In a previous post, I went over some of the basic information regarding the programs we have for Masters of Arts in Teaching. I stated that the MAT programs were not for people who already have a teaching certificate; however, the M.Ed programs (Masters of Education) are designed specifically for those individuals.
The Graduate School and the School of Education offer 3 M.Ed. programs:
The Masters of Education in Languages is designed for language teachers, advanced undergraduate language students, and other professionals interested in languages. With that in mind, most of the candidates in this program are current teachers or individuals who will return to teaching. Robert Butler, a candidate in the M.Ed. Program for Languages shares:
“Overall, the program is designed to help teachers continue in an area of specialization (in my case Spanish) while learning how to better meet the individual needs of each student. As a student, I like that there is a balance between education courses and language courses. Most of the students in the classes are teachers; however, there are a few students like myself who do not have any experience teaching in high schools. I came straight into the program after graduating with a BA in Spanish and a minor in Linguistics. It is a little bit more difficult not having that experience, but the M.Ed. program allows graduate students to pursue teacher certification by fulfilling certain undergraduate/graduate level courses, completing a specific number of observation hours and completing a semester student-teacher practicum.”
The Masters of Education in Science and Math for Teachers (offered jointly by the School of Education and School of Sciences and Mathematics) intends to assist the practicing teacher in developing science, mathematics, and education knowledge and understanding for use in elementary, middle, and high school classrooms. In addition, students in the program may plan to pursue a doctoral degree in science and/or mathematics education. Students in this, and many graduate programs, complete a capstone project. For this M.Ed capstone, students identify a critical need or research question in science and math education and formally propose a project plan for addressing this need/question. More information can be found here: http://medsm.cofc.edu/index.php
The Masters of Education in Teaching, Learning, and Advocacy (MTLA) focuses on preparing educators as change agents and advocates for students. The courses offered in this program aid teachers in developing their abilities in self-reflection, conducting and interpreting research, policy analysis, and knowledge of the ways that learning theories are applied to improve educational practices – especially for at-risk populations. Pamela MacLean, my older sister and recent graduate of the MTLA program, reflects on the program:
“The MTLA program helps prepare teachers to advocate for the children they work with and the profession that they work in. I joined the program because of its focus on helping children. I feel that children are at the heart of education and therefore, as educators, we should do all that we can to help them. I liked the literature that we read and working with other educators. It was nice to be at the forefront of what is happening in education.”
