Fifth Year Accelerated B.A./M.A. in Teacher Education or Special Education

Program Overview

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Fairfield University's Fifth Year Accelerated Teacher Preparation Program prepares scholar-practitioners for effective teaching in secondary, elementary, or special education. The program emphasizes reflective inquiry, human development, ethical leadership, and quality education for all learners. Graduates earn an MA in their chosen field and CT teaching certification, qualifying them for diverse teaching positions in public and private schools. The program is accredited and offers a paid teaching internship with tuition remission.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

The Fifth Year Accelerated Teacher Preparation Program at Fairfield University aims to prepare scholar-practitioners who can effectively connect theory and practice, foster a growth-oriented learning environment, exercise ethical professional judgment and leadership, and champion quality education for all learners. The program culminates in a Master of Arts in Secondary, Elementary, or Special Education and CT teaching certification.

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Objectives:

• Earn a BA or BS in your chosen major
• Minor in educational studies (15 credits) or special education (18 credits) and take 2-4 additional teacher preparation courses, depending on certification area
• Continue teacher preparation coursework as a graduate student
• Complete a 30-credit MA teacher preparation program (about 14 months)
• Earn an MA in Secondary, Elementary, or Special Education and CT teaching certification
• Be eligible for a paid teaching internship during your graduate year (up to $15,000 tuition remission)

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Description:

This program features:

• Reflective inquiry and socially responsible professional practice
• Focus on human development and learning
• Commitment to ethical professional judgment and leadership
• Advocacy for quality education for all learners
• Emphasis on meaningful connections between theory and practice
• Promotion of a developmental model of human growth and learning

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Outline:

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Program Content:

• Education undergraduate and graduate courses
• Minor in educational studies or special education
• Teacher preparation coursework
• MA teacher preparation program

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Program Structure:

The program is divided into two phases:

• Level I: Undergraduate phase; students declare a minor in educational studies or special education and complete 45 credits, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.67 and 3.0 GPA in their major.
• Level II: Graduate phase; students complete 30 credits of coursework and earn an MA in their chosen field (Secondary, Elementary, or Special Education).

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Course Schedule:

Courses are offered in various formats, including traditional semesters, accelerated summer sessions, and online options. Specific course schedules are available from the program advisor.

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Individual Modules:

The program focuses on various modules depending on the chosen track (Secondary, Elementary, or Special Education). For each track, relevant courses are listed below:

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Secondary Education Tracks:

• English Education Track (51 Credits: 24 undergraduate, 30 graduate)
• Mathematics Education Track (51 Credits: 21 undergraduate, 30 graduate)
• Science Education Track (51 Credits: 21 undergraduate, 30 graduate)
• Social Studies Education Track (51 Credits: 21 undergraduate, 30 graduate)
• World Language Education Track (51 Credits: 21 undergraduate, 30 graduate)

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Elementary Education Track:

• Elementary Education Program (57 Credits: 27 undergraduate, 30 graduate)

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Special Education Track:

• Special Education Program (54 credits: 24 undergraduate, 30 graduate)

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Module Descriptions:

Detailed descriptions of individual modules can be found in the School of Education and Human Development catalog. Additionally, course descriptions for undergraduate and graduate levels are available under the appropriate departmental course listings.

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Assessment:

Assessment methods may vary depending on the individual module and can include:

• Exams: Assessing knowledge and understanding of key concepts.
• Projects: Examining application of skills and abilities through practical tasks.
• Presentations: Evaluating communication and critical thinking skills through oral presentations.
• Essays: Assessing written communication and analytical skills.
• Class participation: Considering active engagement and contribution to classroom discussions.
• Field experiences: Demonstrating practical teaching skills and professional development in real-world settings.
Grading criteria are typically based on a combination of these assessment methods, with specific weighting depending on the individual module. Students are expected to meet established performance standards across all assessment areas to successfully complete the program.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

The program utilizes diverse teaching methods to cater to different learning styles and promote active engagement. Approaches may include:

• Lectures: Traditional delivery of information by faculty experts.
• Seminars: Interactive discussions and analysis of key concepts.
• Workshops: Hands-on application of skills and techniques.
• Case studies: Examining real-world scenarios and developing problem-solving abilities.
• Technology integration: Utilizing educational technology tools to enhance the learning experience.

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Faculty:

The program instructors are experienced and qualified faculty members with expertise in their respective fields. They are committed to providing personalized attention and guidance to students while fostering a supportive learning environment.

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Unique Approaches:

The program uses a reflective inquiry approach, encouraging students to critically analyze their teaching practices and continually improve their skills. This approach involves:

• Self-reflection: Examining personal strengths and weaknesses as a teacher.
• Peer feedback: Receiving constructive criticism from colleagues and classmates.
• Observation and analysis: Observing experienced teachers and critically analyzing their methods.
• Action research: Conducting research to inform and improve teaching practices.

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Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

Upon completion of the program, graduates are qualified for various teaching positions in public and private schools, including:

• Elementary School Teacher
• Middle School Teacher
• High School Teacher
• Special Education Teacher

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Career Opportunities:

Graduates can pursue careers in various educational settings, such as:

• Public schools
• Private schools
• Charter schools
• Special education programs
• Educational institutions
• Curriculum development organizations
• Educational research agencies

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Program Outcomes:

The program prepares graduates to excel in their chosen careers by equipping them with the necessary knowledge, skills, and dispositions to be effective educators. Graduates are known for their:

• Strong content knowledge
• Effective teaching skills
• Commitment to student learning
• Ability to adapt to diverse classroom environments
• Professionalism and ethical conduct

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Other:

• The program is accredited by the State of Connecticut and nationally recognized by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation and by their respective national professional associations.
• Students completing the teacher preparation programs at Fairfield qualify for an initial teaching certificate as secondary educators (grades 7 through 12), elementary educators, or special educators (grades K-12) in the state of Connecticut.
• The program offers a paid teaching internship during the graduate year, providing valuable experience and up to $15,000 tuition remission.