Master of Education

Can you imagine what life would be like without your favorite song? Or your favorite movie that never fails to crack you up? Without arts in our schools, who will be the next Louis Armstrong, or Jackson Pollock, or Martin Scorsese? Now, more than ever, we need to foster strong arts programs in our schools – and we need your help.

We seek educators and prospective educators who want to expand their creative boundaries and keep arts alive in our schools. Our Arts in Education Program brings together classroom teachers, art teachers, artists, administrators, and other educators to engage students in learning with, and through, the arts. Our graduate students are immersed in the creative process, working individually and collaboratively with their colleagues. They develop and practice innovative methods and interdisciplinary teaching. Our graduate students also participate in statewide initiatives concerning the arts.

Our partnerships with the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, the Integrated Arts Academy at H.O. Wheeler Elementary School, and other community resources have enriched the Arts in Education program. The opportunities from these partnerships bring real-life experience and energy to your graduate experience.

• Requirements for M.Ed. (36 credits)

You may apply up to 18 credits of the coursework toward the licensure in Arts to the requirements for the M.Ed. degree.

Our master’s program in Curriculum and Instructional Design provides teachers and administrators the understanding and strategies to develop and evaluate school curricula through an equity lens. The word “curriculum” comprises many areas: orientation, philosophy, design, development, implementation, assessment, and evaluation. Our graduate students delve into these areas and progress as leaders.

While the primary focus in our program is K-12 public school settings, you will find that the concentration is applicable to all levels as well as a variety of contexts in which curriculum is developed and utilized.

• Requirements for M.Ed. (36 credits)

M.Ed. Online Curriculum and Instructional Design

The goal of the Literacy concentration is to prepare classroom teachers to be more effective teachers of reading and language arts.  Courses in reading methodology and diagnosis, as well as clinical experiences, provide the framework that allows the graduate student to develop competence as a reading teacher and reading specialist.

The program rests on an eclectic theoretical base, and presents a balanced and comprehensive view of literacy development, instruction, and assessment.  The program is research-based and in line with state standards.

• Requirements for M.Ed. (36 credits)
• Specialized Literacy Professional Endorsement

Strong school leaders, from principals to administrative staff, are the driving force behind outstanding schools. Such leaders are centered on children, clear in their moral purpose, and collaborative in their relationships. Together with their staffs, they are able to create and sustain a school structure that is effective, and a learning environment that is conducive to student and adult growth.

Throughout our master’s program in School Leadership, graduate students have opportunities to work individually and with colleagues, both in the classroom and in the field, to explore concepts while acquiring and applying their skills. Our program offers a blend of required and elective courses, giving students a meaningful and lasting educational experience upon which they can draw when actively engaged in the science and art of leading a school.

An initial teaching license or equivalent is required for admission.

In addition, candidates in our M.Ed. program with a concentration in School Leadership have the opportunity to earn an additional endorsement as a Principal, Director of Curriculum, or Director of Special Education.  See further information under Additional Endorsements.

• Requirements for M.Ed. (36 credits)

Graduate students in our Master of Education program with a concentration in Special Education acquire the broad and varied knowledge that is critical for working with individuals with special needs. From courses in human development to engaging in practicum in a local school, our students learn the unique contexts and systems of special education. Furthermore, students learn to build and maintain collaborative relationships with families, students, colleagues, and leaders – relationships that are critical to effective and powerful special education.

Candidates in the M.Ed. program have the option to pursue a Vermont additional endorsement as a Special Educator as part of the program. (Candidates interested in pursuing an initial license as a Special Educator will do so through our Master of Arts in Teaching program.)

M.Ed. with a Concentration in Special Education

Students with or without a teaching license may pursue the M.Ed. with a concentration in Special Education. The required courses with their corresponding course descriptions are listed in our Graduate Catalog under M.Ed. with Special Education Concentration.

Optional Additional Endorsement as Special Educator

Teachers who already hold a teaching license can complete the coursework required for an additional endorsement as a Special Educator as part of their M.Ed. program with a concentration in Special Education. The required courses with their corresponding course descriptions are listed in our Graduate Catalog under M.Ed. with Endorsement as Special Educator.