Education
John L. Watzke, Ph.D., dean
Julie Kalnin, Ph.D., division chair of graduate programs
Hillary Merk, Ph.D., division chair of teacher certification programs
Faculty: Anctil, Danielson, Hetherington, Hon, Kalnin, Ketelsen, Merk, Myers, Ralston, Smith, Watzke
The School of Education offers advanced professional preparation through the doctor of education (Ed.D.) degree program or the master of education (M.Ed.) degree program, as well as initial teacher preparation for graduate candidates through the master of arts in teaching (M.A.T.) degree program. Professional multidisciplinary studies preparation may be found in the master of arts (M.A.) degree program and preparation for a career in higher education may be found in the master of arts in higher education and student affairs (M.A. H.E.S.A.) degree program. Educators who are licensed to teach may obtain an endorsement or administrator license through the post baccalaureate or post master's certificate programs.
All graduate degree programs within the School of Education are designed to include a sequence of courses and field work that focus on student learning and development, pedagogical knowledge, an understanding of cultural and special needs diversity, the use of technological skills, an integration of foundational theory with practice, a strong emphasis on reflection and inquiry, a research component, and an inquiry project, capstone, or thesis.
The School of Education offers courses in professional development for which credit is given but which are not applicable to requirements for degree programs. Such courses are indicated as "continuing education" on individual transcripts.
Federal law requires that all schools of education report required teacher licensure exams and the percentage of graduates from our programs passing these exams. Testing requirements vary depending upon program. Please see the Graduate School Academic Regulations section of the Bulletin for specific details.
Any School of Education graduate program which includes field work in schools and/or with minors requires a fingerprint clearance.
Program Objectives
The objectives of all programs in the School of Education stem from the mission statement to create teachers and administrators who exhibit the characteristics mentioned in the following shared values and allow these values to guide their practice.
- Exceptional professional educators are lifelong learners.
- Exceptional professional educators are empathetic and respectful.
- Exceptional professional educators communicate and work effectively with others.
- Exceptional professional educators have a broad knowledge about the diversity of individuals and world around them.
- Exceptional professional educators have deep knowledge about content.
- Exceptional professional educators have deep knowledge about how people learn.
- Exceptional professional educators have deep knowledge and skills necessary to use instruction and the organization of classrooms, schools, and school systems to assist all learners to succeed.
- Exceptional professional educators fuse theory and practice.