Literacy is defined by the UNESCO Institute of Statistics as “the ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate and compute, using printed and written materials associated with varying contexts.”
Literacy has fundamentally and profoundly changed society. The rise of written communication has allowed us to share and document information and bind together communities like in no way before. The ability to read and write deeply impacts a society’s education, economy, well-being, income, and health. For example: In the mid-15th century, about 30% of Europeans knew how to read and write. After the invention of Johannes Gutenberg’s printing press, the mass printing of books made reading more accessible to different classes. Consequently, literacy rose to about 62% by the late 17th century. The rising literacy levels sparked the start of global information exchange, educational reforms, and movements like the Scientific Revolution.
Today, there are many types of literacy to master apart from reading and writing, including numerical, financial, digital, health, and media literacy. For this article, however, we’ll explore reading and writing comprehension in the United States and how our online master’s degree program helps address national literacy.
In 2022, 79% of adults in the United States possessed reading and writing levels sufficient to complete moderate literacy-based tasks such as comparing and contrasting information and paraphrasing. The average American adult possesses a seventh-to-eighth-grade reading comprehension level; however, eighth-grade students demonstrated higher literacy rates in 2018 than they did ten years prior.
As we move further into the digital age, reading and writing preferences have changed. We read more than ever before in the form of emails, texts, quick reads, and online scrolling, but the preference for advanced, complicated texts has declined.
When a person struggles with reading, the impact on their life is far-reaching. Children who struggle to learn basic literacy skills may develop behavioral problems, repeat school years, or even drop out altogether. 50% of children in the United States who come from low-income families start school up to two years after their peers and often struggle to catch up. Three out of five inmates in our country are illiterate, showing that a lack of adequate schooling in children’s formative years can lead to higher levels of incarceration later in life. Illiteracy and low literacy rates among individuals and communities are also linked to:
In total, illiteracy costs the United States 2.2 trillion dollars per year.
Experts argue that a lack of training among educators and misaligned curricula in schools also account for struggling students. This is why it is imperative for literacy educators to intervene as early as possible.
To address illiteracy in the United States, educators target root causes: undiagnosed reading disabilities, cultural or language barriers, developmental disabilities, and limited exposure to literary materials at an early age.
The University of Texas Permian Basin offers a CAEP-accredited online master’s degree in literacy that will equip you with the key knowledge you need to tackle these issues and help at-risk students across the nation.
You’ll become an expert in working with educators, psychologists, and parents to create intervention strategies and needs-based reading programs and help identify deficiencies within groups and individuals. You’ll also learn how to collaborate with district administrators and provide recommendations that improve reading and language arts curricula.
As a reading specialist, you’ll be able to work in a multitude of sectors to help promote literacy on a national level, in areas including:
Our faculty is dedicated to providing you with the top skills needed to make a change in and beyond the classroom. Learn what our faculty and students are saying about our program and how it’s helped them make a positive impact on their students and surrounding communities.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, instructional coordinators— a role similar to reading specialists—who hold a master’s degree in literacy enjoy a median annual salary of $63,740 and can expect to see a job growth rate of 7% by 2031.
Earn your master’s degree with a comprehensive, accredited online program that is tailored to your needs. Our classes are asynchronous, online, and flexible enough to accommodate your busy schedule. Complete your courses from anywhere in the world! Furthermore, our 30-credit program is TEACH-Grant eligible and can be completed in as little as two years.
Ready to educate the future? We accept applications year-round and our step-by-step application process makes it easy to apply at your convenience.
Sources:
https://www.graduateprogram.org/2020/08/why-you-should-get-a-masters-in-literacy/
https://www.masterofartsinteaching.net/faq/what-is-a-reading-specialist/
https://literacyproj.org/2019/02/14/30-key-child-literacy-stats-parents-need-to-be-aware-of/
https://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/cur/physhlth/docs/mental-health-literacy.pdf
https://www.nifdi.org/news-latest-2/blog-hempenstall/405-literacy-and-behaviour
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1290524.pdf
https://worldliteracyfoundation.org/early-intervention-reduces-illiteracy/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1831579/
Eager to move into a rewarding new role in education? You may want to check your resume first.
Applicants for many educational positions won’t even be considered if they haven’t completed a related master’s degree. While some degree seekers may see cost as a barrier, it doesn’t have to be. There are a variety of funding options available solely to educators—including some that will cover up to 100% of the cost of your qualifying graduate degree program. Let’s review a few of those options now and discuss applicable online degree programs from The University of Texas Permian Basin and their benefits.
The federal government offers Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants of up to $4,000 per year for students pursuing an education degree. In exchange for this grant, you agree to teach full time for four years in a high-need field at an elementary school or secondary school that serves economically disadvantaged students.
Another type of federal program, Teacher Loan Forgiveness provides forgiveness for up to $17,500 on certain types of student loans. This program requires you to teach in a school that serves low-income students or an educational service agency for five full, sequential years.
