Leadership in Education

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.

Music educators play a vital role in shaping students’ creativity, self-expression, and appreciation for the arts. However, as the educational landscape evolves, so do the demands on music teachers to incorporate new teaching strategies, stay current with emerging trends, and create more engaging learning experiences for their students. Pursuing a Master of Music in Music Education from Kent State University—delivered 100% online—offers music educators the opportunity to enhance their teaching practices, expand their knowledge, and make a lasting impact on their students and school communities.

With everything going on in the world, the ability to bounce back from setbacks and adapt to challenges is more important than ever. The good news for you is that we now know resilience is not just a personality trait reserved for a select few; it’s a skill that anyone can cultivate. In this post, we’ll explore how developing resilience can transform the way you navigate both personal and professional challenges and enhance your resilient leadership attributes and how the Rise & Thrive: Leading with Resilience workshop from Kent State University can equip you with the tools you need to thrive.

Dr. Tricia Niesz’s journey in education began with aspirations of becoming an elementary school teacher. However, her fascination with the intersection of culture, society, equity, and justice led her to pursue a deeper exploration of these themes. Now a faculty member in Kent State University’s Cultural Foundations Master of Education Online Master’s Degree program, Dr. Niesz shares insights into this unique academic path and its impact on students and communities.

The field of cultural foundations of education conceptualizes education as a broad and complex undertaking that is best understood through a range of disciplines and fields of study.

Lashonda puts her family first while pursuing the high reaches of education and career.