Courses

ED 517 SECONDARY CURRICULUM: SPANISH   3.0 Credit(s)
Explores American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) and state curriculum standards for grades 7-12. Philosophical, psychological, and practical implementation of curriculum in the secondary classroom is emphasized. Candidates develop subject-specific curricula appropriate to Spanish. Students will also examine and discuss a number of current curriculum issues that impact the secondary school. The content of this course will focus primarily on putting theory into practice. To that end, this course will emphasize the practical aspects of how a school district writes curriculum with an emphasis on both process and product.
Offered: Fall & Summer 1 All Years

ED 520 CONTEMPORARY EDUCATION REFORM   3.0 Credit(s)
Contemporary Education Reform" introduces students to school reform today. In this seminar, we investigate the content and controversy of several contemporary school reforms. It encourages critical thinking about the educational challenges that school reformers address and attempt to surmount. The seminar explores (1) responses to growing educational inequality and segregation based on race, national origin, and socioeconomic status - centralization in terms of finance, governance, and desegregation; (2) responses to increased racial and ethnic diversity - ethnocentrism, multicultural studies, and inclusive pedagogy; (3) entrepreneurial responses to public education - vouchers, charters, and virtual schools; and (4) alternatives to high-stakes testing and accountability.
Offered: Spring Semester All Years

ED 523 CULTURALLY SUSTAINING EDUCATION   3.0 Credit(s)
Teacher candidates will reflect on their identities, inquire into the experience of others, and examine individual, interpersonal, institutional, and systemic barriers that limit educational opportunities and outcomes for many students. The course draws on history, policy, theory, and praxis to enable candidates to draw from students' cultural, religious, family, intellectual, and personal assets in strategies that effectively support all students' personal and academic success in a diverse society.
Offered: Fall & Summer Semesters All Years

ED 527 EFFECTIVE ONLINE TEACHING   3.0 Credit(s)
Participants develop online lessons for use in professional development training and PK-12 classroom instruction. Methods of instructional design for online settings target the creation and selection of multimedia such as digital lectures, instructional videos, and simulations. Key skills for effective online instruction are explored including learner engagement, discussion management, collaboration, and community building. (Online learning)

ED 533 SECONDARY METHODS: ENGLISH   3.0 Credit(s)
This course explores the methodology of teaching English in secondary schools including the examination of the standards of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) and state curriculum standards for grades 7-12, as well as current trends in teaching methods and techniques. Participants will prepare unit and lesson plans with related assessment procedures on a variety of topics and acquire teaching experience by presenting lessons and working collaboratively to explore English with peers. This course is intended to bridge the gap between theories of education, English content area knowledge, and the realities of working in the secondary school environment.
Offered: Fall Semester All Years

ED 534 SECONDARY METHODS:SCIENCE   3.0 Credit(s)
This course explores the methodology of teaching general science in secondary schools including the examination of the standards of the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) and state curriculum standards for grades 7-12, as well as current trends in teaching methods and techniques. Participants will prepare unit and lesson plans with related assessment procedures on a variety of topics and acquire teaching experience by presenting lessons and working collaboratively to explore general science with peers. This course is intended to bridge the gap between theories of education, general science content area knowledge, and the realities of working in the secondary school environment.
Offered: Fall Semester All Years

ED 535 SECONDARY METHODS: MATHEMATICS   3.0 Credit(s)
This course explores the methodology of teaching mathematics in secondary schools including the examination of the standards of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) and state curriculum standards for grades 7-12, as well as current trends in teaching methods and techniques. Participants will prepare unit and lesson plans with related assessment procedures on a variety of topics and acquire teaching experience by presenting lessons and working collaboratively to explore mathematics with peers. This course is intended to bridge the gap between theories of education, math content area knowledge, and the realities of working in the secondary school environment.
Offered: Fall Semester All Years

ED 536 SECONDARY METHODS: SOCIAL STUDIES   3.0 Credit(s)
This course explores the methodology of teaching social studies in secondary schools including the examination of the standards of the National Council of the Social Studies (NCSS) and state curriculum standards for grades 7-12, as well as current trends in teaching methods and techniques. Participants will prepare unit and lesson plans with related assessment procedures on a variety of topics and acquire teaching experience by presenting lessons and working collaboratively to explore social studies with peers. This course is intended to bridge the gap between theories of education, social studies content area knowledge, and the realities of working in the secondary school environment.
Offered: Fall Semester All Years

ED 537 SECONDARY METHODS: SPANISH   3.0 Credit(s)
This course explores the methodology of teaching Spanish in secondary schools including the examination of the standards of the American Council of Teachers of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) and state curriculum standards for grades 7-12, as well as current trends in teaching methods and techniques. Participants will prepare unit and lesson plans with related assessment procedures on a variety of topics and acquire teaching experience by presenting lessons and working collaboratively to explore Spanish with peers. This course is intended to bridge the gap between theories of education, Spanish content area knowledge, and the realities of working in the secondary school environment.
Offered: Fall Semester All Years

ED 540 MIDDLE SCHOOL METHODS   3.0 Credit(s)
This course explores the teaching pedagogies and standards targeted for the middle school learner. Candidates will prepare lesson plans with active learning techniques, appropriate assessment practices, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) strategies to ensure the success of all students. Relevant technological tools will be included for the middle school learner. Interdisciplinary connections will also be explored to support the "team" model popular in many middle schools.
Offered: Summer 2 Semester All Years

ED 541 IRISH EDUCATION COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE   3.0 Credit(s)
Based in the Gaeltacht region of West Kerry, the course compares the education system in Ireland with that of the United States. Topics addressed include curriculum and instruction, funding and governance, teacher preparation, multiculturalism, language policy, and contemporary school reform. Candidates are introduced to the students and teachers of Dingle, Ireland and experience the Irish educational system in an up-close and personal way. Candidates will observe classrooms in action, learn from Irish teachers and administrators, and meet teacher candidates and their professors. Open to all students in FCE teacher preparation programs.
Offered: Winter Semester All Years

ED 546 EDUCATOR WELL-BEING AND RESILIENCE   3.0 Credit(s)
This course will introduce students to research-based strategies for developing individual and collective professional resilience to build agency to withstand challenges within the education profession. Students will learn educator-specific tools for resilience to support increased well-being, sense of belonging, passion, and engagement in educators' work. They develop a comprehensive toolkit and well-being plan including strategies for self-care, relational resilience, teacher identity, emotional regulation, self-compassion, self-regulation, and an empowering educator mindset.
Offered: Spring Semester All Years

ED 548 SPANISH FOR EDUCATORS   3.0 Credit(s)
This is an introductory course to the Spanish language and culture, tailored especially for educators.  Key phrases, basic vocabulary, and other communication skills learned in this course will assist in interacting and engaging with Spanish-speaking students and their parents.  The course will also provide insight into the rich cultures of the Spanish-speaking world and reflect on creating culturally responsive classrooms for all students.
Offered: Spring Semester All Years

ED 552 EDUCATION IN THE U.S.   3.0 Credit(s)
This course discusses current issues in education, explores their historical and philosophical roots, and critically examines possibilities for the future of education. This course is offered as a hybrid course with a combination of face-to-face and online classes. Includes a three-hour service-learning experience in a PK-12 educational setting.
Offered: Fall, Spring & Summer 1 Sems All Years

ED 553 EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY   3.0 Credit(s)
This course considers the application of psychological principles to educational theory and practice. Candidates explore the many ways of thinking about knowledge, teaching, and learning. Major theories of learning and development are introduced, and consistent themes and concepts are identified.
Offered: Fall, Spring & Summer 1 Sems All Years