Perkins Loans are low-interest student loans provided by the federal government to graduate and undergraduate students who do not have the financial means to pay for a college degree. While you are expected to repay a Perkins Loan, you may be able to have up to 100% of the loan cancelled if you teach in a school that serves low-income students, teach a special education program, or teach bilingual education or other fields in which qualified teachers are in demand.
Many employers offer tuition reimbursement as part of their benefits package. This typically involves you being reimbursed for a portion of the funds you’ve already put toward a degree that the employer expects will benefit both you and your organization. In some cases, an employer may pay the funds directly to the institution providing the program. Specifics vary by employer. Check with your human resources department about any tuition reimbursement plans.
If you’re seeking a degree that can lead you to a more rewarding position in education—through advancing within your current area of expertise or transitioning into a new one—you’ve seen just a few of the many funding options available to you. UT Permian Basin—named in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Online Master’s in Education Programs” for 2023 and Newsweek’s “America’s Top Online Colleges 2023”—has designed CAEP-accredited online programs that empower you to earn the required credentials while meeting your professional and personal commitments. No GRE is required for any of our programs, and we accept most types of financial aid. Graduate-level education programs include:
Master of Arts in Bilingual/ESL
Prepare non-English speakers to thrive in a bilingual environment.
Master of Arts in Special Education
Help individuals with developmental and learning disabilities enjoy richer, more fulfilling lives.
Master of Arts in Special Education, Autism Spectrum Disorders track
Address the distinctive learning requirements of students on the autism spectrum.
Master of Arts in Special Education, Educational Diagnostician track
Identify and evaluate the unique educational needs of special education students.
Set reading specialists and countless other learners up for success by teaching a fundamental life skill.
Master of Arts in Educational Leadership
Master the multifaceted role of leading in an educational setting.
Put a district-level leadership role within reach. (Note: Federal student loans do not cover most certificate programs. However, some types of financial aid may apply.)
Have questions about financial aid? Contact our team now. Ready to apply to a UT Permian Basin online education program? Get started here.
Sources:
https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation
https://studentaid.gov/articles/teacher-loan-forgiveness-options/
https://online.utpb.edu/online-program-admissions-aid/financial-aid/
https://tea.texas.gov/finance-and-grants
*Information was accurate as of posting but has since changed.
After becoming principal, walking the halls quickly becomes many a leader’s favorite part of the day—greeting students by name, offering encouragement to teachers, and feeling the pulse of the campus. But after years of success at the school level, some leaders start to wonder: What would it look like to shape the future of an entire district?
The answer often starts with earning superintendent certification. But is superintendent certification really worth it? In this article, we explore the numbers, responsibilities, and real-world impact behind this next step in educational leadership.
As of May 2025, the average school superintendent salary is $143,531.That’s a respectable number and appealing to many superintendent candidates, but as an average it doesn’t tell the whole story. A September 2022 report sourced from the Texas Education Agency showed some annual superintendent salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000. These salaries do not always correspond directly to student enrollment. Instead, they vary by school district.
Consider the top five Texas districts in terms of superintendent salary:
With more than 1,200 school districts across Texas, there are ample opportunities for qualified candidates—but competition is fierce. Most openings become available only when a current superintendent retires or moves on. Earning your superintendent certification through TEA makes you a viable contender. To do so, you must complete a Texas-approved educator preparation program (EPP).
While principals focus on the day-to-day operations of individual schools, superintendents oversee the entire district, making decisions that affect thousands of students and staff.
Here’s a quick look at some of the key responsibilities of a superintendent:
Stepping into this role means influencing far more than one school; it’s a chance to shape the educational experience of an entire community.
As a school principal, you unquestionably have the power to influence the lives of young people. As superintendent, your expertise in managing people, money, and other resources, carving out a vision for education in your district, engaging public officials and the greater community, and guiding your school board multiplies that influence exponentially.
At UT Permian Basin, we’re educators, too. We understand that you’re a passion-driven professional who strives to make a positive impact on as many students’ lives as possible. To quantify that potential, one Texas school district has an enrollment of nearly 200,000 students and several others are in or approaching the 100,000 range:
The reach is massive—and so is the potential for meaningful leadership. That reach also comes with tangible benefits: higher salaries, broader responsibilities, and greater professional prestige.
If you aspire to a superintendent role in Texas, you already know that one of the requirements is successful completion of an approved superintendent EPP. UT Permian Basin is here to help. Our online Superintendent Certification program is 100% focused on helping principals and assistant principals who are ready to move into a district-level leadership role prepare to become certified superintendents in Texas. (If you live outside of Texas, check with Dr. Rod Uzat to confirm that your state’s certification requirements align with our program.)
