Across Ohio and the nation, schools are navigating rapid change. Many experienced educators reach a point in their careers where they want to expand their impact beyond their individual classrooms. From literacy reform and evolving state policies to technology integration and student mental health needs, today’s educational landscape requires leaders who can think systemically while staying grounded in classroom realities.
Increasingly, districts are recognizing the value of developing leadership from within. One powerful pathway for experienced educators to expand their influence and deepen their impact, especially for educators balancing full-time roles, is through earning an online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.). The College of Education, Health and Human Services at Kent State University offers a dynamic Ed.D. option designed for working professionals ready to lead in complex educational contexts.
Moving Beyond the Classroom Without Leaving It
Many accomplished educators reach a point in their careers where they want to contribute beyond their individual classrooms. They see opportunities to improve curriculum alignment, strengthen instructional coaching, lead equity initiatives, or shape district policy and an Ed.D. provides the structure and support to do exactly that.
Unlike traditional research doctorates, Ed.D. programs are designed for working professionals. Coursework and research are intentionally connected to authentic challenges educators face daily. This allows participants to apply what they are learning in real time. Participants engage in inquiry that directly informs:
- School improvement planning
- Curriculum design and assessment
- Professional learning systems
- Organizational leadership and change management
The result is immediate application. Educators do not pause their careers to pursue theory; they enhance their practice while advancing their leadership capacity.
Building Research-Informed Leaders
Today’s educational decisions require more than experience alone. They demand data literacy, policy understanding, and the ability to translate research into actionable strategy.
Through an Ed.D., in-service educators strengthen their ability to:
- Analyze and interpret complex data
- Evaluate instructional programs and initiatives
- Lead organizational change thoughtfully and ethically
- Advocate for students using evidence-based reasoning
This preparation builds instructional leaders who are confident in both conversation and implementation. Whether serving as department chairs, curriculum directors, principals, or district-level administrators, Ed.D. graduates are prepared to guide systems.
Re-energizing Professional Purpose
Professional growth is one of the strongest predictors of educator retention. When experienced teachers feel intellectually challenged and supported in expanding their influence, they are more likely to remain in the profession.
For many, the Ed.D. becomes a catalyst for renewed purpose. The opportunity to examine complex educational issues through a scholarly lens, collaborate with colleagues across disciplines, and design solutions with measurable impact can reignite the passion that first drew educators to the field.
Rather than signaling an exit from education, the Ed.D. often represents a recommitment to it.
Expanding Career Pathways
While passion and impact remain central, it is also important to acknowledge that advanced credentials open doors. An Ed.D. can support:
- Movement on district salary schedules
- Leadership roles in curriculum and instruction
- Teaching opportunities
- Consulting and partnership work
These pathways allow educators to diversify their professional influence while remaining rooted in service to schools and communities.
A Continuum of Professional Growth
At Kent State EHHS, we view professional learning as a continuum. From targeted workshops and micro-credentials to graduate certificates, master’s degrees, and doctoral study, each stage of growth builds upon the last. With 13 doctoral degrees offered through EHHS, including options designed for working professionals like the online Ed.D. in Interprofessional Leadership, Kent State provides multiple pathways for educators ready to expand their leadership impact.
If you’re curious about how an Ed.D. could elevate your practice and expand your impact, we encourage you to explore Kent State’s degree options and connect with our graduate admissions team for guidance. Whether you’re interested in leadership, curriculum, special education, or another concentration, there’s a pathway for you.
