Master of Arts Degree in Teaching

7-12 Secondary Education

Master of Arts in Teaching core classes required for all endorsements. Additional requirements must be met for an endorsement. Select from the list below to view requirements.

Master of Arts in Teaching — Core Courses

Lifespan Development

Study physical, cognitive, social and emotional development from conception through old age.

Introduction to Special Education

Survey various areas of exceptionality — high ability learners, mental disability, behaviorally impaired, visually impaired, hearing impaired, learning disabled, orthopedically impaired, speech language impairments, autistic, Asperger’s, traumatic brain injury, multiple and severely handicapped, physically disabled and health impaired. You will discuss the history, philosophy and future trends of special education as they are relevant to educational implications.

Technology in the Classroom

Learn strategies for integrating instructional technology in curriculum planning and implementation. After receiving instruction in their use, you will plan learning activities that include instructional media, the Internet, web page construction, production and organizational software and multimedia programs in classrooms. In addition to computers, you will use video equipment, digital cameras and scanners in preparing your lessons.

Educational Psychology and Measurement

Study teaching and learning processes to learn the nature of educational psychology and applications of major learning theories.

History, Philosophy and Trends in Education

Compare philosophical foundations of historical and contemporary education and consider current issues using an informed discussion-centered approach. You will also assess political and social trends, laws, proper conduct and penalties for teachers and changes related to contemporary and future educational planning.

Human Relations in a Multicultural Society

Identify characteristics of various ethnic groups that relate to learning, working and living and develop strategies for assisting people in living jointly in our pluralistic society.

Guidance and Classroom Management

Learn techniques, models and psychological theories related to managing individual and small and large group learning activities including practical methods that enhance self-control and provide healthy classroom environments. You will learn the common behavior problems for pre-K through grade 12 students and exceptional children, along with assessment techniques.

Student Teaching — Secondary

Supervised teaching experience under the direction of a college faculty member and a classroom art teacher. 

Student Teaching Seminar

You will have an opportunity to share and discuss problems, success, teaching methods and innovations of mutual interest with fellow student teachers and your college faculty. You will learn strategies for career planning and seeking professional employment with an emphasis on professionalism, organizational skills and ethical behaviors for a successful teaching career. 

Required for Middle and Secondary

*Must meet all content area course requirements as required by state rule in addition to the following courses.

Reading in the Content Area

This course is designed to provide you with an understanding of developmental processes of reading and study techniques in middle grades and secondary education. Clinical activities focus on learners who struggle within the reading process. Appropriate use of instructional technology is integrated into instruction and pedagogy.

Writing in the Content Area

In this course, you will explore the nature and structure of language and language acquisition. We will discuss the philosophical approaches to teaching listening, speaking and spelling for all levels of learners within the middle and secondary classroom, including those with special needs and gifted learners.

Middle and Secondary Methods

In this course, you will examine an educational response to students between the ages of 10-15 and 15-19 to address the intellectual, emotional, physical and social needs of these students. We will explore teaching methods, learning styles, motivation, planning and presenting techniques, lesson writing and unit development.

Required for 7-12 Reading and Writing
 
Critical Issues in Literacy

Research current theories, strategies and evaluative techniques included in reading literature. Selected experiences direct students to explore individual needs and areas of interest.

Linguistics for Teachers

Study the structure of the English language, including lexicography, semantics, and dialects.

Diagnosis and Remediation of Reading

Learn assessment procedures for students on an achievement spectrum from below grade level to above grade level and effective instructional and diagnostic techniques in reading. Instruction is provided in a self-directed portfolio mode featuring acquisition of theory, teaching strategies, and assessment procedures. You will participate in formal and informal testing including achievement, criterion references, observational, and portfolio strategies. Implementation of the teacher's knowledge of this curriculum is achieved within a directed reading practicum in a partnership school.

 Literature for Young Adults for Teachers

Study traditional and contemporary works written for or about young adults. The works studied will be evaluated for their artistic merit and for their insights into the adolescent development. You will will design strategies to encourage appreciation of literature and motivation for becoming life-long readers. Topics include the nature of teen-age readers, genres and use of young adult literature in the classroom. Students create an extensive teaching unit using young adult literature.