Introduction: The M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction is designed as a practitioner degree for professionals who wish to learn innovative and new methods of teaching and leadership, and wish to acquire the knowledge, skills and experience to work more effectively in the field of education. This M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction is a 30-hour program with 4 core courses. The core M.Ed. courses provide students with a rich background in Educational Equity, Leadership, Pedagogy and Research and 6 additional courses in one of two concentrations; Trauma Informed Practices, or Inclusive Practices.
The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction will prepare teams of educators, families, administrators, and service providers, to build and lead school environments that meet the needs of all students. This program is designed for working educational professionals on the assumption that they will have ongoing access to an educational context (i.e., school, district, homeschool, museum etc.) in which to apply their learning. The content in this program is sensitive and can be challenging for students. For this reason there is intentional content overlap and spiraling topics within and across courses in the program. This program includes a core consisting of courses in educational equity, leadership in educational settings, responsive pedagogies, and action research. Additionally, students will select a concentration from the following list:
- Trauma-Informed Practices Concentration
- Inclusive Practices Concentration
Trauma-Informed Practices Concentration
This concentration will focus on equity in education as it relates to recognizing and addressing the learning and behavioral needs of children who have experienced trauma. Coursework presents an opportunity to change current school systems so students do not become overwhelmed or lost in the academic setting, but instead have opportunities to grow, succeed and build resilience. Trauma-informed practices can be applied to all students, but are especially important for students who have experienced trauma. There is a focus on the science of trauma; interpersonal, insidious, and racial traumas; and mitigating stress and secondary trauma in educators.
Inclusive Practices Concentration
This concentration will focus on equity in education as it relates to access and inclusion for all students. Coursework presents opportunities to change current systems to strength-based systems that support all differences in a student’s social and academic abilities. Coursework can be applied to any student but especially to students facing the greatest barriers to receiving instruction in the general education classroom. There is a focus on engaging students with the most significant support needs, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and behavioral differences.
Mission Statement: We prepare people who will build and lead comprehensive, proactive and responsive school support systems that meet the needs of the whole child.
Competencies: Upon completion of this program students should be able to: Build and Lead educational environments that are equitable, sustaining, and responsive to the needs of every student.
Application Deadlines: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Summer Cohort applications must be received by March 15th for full consideration.
