The Teacher Education program includes coursework and practica that lead to initial licensure. Areas of concentration include the following:
Elementary Education
The elementary education (PreK-6) program is designed to assist individuals in obtaining a degree (M.T.) and initial licensure.. This program can also assist individuals in adding additional endorsements (e.g., Algebra I, ESOL) to their credentials.
Foreign Language Education
Foreign Language Education (K-12) prepares prospective teachers of foreign languages by building on students’ undergraduate foreign language majors. The program includes preparation in pedagogy, as well as advanced course work in one or more languages and practical teaching experiences in schools under the supervision of University personnel. Students applying to the MT program in foreign languages are required to take speaking and writing proficiency tests in their target language, and admission to the program is contingent upon the results of these tests. For graduation, the satisfactory proficiency score is Advanced Low (American Council of Teachers of Foreign Language Scale). Students who score below that rating on the diagnostic test will be expected to develop a plan of action to improve their language skills and retake the test as needed.
Health and Physical Education (Kinesiology)
A Master of Teaching degree in Health and Physical Education (K-12) allows program completers to work at all grade levels. Those who enter the program with a degree in kinesiology can complete the program in two years; otherwise, completion time is three years.
Secondary Education
Secondary Education programs include English education, mathematics education, science education, and social studies education. Program completers are prepared to work with students in grades 6-12. Like elementary majors, secondary majors frequently add endorsements (e.g., ESOL) to strengthen their credentials.
English Education Building on their undergraduate English studies, students investigate the social and psychological context for teaching English at the secondary level, explore concepts of curriculum and instructional models, and pursue in-depth study of effective methodologies for teaching language, literature, and writing. The program involves practicum experience, emphasizes an integrated conceptualization of secondary English curriculum, and stresses the importance of multicultural awareness in all aspects of planning and instruction. Opportunities exist for individual direction, both within course parameters and in independent study. Study also includes graduate courses in English. The prerequisite for admission is a B.A. in English or the equivalent.
Mathematics Education The Master of Teaching (M.T.) program in mathematics education prepares prospective teachers of mathematics by building on students’ undergraduate mathematics studies. Mathematics education includes preparation in pedagogy and technology, as well as advanced course work in mathematics and practical teaching experiences in the schools under the supervision of University personnel.
Science Education This program provides preparation in science and science teaching methods. Graduates are eligible for initial licensure and endorsement in a particular area of science.
Social Studies Education The purpose of the social studies education program is to prepare social studies teachers for middle school and secondary education social studies positions.
Special Education
Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) The primary mission of this program is to produce high-quality graduates to staff and lead educational programs that serve young children birth through age five with a range of risk and disability conditions. Graduates of the program will be certified to teach children with a wide range of developmental delays including cognitive, communication, social, adaptive behavior, and/or motor skills. Graduates are likely to be employed by public schools, Head Start programs, early intervention programs, and a wide range of service providers serving young children and their families.
General Special Education This program prepares teachers to serve students with mild to moderate disabilities in a variety of settings such as inclusion classrooms, modified resource rooms, and self-contained programs. Emphasis is placed on collaboration, evidence-based instructional practices, instructional accommodations, behavior management, and assessment strategies. Students must complete requirements for a second endorsement area in general education (elementary education, a secondary education content area, or ESL).
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