Though a search of the Texas Education Agency (TEA) website will reveal 122 EPPs in Texas, UT Permian Basin’s program offers some considerable advantages. One of few four-course programs in Texas that maintains a practicum component for its duration, our program is:
Once enrolled in our program, you can access our virtual classroom online from any location worldwide at any hour. You’ll pay a tuition rate that’s among the most affordable of any accredited university—approximately $6,255.84 plus applicable fees—a fraction of your future earning potential. You can finish the required 16 credits in as little as two semesters as you prepare to qualify for the professional role of a lifetime. And you can count on continued support from us with professional networking and dialogue opportunities after you successfully complete our program.
Given these facts and figures, it’s clear that applying to UT Permian Basin’s Superintendent Certification program is worth the investment in your future. Clear your path to the leadership position you want—apply now!
Sources:
https://tea.texas.gov/finance-and-grants/state-funding/superintendents-and-cfos
https://texasscorecard.com/state/texas-taxpayers-continue-to-fund-sky-high-superintendent-salaries/
Other articles you may be interested in:
Can speaking multiple languages boost your salary? Make travel easier? Even help prevent dementia? The answer is yes. But multilingual societies also face real challenges, from schools struggling with resources to entire languages disappearing. Whether you’re considering learning a second language or wondering how multilingual communities work, this guide covers what you need to know….
Bilingualism can come in handy for travel, work, and personal conversations. But did you know bilingual brains function better and longer? Bilingual people: Impressed yet? Let’s explore the cognitive advantages of a bilingual brain. How Does Being Bilingual Benefit Your Brain? Delayed Cognitive Decline People can stay sharp as they age by reading, playing word…
September is National Literacy Month! To celebrate, we asked UT Permian Basin’s College of Education faculty to share their favorite books. You may find a few of your own favorites here, or discover something new and inspiring. Ready? Let’s dive in! Shelly Landreth, EdD (Literacy) “Devotions: The Selected Poems of Mary Oliver” This is a…
States across the U.S. are grappling with a superintendent shortage, with over 60 vacancies in Texas alone. After overcoming unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, many superintendents retired or moved to smaller districts, fueling the shortage. Now that students and teachers are back in the classrooms, a new generation of superintendents is needed to lead school districts.
Superintendents are in high demand, but is it the right time in your career to pursue your superintendent certification? That’s what we’re here to answer. Skip to the end if you’re set on earning your certification and taking on the role of a district leader.
We’d love to say that you should pursue superintendent certification for no other reason than to advance your career, but that wouldn’t be sound advice. Instead, we suggest that you carefully weight the pros and cons of superintendency before committing to this career path.
Superintendents are the leaders of their school district and, accordingly, face tremendous pressure from their community and school board. There are no “typical days,” as superintendents contend with high-level challenges while overseeing daily operations including leading meetings, coordinating with team members, and managing budgets. Superintendents will encounter many of the challenges you’ve faced as school administrators, only on a larger scale.
We say this not to discourage but to encourage you to transition from principalship to superintendency for the right reasons. If you’re feeling burned out, superintendency likely won’t be the change of pace you’re looking for. If, however, you’re up to the challenge, you’ll find that the rewards are commensurate with the responsibilities of a superintendent.
Principals should pursue a superintendent certification for the same reason they became school leaders: to make a difference in the lives of students. True, superintendency is a high-level, high-paying role, but student achievement must always be an administrator’s main source of motivation.
Superintendents are responsible for allocating resources, such as personnel, technology, and learning materials; collaborating with stakeholders, including administrators, board members, and teachers; and establishing goals—all in the name of fostering a safe, effective learning environment.
As a principal, you have a profound impact on your campus. As a superintendent, you’ll shape the future of an entire school district.
The Importance of Leadership
A 2021-22 meta-analysis of 27 studies involving 2,714 districts sought to answer one question: What is the relationship between district leadership and student academic achievement? Researchers found a strong correlation between the two, noting that effective district leadership does, in fact, add value to the education system. These findings may seem unsurprising, but there are still many who doubt the necessity of superintendents.
Elementary, middle, and high school principals make a median salary of $98,420 annually. While a nearly six-figure salary is impressive, it doesn’t have the buying power it once had, especially as the cost of living creeps higher. Anyone trying to afford childcare, groceries, or car payments in 2023 knows what we’re talking about. Long-term goals, such as saving for retirement, are similarly growing out of reach.
A principal’s salary is determined, in part, by their experience and education as well as the size of their district. We don’t know the specifics of your situation, but if you’re reading this, it’s possible you’ve reached a compensation plateau. If so, earning your superintendent certification is a surefire way to increase your earning potential.
According to the 2021-22 AASA Superintendent Salary and Benefits Study, superintendents make a median annual salary of $147,000, with superintendents in the largest districts taking home over $200,000 a year. Superintendents of the largest school districts in Texas earn well over $300,000 a year. Now that’s something to look forward to.
