple studies have explored the relationship between teacher education and teacher effectiveness. In one study, researchers looked at a data set consisting of information from Houston Independent School District (HISD) teachers and fourth- and fifth-grade students and found that certified teachers who graduated from an approved teacher education program were more effective at stimulating student achievement gains in both reading and mathematics.
Researchers cautioned, however, that “certification is only a proxy for the real variables of interest that pertain to teachers’ knowledge and skills.” In addition to subject matter knowledge, this includes the ability to teach and manage a classroom of unique learners, design and implement instruction, and work with students, teachers, and other professionals.
Don’t be alarmed by this extensive list of teaching credentials. Like their students, every educator has to start somewhere. In Texas, it starts by earning a master’s degree and becoming certified in an area of interest. Even teachers with years of experience can earn dual certification, advance their career, earn a higher salary, and offer education of the highest quality. If you’re interested in seeing just how far your career path can take you, explore UT Permian Basin’s numerous online programs. Whether your career interests lie in bilingual/ESL education, educational leadership, literacy, or special education, UT Permian Basin has the online degree program for you.
Sources:
https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes252031.htm
https://www.ed.gov/teaching/national-conversation/vision/section-vi-career-pathways-and-professional-advancement
It may be considered a soft skill by many, but being able to get along with others is perhaps the most important trait any person can have, regardless of their profession or other factors. The ability to understand others is key to interacting in positive, constructive ways in any social setting.
Psychology is a word often used to describe the way people think and the motivations behind their actions. In terms of understanding others, why is psychology important? Let’s begin with a definition of what it is and then continue on with an exploration of the benefits of studying psychology.
What Is Psychology?
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), “Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. The discipline embraces all aspects of the human experience—from the functions of the brain to the actions of nations, from child development to care for the aged. In every conceivable setting from scientific research centers to mental healthcare services, ‘the understanding of behavior’ is the enterprise of psychologists.”
How Can Studying Psychology Help You Understand Others and Yourself?
The benefits of studying psychology are consequential and numerous when it comes to understanding one’s self and other people. You’ll gain insight into why people think and act the way they do and into your own behavior and motivations. You’ll learn about the internal impulses and desires that drive us all. And you’ll develop a greater sense of empathy for others based on that understanding, enabling you to limit your biases against people who act differently than you do. Knowing what motivates people goes a long way toward creating a harmonious relationship with those around you, whether they are a major part of your life or someone with whom you’re interacting only briefly, such as a cashier.
Studying psychology can give you a better understanding of your children, helping you become a better parent as you learn to nurture their developing psyches. This, in turn, can make them well-balanced, psychologically healthy children destined to grow into well-balanced, psychologically healthy adults.
An education in psychology can also help you become a better communicator. Communication involves not only how you speak to others but how you interpret others’ word choices, body language, tone, facial expressions, and eye contact and use that understanding to formulate appropriate responses. Understanding someone doesn’t merely mean comprehending the words they’re speaking, but the intended meaning beneath them, or subtext. All the characteristics above provide added clarity.
If your ultimate intention in studying psychology is to pursue a career in the field, there are two routes you can take. One is going into practice, which is clinically based and focuses on helping people. As the APA states, psychologists “identify and help people overcome the obstacles that inhibit them from making better choices … Psychologists use psychological science to help people tap into their potential and help them perform at an optimal level.”
The other path is basic research and the science of psychology. The majority of academic psychologists focus on this path, which emphasizes research methods, critical thinking, data collection and analysis, statistical modeling, and scale development.
Are There Other Personal Benefits of Studying Psychology?
Beyond understanding others, an education in psychology can help you live a more fulfilling life by fostering critical thinking and confidence. You’ll also gain a deeper understanding of the science of psychology.
As Ronald E. Riggio, PhD, explains in an article in Psychology Today, studying psychology can also help you:
What Type of Program Is Best for Studying Psychology?
The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology offers a broad foundation of psychological science with an emphasis on critical written communication and research skills that are invaluable in helping professions and other careers. This intensive online program will help you cultivate important abilities, including reasoning about empirical research, writing persuasive, cohesive arguments, and thinking critically on applied and theoretical aspects of psychology. Finally, the knowledge and insight our affordable program provides can make you more competitive in your pursuit of a diverse selection of professional roles.
Why Learn Online?
We offer our BA in psychology program 100% online through asynchronous class sessions. This advantage enables you to complete your coursework anywhere, at your own pace. If you have work and/or family responsibilities, you’ll find that a flexible program format like ours best suits your busy schedule. You can begin the program at any of six start dates per year. All program courses last eight weeks and are taught by the same acclaimed faculty who teach them on campus. When you successfully complete your BA in psychology program, you’ll receive the same respected degree that campus-based UT Permian Basin graduates receive.
Discover how studying psychology can help you understand others and yourself in our online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program.
Sources:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/cutting-edge-leadership/201612/7-ways-psychology-can-change-your-life
https://www.apa.org/action/careers/improve-lives