Executive education in teaching, instructional design, and technology integration
Executive education programs in teaching can help you advance your career in less time than a master's or doctoral program. Explore executive education that can prepare you to work as a mentor teacher, instructional designer, or education administrator.
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Why executive education matters in modern teaching
The U.S. faces an ongoing teacher shortage, with many positions unfilled or underfilled. The country is in dire need of educators with the experience and training necessary to teach lessons, maintain classroom management, and help learners with disabilities. As a result, experienced educators with proven leadership skills are all the more important.
Dive into how executive education in teaching programs can help you become a mentor to new teachers and leave a lasting mark on students' lives.
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Who should consider executive education programs in teaching?
The best executive education programs in teaching appeal to:
- Experienced K-12 and college teachers.
- New vice principals, principals, and other administrators.
- Business professionals working in corporate training or human resources.
- Policymakers specializing in the education field.
No matter your focus area, executive education features many potential advantages, such as networking with like-minded peers with a similar professional background. You can also add each executive education program to your résumé.
Executive education can help you master in-demand skills in less time than a traditional graduate program. You'll also benefit from instructors with many years of relevant professional experience and, in some cases, an asynchronous curriculum.
What you'll learn: Key features of executive education teaching programs
The best executive education in teaching programs can help you:
- Become a more effective and clear communicator.
- Mentor less-experienced workers.
- Model leadership best practices in the workplace.
- Apply strategic thinking when responding to unexpected events.
A career-aligned curriculum can also help you apply what you've learned in the digital classroom immediately. During the program, you will communicate with peers through online discussion boards to share leadership best practices, explore new ways to use your education in the workplace, and grow your professional network.
Other benefits include a career engagement network with extra tools designed to help learners maximize their educational experience.
Skills developed in instructional design executive courses
The specific skills you'll develop in an executive education program vary by topic:
Higher Education Teaching Certificate
Developed by Harvard University, this program can help you improve your classroom management, student engagement, and reflective teaching skills. In this class, you'll analyze the latest research into student learning and pedagogical approaches.
Instructional Design
This University of Cape Town Executive Education Program emphasizes the skills necessary to create engaging and relevant professional development classes. Requirements include developing material you can add to your professional portfolio.
Teaching With Technology
Another program offered by the University of Cape Town, Teaching With Technology emphasizes technology use best practices in K-12 and higher education classroom settings. Students also learn how to adapt technology to their unique teaching style.
Common requisites and considerations for enrollment
Executive education in teaching programs may strongly recommend, rather than require, the following:
- Educational background: An undergraduate or graduate degree in teaching, education, or a related subject
- Professional experience: Work experience as an educator or administrator
How to choose the right executive education program for you
Choose the right program for you by following these steps:
- Align program content with your specific career goals: Compare programs' intended learning goals with your career aspirations. If you have questions, reach out to program administrators or representatives.
- Evaluate your preferred learning style: Consider whether a fully online or hybrid program would best fit your learning style. A hybrid program may also provide better networking opportunities.
- Consider time commitment and flexibility required: Compare your current work responsibilities with a program's workload and schedule. Focus on fully asynchronous executive education programs if you work full time.
Taking action: next steps in professional development
- Reflect on your improvement areas: Your educational journey starts with figuring out where you need the most help. Speak with coworkers and supervisors to discover improvement areas.
- Explore executive education in teaching programs: Compare your improvement areas with edX's Executive Education in teaching programs. Focus on the offerings that promote the learning outcomes you're seeking for professional advancement.
- Explore alternatives: Improving your skills may require more than an executive education program. Explore relevant master's and doctoral programs to see if they might qualify you for administrator or instructional designer positions.
- See what others have said: Before choosing an executive education program, research program reviews, and reach out to former students. Their input can help you make an informed decision.