If it’s a question of experience, you likely have everything you need—at least on paper. Being a principal, you already meet the first two requirements of the Texas Education Agency (TEA): a master’s degree and a principal certificate. (You’ll also need to complete an approved principal educator preparation program and pass the required exam. More on that below.)
Aspiring principals outside of Texas should confirm eligibility requirements with their state agency before deciding next steps.
Only you can decide if this is the right time in your career to pursue superintendent certification. If, however, you’re compelled to make a difference in the lives of hundreds if not thousands of students, you’ll find that there’s no time like the present.
Enroll in Our Online Superintendent Certification Program
The University of Texas Permian Basin offers an online Superintendent Certification program through which you’ll gain the skills, knowledge, and credentials needed to propel your career to new heights. As an approved principal educator preparation program, our program will help you meet Texas’ certification requirements and prepare for the required exam. If you are outside of Texas, contact Dr. Rod Uzat to help you navigate your state’s requirements.
Our program is composed of convenient online courses, each with a 40-hour practicum (internship) component. Study major topics in our virtual classroom, including capacity building, facility planning, fiscal awareness, and social issues. Then apply your theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting during your internship. Through the internship practicum in every course, you’ll also have the chance to collaborate with your district’s superintendent. What better way to learn what it takes to become a district leader?
If now is the right time in your career to pursue your superintendent certification, apply to our online program. In as little as two semesters, you can graduate ready to make a difference as a district leader.
Sources:
https://www.graduateprogram.org/2020/08/transitioning-from-principal-to-superintendent/
https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/certification/additional-certifications/becoming-a-principal-or-superintendent-in-texas
https://www.naesp.org/sites/default/files/resources/2/Principal/2009/M-A_p28.pdf
https://rptsvr1.tea.texas.gov/adhocrpt/adpea.html
The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, signed into law by President George W. Bush in 2002, was controversial from the outset. It arose out of concern about American K-12 students’ academic achievements as compared to other countries and the disparities in educational outcomes amongst different demographics of U.S. students. NCLB sought to bridge this internal and external achievement gap through heavier federal oversight and a substantial reliance on standardized testing. Still, this seemingly uncontentious law would generate a great deal of debate.
Under the new law, the federal government exercised greater authority over state schools, with increased accountability for individual schools to raise students’ test scores and penalties—including funding cuts and closure—for those that didn’t. Schools were directed to report overall standardized test results as well as separate results for categories of students including special education, minority, economically disadvantaged, and ESL. NCLB faced criticism for putting an undue burden on some students, particularly special education students.
Let’s look at some of the results of NCLB to determine whether it was a success—a topic that is still debated today. As you’ll see, answering that question is no easy task.
Did NCLB meet all its goals? To be fair, few laws do. While NCLB came up short, it did have some positive impacts. Elementary school math scores increased while the law was in effect, with Black fourth graders and eighth graders reaching their highest recorded scores in the subject. This may be because NCLB spurred an increased focus on math and reading. The downside? It also caused schools to put less focus on subjects like science and social studies, which are also critical for growing minds. Educators were more likely to “teach to the test”—one longstanding criticism of standardized testing—after NCLB was implemented.
There was no consensus on the success of NCLB while or after the law was in effect. The National Education Association (NEA), an educator-driven organization founded in 1857, had this to say:
“In its relentless focus on measuring outcomes with test scores, NCLB failed to provide the resources to ensure that every student had the opportunity to learn and excel. As a result, achievement goals were never reached and teachers, students and schools were pilloried by everyone and anyone looking for a scapegoat.”
The Washington Post did not mince words, stating unequivocally that the law had “failed.”
FiveThirtyEight, a news and commentary website known for publishing topical stories based on data and empirical evidence, saw a significant, positive outcome among NCLB’s disappointments:
“[S]tates have improved their capacity to track students from year to year … The improved data makes it possible to see how students’ performance changes over time.”
Ultimately, some aspects of NCLB worked and some didn’t. It’s notable that NCLB was replaced in late 2015 when President Barack Obama signed the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) into law, perhaps the strongest indicator of NCLB’s failure. ESSA removed many of the contentious aspects of the law—for example, it shifted control away from the federal government and back to the states—and added its own new provisions. To the credits of its architects, however, NCLB did represent both an acknowledgement of the shortcomings of our education system at the time and a large-scale effort to rectify them.
If you’re an educator who has already completed a bachelor’s degree and you’re ready to expand your impact with a master’s degree in special education, The University of Texas Permian Basin is here for you. We offer online MA in special education programs that enable you to choose an area of focus that aligns with your professional goals. Choose from:
No GRE is required for any of these programs, and you can finish your degree in as little as one year. In addition, you may be able to pay for your program with a TEACH grant, depending on your eligibility. Spring and fall sessions are just eight weeks long, while summer sessions last just seven weeks.
