Master of Arts in Teaching (Not Eligible for Credential)

• Foundations and Framework
  
  This course orients students to the program, the field, and the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) guiding them. It includes an introduction to creating a professional portfolio.
  
  
• The Engaged Mind
  
  To better understand thinking, an educator must research current knowledge of the human mind and learn to assess a student's ability to think. This course addresses all five core propositions of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).
  
  
• Classroom Management
  
  Various models of classroom management are examined, and techniques for assessing current classroom management practices at school are explored. Emphasis is given to planning, implementing, and assessing classroom management practices at the local school followed by designing, conducting, and evaluating an in-service teacher workshop based on identified needs.
  
  
• Current Classroom Methods and Strategies
  
  A growing body of research shows that teacher effectiveness is the single most important school-based influence on student achievement. This course provides the foundations for instructional design along with the tools for instructional planning. The alignment of curriculum standards to instruction and assessment is a major focus in this course.
  
  
• Educational Action Research
  
  This course is designed to provide the theoretical foundation and framework of action research. Special emphasis is placed on an examination of the basic principles of qualitative research methodologies, which will lead to the design and implementation of a peer-supported action research project.
  
  
• Instructional Leadership
  
  Teachers should possess a repertoire of skills that will enable them to function comfortably and effectively in a changing learning environment. The course will provide teachers with an understanding of the complexity of being a leader in times of change.
  
  
• Technology Enhanced Instructional Design
  
  This course is to introduce students to the theoretical foundations of technology enhanced instructional design and the designing and planning of technology enhanced instruction. This course meets International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Standards and the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).
  
  
• Teaching Reading in the Content Areas
  
  This course links reading skills across the curriculum through the use of instructional strategies and assessments.
  
  
• Legal Issues in Education
  
  Teachers need to recognize potential legal issues, make informed judgments and decisions, and seek administrative and legal counsel when necessary. This course provides teachers with a basic understanding of the legal principles directing the American school system, along with the legal case origins determining current classroom guidelines.
  
  
• Curriculum and Assessment for School Improvement
  
  Upon completion of this course, teachers will possess the skills to direct, guide, stimulate and put into effect curriculum changes and alignment.