Most of today’s school districts require at least a Master in Education to be an instructional coach, because this position is directly concerned with changing classroom approaches and supporting teachers as they seek to increase levels of student achievement and measurable performance. In recent years, due to tightening state standards and a new set of federal education regulations, the instructional coaching field has grown quite dramatically. Long-term classroom teachers who are considering making the transition into this more administrative role should consider the degrees they already hold, and the qualifications typically required for this role, before they decide to make the leap.
Why is a Master’s Degree in Education Typically Required?
One of the most common questions asked by teachers is why a graduate-level education is required for instructional coaching, but not the hard work of actually instructing students in a classroom. The key thing to remember about a coaching position is that it’s first and foremost an administrative role, and it’s one that sees the coach work to advise and train teachers in new methods.
Were this position hosted on a college campus, it would most certainly require an advanced education. In fact, education professors who train new teachers typically have a doctorate. Many school districts believe that coaching can be the difference between stagnant achievement and measurable improvements, and they therefore require a master’s degree to help maximize the effectiveness of this position.
Which Degrees are a Safe Bet for Aspiring Instructional Coaches?
There are lots of options for teachers when they decide to pursue a graduate-level education in their field, but many of those degrees won’t help aspiring instructional coaches ease into this position. In fact, the requirements are actually quite different for coaches when compared to those for classroom teachers. While classroom teachers are encouraged to get a master’s degree in their area of specialty, like elementary education or a specific content area, instructional coaches are advised to seek degrees in educational policy or research.
Because the job entails so much reading of research, comparing of notes, and advising of teachers, instructional coaches typically have a Master of Science in Education. This MSE degree is pursued in areas that teach the fundamentals of policy, analysis, and research, and the three top degree programs are as follows:
- M.S. in Educational Policy
- M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction
- M.S. in Educational Research
Some instructional coaches also seek a master’s degree in school leadership, while others opt to pursue an additional certificate in the leadership field to further assist their efforts in the coaching role. Since this is an administrative position, additional education in school leadership typically gives coaches the skills they need to manage larger groups of teachers and other education stakeholders in the district.
Related Resource: Education Jobs in the Health Industry
A Growing Field with Big Benefits for the Average Public School District
Instructional coaches bring added assistance to a district’s teachers, through regular in-service educational programs, reviews of new curriculum, advice for enhancing student comprehension, and guidelines for bolstering achievement on state tests. According to the US News and World Report, because this position has the potential to transform teaching and student achievement, and because many schools need to work on those key areas to secure greater funding, the vast majority of school districts in the United States do require a Master in Education to be an instructional coach.
Be the first to comment