UNION LAUNCHES NEW MASTER OF EDUCATION PROGRAM
Jackson, Tenn. — "The idea is service," Tom Rosebrough, dean of the School of Education and Human Studies, said as he explained changes to take effect in the graduate degree programs in education.
Since 1990 51ÉçÇø has offered a graduate degree for teachers which has a current enrollment of about 100 students. However in June, the University will launch a new Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree program which will supplement the current program. "The two degree programs are designed to meet different needs," Rosebrough explained. The current program will be renamed a Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.).
The new M.Ed. program, beginning June 7, 1997, will offer an intensive, cohort-based 30-hour program that will be completed in 14 months. Therefore, in July 1998, 24 students will have completed the program requirements and will be awarded their M.Ed.
The new program is designed for licensed teachers who are currently in the classroom and are seeking professional development. "The new M.Ed. focuses on contemporary issues that teachers are facing," Rosebrough said.
The curriculum includes courses of current topics (i.e., educational computer technology, student-centered instruction design, faith and ethics in education, inclusionary instruction, teacher effectiveness and more).
Rosebrough identified several features of the new program that are designed to serve the needs of teachers. Students will attend classes primarily on Saturdays and, during the school year, take and finish one course at a time before beginning another course. Also, convenient payment plans for the M.Ed. tuition are available.
The most unique feature of this new program, according to Rosebrough, is the cohort design. "In addition to the excellent quality educational program, teachers will be grouped with 23 colleagues and will remain as a group through the M.Ed. program," he said. The M.Ed. cohort that begins in June is limited to 24 students.
This design provides the environment for the development of strong, lasting relationships that spur the learning process. "It'll be a life-changing process for those teachers," Rosebrough added, "And years later, they'll be talking about the friendships they made."
The M.A.Ed. allows students to select from two options: (1) 33 hours, thesis and (2) 39 hours, non-thesis.
Rosebrough explained that the M.A.Ed. program also provides the opportunity for students to obtain their initial teaching licensure or continue professional development by adding new teaching endorsements.
For more information about Union's graduate program for teachers, contact the Office of Graduate Studies in Education at (901) 661-5374.