Our MA in special education programs are offered in an asynchronous, 100% online format that empowers you to complete a career-transforming degree on your own schedule from just about anywhere in the world. No campus visits are required. This means you can continue to fulfill your professional and personal commitments while enrolled in one of our flexible special education programs.
Make a bigger difference in students’ lives and your own career. Apply to one of our online special education master’s degree programs.
2021 school year was in full swing. Students had settled into a routine of taking notes, waiting for the bell, and meeting friends between classes—that is, until the COVID-19 pandemic sent them home.
The pandemic forced virtually all U.S. public and private schools to shut down for the remainder of the school year, disrupting the lives of over 55 million students. Despite transitioning to remote learning, students were left without the safety, stability, and relationships that are critical for their development.
Schools have since reopened and most students have returned to the classroom, but the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a profound impact on students, especially those with disabilities.
7.2 million students (15% of all public school students) received special education services during the 2020-2021 school year. Special education and related services such as speech-language, occupational, and physical therapy are critical for helping students with special needs overcome academic, social, emotional, and behavioral challenges.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that schools provide a “free appropriate public education” and, to that end, special education and related services to students with disabilities. As “uncertain” as times may be, schools are no less legally or morally obligated to accommodate students’ unique needs.
After shutting their doors in March 2020, many schools scrambled to transition to remote learning and struggled to follow each student’s individual education program (IEP): an outline of their required special education services. Many of these services disappeared overnight, and those that were deployed online were of little use to students without a computer or internet access. A vulnerable and at-risk population, students with disabilities were left without the support they were entitled to and desperately needed.
As weeks turned to months, parents watched in dismay as their children regressed despite the strides they’d made in general and special education classrooms. “I just watched my child not learning and going backwards,” said Rachael Berg of her 6-year-old daughter, who has an intellectual disability and attention deficit disorder. “I’m just sad for her.”
It remains too early to gauge the full impact of COVID-19 on special education; however, all signs indicate that students with disabilities have suffered significant setbacks. A 2020 survey revealed that over two-thirds of K-12 principles believed that students with disabilities performed somewhat or much lower than they hand in the fall of the previous year.
Another survey asked parents to share their experiences with remote special education services during the pandemic. Sixty percent reported that their children received fewer service hours, which, according to parents, had caused their children to lose ground on critical academic, social, and daily life skills. Less than thrilled with the situation, parents frequently commented that remote learning for students with special needs “just doesn’t work.”
As schools began reopening in August 2020, administrators and educators faced a backlog of referrals for special education evaluations and requests to add additional services to students’ IEPs. Determining eligibility is already an involved, challenging process, but special educators must now deal with a new problem: Are a student’s difficulties the result of a disability or the lack of support they received during the pandemic? Misdiagnose students and schools run the risk of withholding the support students need, whether or not they have a disability.
School closures were necessary to protect students, teachers, and their families from COVID-19, and by all accounts, educators did everything in their power to deliver high-quality education. Still, students with disabilities were left without the support and services they needed. Going forward, schools will be responsible for delivering compensatory special education services, helping students reach the level of achievement they would’ve obtained had their education not been interrupted.
Special educators, already in high demand before the pandemic, will be called upon to help students make up for the skills they’ve lost. To address this growing need, The University of Texas Permian Basin offers an online Master of Arts in Special Education program for teachers interested in enriching the lives of students with disabilities.
Our online MA in special education program provides the training needed to overcome the unique challenges encountered in today’s classroom. Graduate students explore the use of technology to minimize learning challenges, characteristics of developmental disorders, and strategies for teaching exceptional learners, among other foundational topics. In as little as one year, teachers can graduate from our program with the knowledge and skills needed to help students with special needs catch up to their non-disabled peers.
We also offer an educational diagnostician track and an autism spectrum disorders track if you’re interested in gaining specialized knowledge in these areas. All three of our MA in special education programs are online, allowing you to complete assignments and explore course topics on your schedule. Plus, you could qualify for a Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant, which awards up to $4,000 per year to students completing coursework needed to begin a teaching career.
As a classroom teacher, you already have a profound impact on your students’ lives. By pursuing a career in special education, you can address the needs of students who are at the greatest risk of falling behind. We encourage you to explore our MA in special education programs and apply to your program of choice. At UT Permian Basin, you’ll learn how to help all your students achieve their full potential—even those who’ve fallen behind during the pandemic.
Sources:
https://www.nea.org/advocating-for-change/new-from-nea/what-covid-19-taught-us-about-special-education
https://ncld.org/reports-studies/evaluating-children-for-special-education-during-covid-19-and-beyond/
A principal’s day begins with greeting students in the morning. The rest of the day is spent visiting classrooms, meeting parents, and making sure the needs of students and teachers are met. At night, they might support students by attending a school play or football game before heading home and starting again the next day.
