Leadership in Education

Leadership and advocacy are critical to shaping the future of special education. Professionals in this field often find themselves at the intersection of policy, practice, and systemic change, working to ensure equitable opportunities for all students. Kent State University’s 100% online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education is designed to prepare graduates for these essential leadership and advocacy roles. Through a curriculum focused on evidence-based practices, inclusion, and systemic change, students gain the skills to make a meaningful impact on students, families, and communities.

In a world where educational and societal challenges are increasingly complex, leaders need more than just expertise—they need perspective, flexibility, and a deep understanding of collaboration across disciplines. That’s exactly what Kent State University’s online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Interprofessional Leadership delivers.

In today’s educational landscape, substitute teachers are more than just classroom placeholders—they are essential partners in sustaining the momentum of student learning. With an increasing number of districts facing substitute shortages, especially in Ohio, where licensure requirements have been eased, the need for effective, well-prepared substitute teachers has never been greater. Whether you are a student teacher just starting out, a professional stepping into education for the first time, or an experienced substitute teacher looking to sharpen your skills, becoming a great substitute teacher is both achievable and rewarding.

Dr. Bradley J. Morris is a Developmental Cognitive Scientist whose research program includes basic research in cognitive development and its application in designing effective PreK-12 STEM instruction. His research focuses on the development of Scientific and Mathematical reasoning and Motivation. The goal of his research program is to identify the mechanisms underlying children’s reasoning (e.g., strategy acquisition) and motivation (e.g., praise type) using a variety of experimental methods (e.g., eye tracking) and computational modeling.

Understanding how students learn is key to designing effective instruction in today’s dynamic educational landscape. Educational psychology, a field that blends psychology and education, offers valuable insights into the science of learning—insights that can transform teaching practices and improve student outcomes. Kent State University’s online Master of Education in Educational Psychology program provides educators with the knowledge and skills to apply these research findings to real-world classroom settings.

Starting your journey as a special education teacher is both exciting and challenging. You are stepping into a role that requires patience, creativity, and a deep commitment to supporting students with diverse learning needs and continuous professional learning. Unlike general education, special education requires individualized instruction, collaboration with various professionals, and the ability to adapt to students’ ever-changing needs. Your work will be crucial in shaping students’ academic success, social development, and overall well-being.

In the field of education, psychology plays a crucial role in supporting student learning and development. However, many people often confuse two distinct yet interrelated disciplines: educational psychology and school psychology. While both fields focus on enhancing student outcomes, they differ in their scope, approach, and career opportunities.

Kent State University’s 100% online Master of Music in Music Education (MMME) program was proudly represented at the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) Conference, where faculty shared insights on popular music pedagogy, group creativity, and innovative teaching methods for the modern music classroom.

Conflict is an inevitable part of life, and for educators, it is a frequent occurrence in the classroom. However, instead of viewing conflict as a disruption, teachers can reframe it as an opportunity for learning and growth. With the right strategies and training, educators can guide students in resolving disputes constructively, helping them develop essential life skills in communication, negotiation, and emotional intelligence.

In today’s rapidly evolving educational and social landscapes, research is not just about studying communities—it’s about engaging with them meaningfully. The Approaches to Community-Engaged Inquiry course, part of Kent State University’s 100% online Master of Education in Cultural Foundations program, is designed to equip students with the tools and methodologies to conduct collaborative research that is both impactful and ethical.