Secondary Education

Program Overview

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This nationally accredited Master of Arts in Secondary Education program prepares individuals for initial teaching licensure in various subjects at the middle and high school levels. It emphasizes reflective inquiry, social responsibility, and strong connections between theory and practice, with paid teaching internships and opportunities for individualization within chosen disciplines. Graduates are highly competitive in the job market and well-prepared for diverse career paths in education and related fields.

Program Outline

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Master of Arts in Secondary Education with Initial 7-12 Certification: An Extractive Analysis

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Degree Overview

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Objective:

Prepare individuals with the knowledge and skills needed for initial teaching licensure in English, mathematics, science, social studies/history, or world languages (French, German, Italian, Latin, or Spanish) at the middle and high school levels.

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Description:

This nationally accredited program fosters a community of faculty, community members, and educators where participants develop the necessary skills to help adolescents reach their full potential. The curriculum emphasizes reflective inquiry and socially responsible professional practices.

• Key Features:
• Paid teaching internships available in fall and spring semesters.
• Inclusive learning environment.
• Strong connections between theory and practice.
• Emphasis on fostering student potential in diverse contexts.

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Outline

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Core Curriculum (24 credits):

• Philosophical Foundations of Education
• Teaching and Learning within Multicultural Contexts of Education
• Educational Psychology
• Foundations in Research and Evaluation of Psychoeducational Issues in Special Education
• Introduction to Educational Technology
• Evidence-Based Strategies for Inclusive Classrooms
• Research for Action and Advocacy in School and Community Settings
• Contemporary Schooling in Society

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Discipline-Specific Coursework (18-24 credits):

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English

• Literature for Young Adults
• Teaching Writing in the 3-12 Classroom
• Teaching and Learning Grammar
• The Literate Learner: Developmental Reading in Middle and Secondary School Grades 5-12
• English Methods
• Directed Observation & Supervised Student Teaching
• English Seminar

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Mathematics

• Two graduate-level math courses in Statistics and Geometry (alternate courses with advisor approval)
• The Literate Learner: Developmental Reading in Middle and Secondary Schools, Grades 5-12
• Math Methods
• Directed Observation & Supervised Student Teaching
• Mathematics Seminar

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Science

• Science Methods
• Guided Research in Science
• Instructional Issues in Teaching Science
• Directed Observation & Supervised Student Teaching
• Science Seminar

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World Language

• The Literate Learner: Developmental Reading in Middle and Secondary Schools, Grades 5-12
• World Language Methods
• Language Acquisition
• Methods of Foreign Language Teaching for Elementary School
• Directed Observation & Supervised Student Teaching
• World Language Seminar

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History/Social Studies

• Social Studies/History Methods
• Economic & Physical Geography
• Directed Observation & Supervised Student Teaching
• Social Studies/History Seminar
• One elective with American Studies (advisor approval)

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Course Schedule:

• Courses typically offered in the evening with some weekend options.
• Weekday courses generally meet once a week for two hours.
• Summer and winter courses available.

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Assessment

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Assessment Methods:

• Course assignments (e.g., papers, projects, presentations)
• Performance assessments in field experiences
• Comprehensive examinations (varies by discipline)

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Assessment Criteria:

• Demonstration of content knowledge and pedagogical skills
• Reflective practice and analysis
• Effective communication and collaboration
• Commitment to social justice and inclusive education

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Teaching

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Teaching Methods:

• Blended learning approach combining theoretical foundations with practical experiences.
• Emphasis on active learning, collaboration, and problem-solving.
• Utilization of technology for instruction and assessment.

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Faculty:

• Caring and committed, with expertise in their respective content areas and pedagogical approaches.
• Dedicated to supporting student learning and professional development.

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Unique Approaches:

• Paid teaching internships providing real-world experience.
• Strong partnerships with local schools and educational organizations.
• Opportunities for individualization and specialization within chosen discipline.

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Careers

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Career Paths:

• Middle School or High School Teacher in chosen content area
• Curriculum Developer
• Educational Consultant
• Educational Researcher

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Opportunities:

• Employment in public or private schools, charter schools, and other educational settings.
• Career advancement through professional development and leadership opportunities.

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Outcomes:

• Graduates are highly competitive in the job market.
• Successful track record of alumni securing teaching positions.
• Preparation for diverse career paths in education and related fields.

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Other

• The School of Education and Human Development is currently accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) until December 2028.
• The program website offers detailed information on course descriptions, faculty profiles, and student resources.