The job of a school principal is unlike any other, but you already knew that, didn’t you? Chances are you’re a teacher who’s had their eye on the role of assistant principal or principal for some time, but you’re not sure if it’s the right fit for you. We’re here to tell you that enrolling in a preparation program, earning your Principal as Instructional Leader certification, and becoming a school leader is 100% worth it.
Make a Difference
The number one reason why teachers transition to leadership roles is to have more control over key administrative decisions. As an assistant principal or principal, you’ll oversee all school operations and:
Above all else, principals promote a shared vision of student success. Traditionally, principals were seen as little more than school managers, but this role has evolved over the past few decades, and many principals are now student advocates who set high standards and help young learners achieve their full potential.
The Profound Effect Principals Have on Students
Commissioned by the Wallace Foundation, a recent review looked at over 20 years of data involving over 22,000 principals to determine the connection between leadership and learning. Turns out, principals have a far greater and broader impact on the student experience than previously thought. Researchers found that effective principals have nearly as large an impact on student achievement as similarly effective teachers, largely through their hiring, development, and support of teachers.
Teachers are essential to student achievement, but their reach is often limited to a single classroom. Principals affect every student in every classroom on campus. “Principals really matter,” concluded researchers. “Indeed, it is difficult to envision an investment with a higher ceiling on its potential return than a successful effort to improve principal leadership.”
Advance Your Career
Elementary, middle, and high school principals earn an average median salary of $98,420, with top earners making over $153,520 per year. The chance to earn a six-figure salary while making a difference in students’ lives is enough of an incentive for most educators to pursue their principal certification, but the real financial reward may come long after a principal has left their mark on a campus.
Ensure a Cushy Retirement
Here in Texas, educators are part of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS). Working for TRS-covered institutions, educators contribute a percentage of their salary toward retirement: 8% as of September 1st, 2021.
As a Texas educator, you already make monthly contributions to TRS. You may even be well on your way to reaching your retirement goals. Unfortunately, Texas’ pension plans for educators leave a lot to be desired. Payments are not automatically adjusted for inflation, so inflation will erode the value of your pension with each passing year. Becoming an assistant principal or principal can significantly increase your annual salary, thereby boosting your retirement savings. This way, when you do crack open your nest egg, you’ll have enough saved to sustain your lifestyle.
Rise to the Challenge
Anyone familiar with the role of school principal knows how challenging it can be. A principal’s days are filled with incredible highs — watching students make significant academic gains — and incredible lows — realizing a student isn’t receiving the support they need at home. Most days are a mix of predictable and chaotic moments.
John King Jr., former U.S. Secretary of Education, described the job of school principal as an “exercise in love.” As the heart of their community, school principals form connections with students, parents, and teachers, celebrating their successes and sharing in their struggles. This is part of what makes the role of principal so demanding, but it’s also what makes it so rewarding. Something as simple as letting a student know that they’re cared for can be enough to make a difference in a young learner’s life.
Earning your Principal as Instructional Leader certification and stepping into the role of school leader won’t be easy, but if you’re up to the challenge, you’ll find a rewarding career like no other.
Become a School Leader Through UT Permian Basin
The University of Texas Permian Basin offers an online Master of Arts in Educational Leadership designed for aspiring K-12 principals. This program helps professionals meet the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) principal certification requirements, which include earning a master’s degree, and prepare for the certification exams. (Aspiring principals outside of Texas should confirm with their state agency whether our program meets their state’s eligibility requirements.)
UT Permian Basin offers far more than a preparation program, however.
Our online MA in educational leadership program will introduce you to the diverse responsibilities of a school principal. Composed of online and practicum courses, our program will take you on an exploration of the theoretical aspects of the principalship while letting you apply what you’ve learned in a real-world setting. If you’re interested in taking on the role of school principalship, meeting the requirements isn’t enough; you need the knowledge and experience to inspire your students, teachers, and community.
Eligible candidates can graduate in as little as one year with everything you need to make a difference in your life and the lives of your students. Apply now to our online MA in educational leadership program to get started.
Sources:
https://www.trs.texas.gov/TRS%20Documents/benefits_handbook.pdf
https://www.trs.texas.gov/Pages/re_chart_contribution_rate_increase_2019.aspx
https://www.wallacefoundation.org/knowledge-center/pages/key-responsibilities-the-school-principal-as-leader.aspx
https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/certification/additional-certifications/becoming-a-principal-or-superintendent-in-texas
An alarming 32% of fourth grade students in the United States lack basic reading skills. Nearly a quarter of eighth graders suffer from the same limitations, and the upheaval in education spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated these deficits.
The ability to read is essential to every individual’s potential for living a productive, fulfilling life. Everything we do—from nurturing personal relationships to pursuing careers—involves that foundational skill. Those who are inspired to help future generations develop fundamental abilities and who are equipped with the right training and credentials have the power to change many lives for the better. A master’s degree in literacy can be the first step on the path toward many rewarding careers that share that common goal. Let’s consider a few of them now.
