Master of Education - Professional Development (ME-PD Website)

Learning in Community

In this course, students will come to understand the value of learning in a collaborative setting. Students will examine theories and key aspects of community development. Students will practice creating and sustaining community within the learning community and within their workplace. Opportunities will also be given to explore developing professional learning communities beyond the program.

Educational Research

In this course, students will gain knowledge of action research and implement an action research study in the workplace. Students will understand and experience all stages of the action research process. Students will recognize the value of data in making decisions regarding PK-16 teaching and learning. Students will complete an action research study and disseminate the results.

Best Practice Pedagogy

In this course, students will study and apply research-based best practices for teaching and learning. They will be challenged to reflect upon current practice, incorporate best practices, and improve future practice as they seek continuous improvement. Students will be provided a variety of forums to investigate, analyze and reflect upon their implementation of multiple instructional methodologies for the purpose of improving PK-16 student learning.

Curriculum Development and Assessment

In this course, students will evaluate current curriculum, investigate curricular frameworks, and align curriculum to teaching standards and academic standards. Students will experience, investigate and implement various forms of assessment. Students will design classroom curriculum that aligns curriculum and assessment for the purpose of improving PK-16 student learning.

Democracy, Diversity and Social Justice in Education

In this course, students will examine social issues that influence the Learning Community, personal behavior, professional settings, and institutional systems. Issues explored will include (but will not be limited to) class, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disabilities, and religion, as well as harassment and bullying. Through this exploration, students will understand how social issues influence relationships in order to take action regarding equity and justice in the workplace.

Technology in Education

In this course, students will distinguish between informational and instructional technology. They will be exposed to a variety of technology tools and software and gain practical technology skills. Students will use a variety of online tools and programs to communicate and collaborate. They will analyze and implement developmentally appropriate instructional technology in their workplace. They will explore current technology and how it relates to the culture of PK-16 students. Students will document competency related to student-created goals in a professional development portfolio.

Teacher Leadership

In this course, students will explore teacher leadership that strengthens professional practice. They will reflect upon political issues and educational issues in developing their personal and professional identity. Students will be challenged to demonstrate educational leadership beyond their own classroom. Students will explore initiatives related to systems and trends that improve and contribute to learning.