Teaching & Foundations

Program Overview

Fairfield University's Master of Arts in Teaching and Foundations and Sixth-Year Certificate programs prepare educators to deepen their knowledge of teaching and learning in a socio-cultural context. The programs offer a blend of foundational core requirements and electives, extensive field experience, and a focus on critical reflection. Graduates are well-equipped for careers in K-12 education, curriculum development, administration, and other educational roles.

Program Outline

Outline: Fairfield University's Master of Arts in Teaching and Foundations and Sixth-Year Certificate (SYC) programs are designed to meet the needs of educational professionals who want to deepen their knowledge of teaching and learning in a socio-cultural context.

Program Duration:

• MA: 2 years (full-time) or 3-4 years (part-time)
• SYC: 1 year (full-time) or 2 years (part-time)

Course Schedule:

• Both programs offer courses in the evenings and on weekends to accommodate working professionals.
• Full-time students take 9 credits each fall and spring semester and up to 6 credits in the summer sessions.
• Part-time students take fewer credits per semester.

Program Structure:

• The MA program consists of 36 graduate credits, including 18 credits of foundational core requirements and 18 credits of electives.
• The SYC program consists of 30 graduate credits, including 12 credits of foundational core requirements and 18 credits of electives.

Main Modules:

• Foundational Core Requirements: These courses cover the philosophical, social, multicultural, curriculum, technology, and learning and development foundations of education.
• MA Electives: Students can choose from a variety of electives in areas such as curriculum studies, literacy, language and culture, integrating technologies, and individualized concentrations.
• SYC Electives: Students can choose from a variety of electives in areas such as curriculum studies, literacy, language and culture, and individualized concentrations.

Unique Features:

• The programs provide extensive field experience, allowing students to apply their learning in real-world settings.
• The programs integrate critical reflection into the curriculum, helping students to develop their own teaching philosophies and practices.
• The programs are taught by a caring and committed faculty who are experts in their field.

Sample Courses:

• The Educational Imagination
• Ethics and Advocacy in Educational Contexts
• Theories of Learning
• Principles of Curriculum Development and Evaluation
• Curriculum Studies
• Literacy, Language and Culture
• Integrating Technologies

Teaching:

• The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, simulations, and field experiences.
• The faculty is committed to providing students with individualized attention and support.
• The program offers a number of unique approaches to teaching, including:
• Reflective inquiry: Students are encouraged to reflect on their own teaching experiences and to develop their own teaching philosophies.
• Socially responsible professional practices: Students are encouraged to consider the social and ethical implications of their teaching.
• Inquiry-based learning: Students are encouraged to ask questions, explore new ideas, and develop their own solutions to problems.

Careers:

• Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers as K-12 public or private school classroom teachers, curriculum specialists, administrators, community educators, master teachers, educational entrepreneurs, teacher educators, and policy makers.
• The program also provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to pursue further graduate study in education or related fields.

Other:

• The program is designed to be flexible and can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis.
• The program is offered both on campus and online.
• The program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).