M.Ed. in Elementary Education

Elementary M.Ed. Course Requirements

Elementary Education is one of three M.Ed. Master’s Programs offered by Greensboro College. Each program has its specialty studies component taught by individuals in that or related disciplines. The professional studies common to all licensure areas are taught by the faculty in the division of Education. The professional and specialty studies component of the Master’s Programs are vitally interlinked.

Competencies required for initial licensure are at a basic level.. Content in the graduate courses includes a more in-depth study of basic concepts and requires the candidate to examine historical, psychological, sociological and philosophical issues as well as current trends in education. The master curriculum provides opportunities for candidates to become actively involved in identifying programs researching these problems and subsequently making needed changes in public school classrooms. The curriculum expands the knowledge base of the teachers so they can begin to think in terms of best practices and reflect upon their own professional instructional growth and leadership development. The master curriculum leads candidates to become critical and reflective practitioners who examine best practices from a perspective of equity and inclusion.

The graduate program builds upon but extends the initial “A” licensure requirements for candidates in a number of specific ways. First the graduate program emphasizes research by requiring candidates to interpret, judge the quality and apply research findings to actual classroom issues. Graduate candidates demonstrate their knowledge of research through case study analysis and action research projects. Second, the graduate program focuses upon professional development and leadership skills. Graduate candidates demonstrate their growth in these areas through self-selected initiatives and community involvement. Third, the graduate program concentrates upon understanding oneself as a learner, teacher and leader. Graduate candidates engage in on-going reflection upon practice, learn to work collaboratively with colleagues, and to use assessment to study their practice in systematic ways to guide their decision making. Ultimately, the graduate program is designed to guide and recognize teacher development.

The Elementary Program courses and instructional experiences are designed with guidance from the National Association for the Education of Young Children, NAEYC, the Association for Childhood Education International, ACEI, and the International reading Association, IRA. The standards of these national specialty professional associations shaped a program that emphasizes teacher development in the areas of assessment, leadership, diversity and reflective best practices.