As educators progress in their careers, they begin to see opportunities in focusing on specific subject areas. A graduate program in education can help them gain the leadership skills they need to pursue careers in everything from special education administration and reading interventions to curriculum development and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs.
The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction online program from the University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) allows educators to refine instructional skills while focusing on targeted areas that match their career goals. Educators can choose to concentrate on one of four areas: reading, ESL, elementary education and special education. Each concentration offers new professional opportunities for educators seeking leadership roles in high-demand subjects.
Before choosing a specialization, educators should consider which age group they would like to interact with most; if they would like to move out of the classroom or into a specialty or administrative role; and where their strengths lie, according to Indeed. Educators who enjoy critical thinking and problem-solving in collaboration with students and other teachers may lean toward the ESL concentration, while teachers who connect well with young children could explore the elementary education concentration.
Reading Concentration
ULM’s reading concentration equips teachers with advanced knowledge of literacy development and reading instruction strategies. With rising demands for literacy support across grade levels, reading specialists are vital in addressing gaps in student achievement, according to EdSource. The coursework covers diagnostic tools, balanced reading instruction and interventions for students with reading challenges.
Graduates who pursue this concentration may qualify for positions such as reading interventionist, literacy coach or reading specialist. Instructional coordinators — who often specialize in areas like reading — earned a median annual salary of $74,720 in 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Certification as a reading specialist also allows educators to mentor colleagues in evidence-based literacy practices, strengthening both classroom teaching and school-wide outcomes.
English as a Second Language (ESL) Concentration
As classrooms become increasingly diverse, the ESL concentration prepares educators to support English learners in mastering both academic content and language proficiency. ULM’s elective courses in this track emphasize second-language acquisition, multicultural curriculum design and social and cultural dimensions of learning.
Career opportunities for graduates include roles as ESL teachers, instructional coordinators for bilingual programs or district-level ESL specialists. ESL-certified educators are in high demand nationwide, particularly in districts with growing immigrant and multilingual student populations, according to Education Week. Specialized training not only enhances teachers’ ability to meet federal and state mandates but also contributes to improved student outcomes.
Elementary Education Concentration
ULM’s elementary education concentration develops versatile teachers prepared to lead in early childhood and elementary classrooms. Courses cover advanced methods in math, science, language arts and social studies instruction, as well as classroom management and curriculum mapping. This concentration emphasizes broad teaching competencies while also offering options to hone in on early childhood education or gifted education strategies.
Career opportunities for graduates extend beyond classroom teaching. Educators may become curriculum developers, instructional leaders or teacher mentors. Elementary educators with master’s degrees often earn higher salaries than their counterparts with bachelor’s degrees, according to a National Education Association report. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also found that higher levels of academic achievement consistently correlate with higher wages across teaching fields.
Special Education Concentration
As part of the ULM special education concentration, educators are trained to serve students with a wide range of needs, including learning, physical, emotional and developmental disabilities. Coursework typically includes assessment and intervention strategies, individualized education program (IEP) development and training in inclusive classroom practices. ULM’s offerings also include advanced courses in early intervention, behavior management and gifted education.
Special education teachers are consistently in high demand nationwide, especially those with classroom experience who seek to serve as administrators in the field, according to Education Next. Special education specialists with a master’s degree are well positioned for leadership roles, including educational diagnostician or program coordinator. While overall job growth for this field is projected to decline slightly, turnover and retirements ensure tens of thousands of openings annually, according to the BLS.
Find Your Education Focus Area With ULM’s Online M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction
ULM’s online M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction program provides educators with the flexibility to advance their careers while maintaining their current professional responsibilities. The program equips students with the support and expertise they need to achieve their educational and career goals.
Graduates of the program are fully prepared to pursue a Teacher Leader endorsement as an addition to their existing certification. This endorsement opens pathways to leadership roles and significantly increases their long-term earning potential.
Learn more about University of Louisiana Monroe’s online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction program.