With a master’s degree in literacy, you can guide people of all ages who are learning to read for the first time or help non-English speakers master the language. Potential careers include:
Whatever professional path you follow with your MA in literacy, you bring with you the power to fundamentally change lives for the better.
If sharing the priceless gift of reading is your passion, UT Permian Basin’s online Master of Arts in Literacy can help you fulfill it. Offered through our acclaimed College of Education, this 30-credit program is led by educators with more than three decades of combined experience working in the Texas public education system. With their guidance, you’ll hone the expertise to:
Some of the most respected organizations in education have acknowledged our program for its exceptional quality:
Thanks to our association with the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant program, you may qualify for a grant of up to $4,000 per year to put toward your UTPB master’s degree in literacy. Check here to determine if you may be eligible for a TEACH grant.
The online format of our literacy MA program provides tremendous flexibility for busy educators. Delivered asynchronously, our program enables you to complete coursework on your own schedule, around the work and personal responsibilities that require so much of your attention every day. What’s more, you can access all lectures, materials, and everything else from nearly anywhere on the planet. No campus visits are required.
Earning a master’s degree is especially important for educators. However, that doesn’t mean the program requires an excessive investment of time and money. Take the recommended number of courses each semester and you can complete your MA in literacy in under two years. Our program is also affordable, with one of the most competitive tuition rates you can find from an accredited university of our standing.
Research published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that master’s degree holders typically earn more than bachelor’s degree holders—a median amount of about 18%. The same BLS chart reveals that master’s degree holders are more likely to remain employed than those with undergraduate degrees alone.
Our program was created to meet certain requirements of the Texas Education Agency (TEA) reading specialist certification. If you plan to pursue certification in Texas after graduating from your MA in literacy program, you’ll already be partway there. For reading specialist certification requirements in another state, please consult the appropriate agency for that state.
See what our online MA in literacy can do for your career—and how you can use it to transform the lives of others!
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects an estimated 1 in 68 school-aged children. Children with this neurodevelopmental disorder learn differently than nondisabled students and can experience hardships throughout their lives if unassisted by parents, teachers, and special educators.
As a teacher, you’ve likely encountered children with ASD and potentially students who’ve yet to be diagnosed. Spotting signs of autism early gives students every chance to develop alongside their peers and live happy, fulfilling lives.
ASD is particularly difficult to diagnose. No medical test can detect it, and it’s unlikely to cause physical symptoms. Children of all races, genders, ethnicities, and economic backgrounds can be impacted by ASD, and being a spectrum disorder, ASD affects them in different ways and to varying degrees.
General educators must be mindful that students with ASD behave differently than their nondisabled peers. In particular, they struggle with communicating and interacting with others. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIH), people with ASD may struggle with:
Many children with ASD also exhibit restrictive or repetitive behaviors and are known to repeat words and phrases they hear, a phenomenon referred to as echolalia. Adhering to strict routines, they can become upset with small changes to daily life, and they can have a strong or muted reaction to lights, sounds, temperatures, and other sensory inputs.
Every Student Is Unique
ASD can have a serious impact on a child’s development, but it can also provide these young learners with intense focus and the ability to recall information with incredible detail. Visual and auditory learners, children with ASD often excel in the areas of math, science, music, or art, which goes to show that every student is truly unique and comes with their own strengths and challenges.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children be screened for ASD at 9, 18, and 24 or 30 months of age. Children as young as 18 months can be diagnosed with ASD, and a reliable diagnosis can be made by age two. However, teachers are often the first to recognize the signs of autism in students.
In addition to signs and symptoms, educators should be mindful of missed developmental milestones that could indicate a student may have ASD. By the time they’re entering preschool—at three and four years of age—most children should:
When entering kindergarten, most students should be able to:
Fun in the Sun
Having your students play outside is one of the best ways to watch for social, emotional, and developmental milestones. Games like follow the leader; hide and seek; and duck, duck, goose let your students engage in developmentally appropriate play, giving you an opportunity to identify at-risk students. Check out the Go Out and Play! Kit offered by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) for a list of fun activities and additional resources you can use to monitor students’ development.
Intervening on Behalf of Students
If you suspect a student has ASD, your first step is to reach out to your school’s special education teacher, who can perform an initial evaluation. Depending on their findings, you may need to recommend that parents schedule a developmental screening for their child with a healthcare provider.
Parents trust you and look to you for insight into the development of their children, who spend most of the year in your classroom. No parent wants to hear that their child may be falling behind, but broaching the subject may be your best chance at ensuring a student with ASD undergoes a formal evaluation and receives the special education services they’re entitled to.
The connections in a child’s brain, or neural circuits, are essential for learning and most adaptable in early life. Although there’s no cure for ASD, you can make a real difference in the lives of students through early intervention. With your help, they can learn and play alongside their friends, and as they grow older, they’ll have a better chance of avoiding depression and other behavioral problems commonly experienced by adolescents and adults with ASD.
The University of Texas Permian Basin offers an online Master of Arts in Special Education, Autism Spectrum Disorders track that will empower you to enrich the lives of students on the autism spectrum. In as little as one year, you can graduate from this 36-credit online program with the knowledge and skills needed to:
Accredited by the prestigious Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), our MA in special education, ASD track will help you overcome the challenges encountered in today’s classrooms. Whether you remain in your current role or pursue a new career in special education, this degree will enable you to reach a broader range of students and help the most vulnerable among them live their lives to the fullest.
Apply to our online MA in special education, ASD track and learn to better provide for the needs of all students.
Sources:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd#part_2281
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/patient-caregiver-education/fact-sheets/autism-spectrum-disorder-fact-sheet#3082_7
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/whyActEarly.html
Assistant principals and principals interested in advancing their careers face a reality familiar to their students: going back to school. Navigating the path to superintendency doesn’t have to pose an additional mental burden for educational leaders, however. Becoming a superintendent is a straightforward process, so long as candidates enroll in a certification program that takes into account their needs and expectations.
The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online Superintendent Certification program is designed for principals and assistant principals who want to strengthen their skills as school leaders and promote the success of all students in their district. This 16-credit program is affordable, accredited, and online, but those descriptors alone might not give a clear idea of what it’s like in our virtual classroom.
Let’s take a look at our online Superintendent Certification program and the experiences principals and assistant principals can look forward to within it.
UT Permian Basin’s Superintendent Certification program is composed of online courses, each of which includes a practicum component. Through coursework and practicum, graduate students learn how to build relationships with school boards, promote a shared vision, and oversee day-to-day operations within a district.
Learning objectives are designed to help students meet the exemplary leadership standards established by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) and include:
Courses are delivered through Canvas, our learning management system. Here you’ll find everything you need for your courses, including lectures, discussion boards, and syllabi. (We don’t have to tell you how it important it is to read the syllabus.) All online coursework is asynchronous, meaning it can be completed where and when it’s convenient for you. Watch a lecture on your lunch break, or wait until the weekend to dive into an assignment. At UT Permian Basin, we leave it to you to decide the pace of your education.
Students in our virtual classrooms aren’t faceless strangers: They’re active participants. Responding to discussion posts, receiving professional feedback, and communicating with students are all integral parts of our program. After all, superintendents are multitalented leaders able to build professional relationships with every encounter.
The College of Education’s dedicated faculty, all of whom have experience as educational leaders, will also be there to advise and assist you on every step of your journey. Our professors are still in touch with many of their former students, and they always respond to emails promptly, usually within 24 hours.
Over a period of eight weeks, students in our online course Superintendency & the School Board explore the complex relationship between superintendents and school boards, attending at least two school board meetings in the process. By the end of this course, students will have a deeper understanding of how to:
UT Permian Basin’s online Superintendent Certification program is one of the only four-course programs in the state that maintains a practicum experience throughout. This combination of theoretical and practical instruction ensures graduates are prepared for the rigors of superintendency, even those who already have extensive experience as educational leaders. Here’s how it works:
Each course includes a 40-hour practicum (internship) component. Assignments incorporate field experiences that, depending on the course, entail collaborating with your superintendent. By working with a mentor, you’ll learn how superintendents conduct themselves while addressing district matters, whether planned or not. This is an opportunity to reflect on your growth as you work toward becoming a district leader.
UT Permian Basin’s online Superintendency Certification program does not certify Texas superintendents. Rather, it helps principals and assistant principals meet the certification competencies required by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
If you’re a principal, you already meet most of TEA’s certification requirements, but assistant principals will have to submit a Superintendent Certification Application. Your next steps are to complete an approved superintendent educator preparation program, like ours, and pass the required exam. Although our program doesn’t specifically teach to the exam, the instruction delivered in our virtual classroom will prepare you nonetheless.
Within as little as two semesters, you can complete our program and gain the experience, knowledge, and skills needed to earn your superintendent certification.
UT Permian Basin’s online Superintendent Certification program offers a clear path to superintendency and, more importantly, provides graduates with the means to promote the success of all students within a district.
As a principal or assistant principal, you understand more than anyone how students, parents, and entire communities can be affected by a district’s policies. By becoming a superintendent, you can develop and propose new school policies to board members, promote a shared vision among stakeholders, and make sure everyone has a seat at the table, including your teachers and fellow educational leaders.
Ready to become a district leader? Apply now and find out for yourself how comprehensive and convenient our online Superintendent Certification program is.
Out-of-state candidates should contact Dr. Rodney Uzat to determine if UTPB’s online Superintendent Certification program will meet the requirements of their state.
