Master of Arts in Secondary Education
The Graduate Secondary Teacher Education Program is dedicated to professional preparation for teaching, through its critical reflective teacher model. In order to enhance and enrich P-12 student learning, the program seeks to promote critical deliberation through coursework which
- advocates continual growth in knowledge and renewal of commitment to the well-being of others within the context of its Catholic, liberal arts tradition;
- gives emphasis to the significance of diversity in American society and in its key social institutions;
- underscores the political and moral nature of teaching in a pluralistic society;
- integrates the study of education with study in the liberal disciplines and with clinical experiences;
- engages candidates in critical inquiry into the social, political, philosophical/ideological, and economic context in which schools are embedded;
- emphasizes the interactive nature of theory and practice; and
- considers global perspectives.
A 30-credit hour Master of Arts degree in Secondary Education is offered to candidates who have an earned bachelor’s degree in another field and are interested in teaching at the secondary (6-12 level). The program invites professionals who have a passion for teaching secondary students and are interested in earning an advanced degree at an accelerated pace.
Successful completion of the Master of Arts in Secondary Education leads to initial Kansas Licensure and a degree in Secondary Education.
The Master of Arts in Secondary Education is developed on the graduate programs' conceptual framework that advocates educators as leaders in shaping change through research and reflective practice. While promoting a rigorous study of current educational research and critical analysis of practice through coursework and field experiences, the University of Saint Mary program also encourages the reflective examination of personal values. Such critical reflection involves contemporary issues and their relationship to instructional methodologies, leadership, program development, and performance assessment.
Teacher Education Graduate Program Outcomes
These program learning outcomes (PLOs) align with the Kansas Professional Teaching and Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC). Standards to emphasize the development of well-rounded, effective educators who can meet the needs of diverse students in today's classrooms. The University of Saint Mary candidates will:
- Create and maintain inclusive learning environments that respect and embrace the cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic diversity of their students, while fostering a sense of belonging and equity (CAEP 1.1, KSDE/InTASC 1).
- Be proficient differentiating instruction to meet the diverse needs of all students, using a wide range of teaching strategies to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills (CAEP 1.1, CAEP 1.2, KSDE/InTASC 2, 3).
- Demonstrate a deep and comprehensive understanding of their subject matter and the pedagogical knowledge required to teach and create learning experiences that make the content accessible and meaningful for students (CAEP 1.2, KSDE/InTASC 4, 5).
- Demonstrate their proficiency in employing various assessment methods to actively engage learners in their own learning progress, and continuously monitor learner advancement (CAEP 1.3, KSDE/InTASC 6).
- Be proficient in planning and implementing instruction that supports all students in meeting rigorous learning goals and will implement assessments, collect and analyze data and make informed instructional decisions to promote student growth and achievement (CAEP 1.3, KSDE/InTASC 7, 8).
- Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional growth and ethical practice, engage in self-reflection and collaboration to increase effectiveness as an educator and to contribute positively to their school communities (CAEP 1.4, KSDE/InTASC 9, 10).
- Engage in self-reflection and critical thinking, allowing them to continuously assess and improve their teaching methods to help P-12 students realize their unique gifts and talents (CAEP 1, KSDE/InTASC 9).
Each candidate demonstrates the fulfillment of the outcomes through coursework, research, and related field experiences.
Education Graduate Program Dispositions
University of Saint Mary candidates will demonstrate their commitment to teaching and learning through:
- Fostering the learning of all students,
- Dedicating themselves to life-long learning and professional learning,
- Providing leadership in shaping change within learning communities,
- Respecting and honoring diversity and global perspectives,
- Performing critical analysis and reflective practice,
- Fulfilling professional responsibilities with honesty and integrity,
- Encouraging and modeling self-assessment, and
- Promoting student learning utilizing assessments, technologies, and best instructional practices.
Candidates will demonstrate fulfillment of the dispositions through self-assessment surveys.
Admission Requirements
The following requirements must be met to be considered for full (regular) admission to the Master of Arts in Secondary Education program:
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
- An undergraduate GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.00 scale.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- An essay describing the candidate's philosophy of teaching and learning.
- An interview with the education director or division chair.
- Passing score on the Praxis II: Content Pass Score as determined by KSDE (check https://www.ets.org/praxis/ks/requirements).
Accredited by the Kansas State Board of Education (KSBoE) and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), the unit offers professional courses for elementary and secondary teachers. Through college governance structures, including the Teacher Education Committee, the department cooperates with all other departments in its interdisciplinary approach to the preparation of teachers.
Since teacher preparation program requirements may change to meet state and/or national standards, students should contact the division chair to obtain information concerning the current program. All students interested in teacher education should consult with the department regarding preferred sequence, selection of courses, and specific general education requirements.
Initial Teacher Licensure from the Kansas State Department of Education
Completion of this program leads to recommendation for licensure at the secondary level (grades 6-12). For specific information regarding other particular endorsements, consult the Graduate Education Program Director.
Admission for Student Teaching
Candidates formally apply for admission to student teaching on or before a date set by the Education department midway through the fall or spring semester prior to the anticipated student teaching semester. The Teacher Education Committee evaluates applications. The department informs students of the decision. Placement requests are accepted for up to three school and grade level choices. Placements are made by the Graduate Education Program Director. Further information concerning student teaching is found in the Education Department Policies and Procedures Manual.
Licensure Coursework
The Graduate Education Program Director will advise candidates on recommended sequence of coursework.
Degree Coursework
Professional Education: Foundations and Curriculum Core (14 crs):
| ED 720 | Curriculum Design and Assessment | 3 |
| ED 738 | Instructional Technology | 2 |
| ED 744 | Methods for Teaching Diverse Learners | 3 |
| ED 748 | Psychological Foundations of Education | 3 |
| ED 757 | Classroom Management and Positive Behavioral Supports | 3 |
Professional Education: Secondary Education and Field Experience Core (7 crs):
| ED 745 | Practicum I: Observation and Aiding | 1 |
| ED 776 | Reading Across the Content Areas | 3 |
| ED 789 | Secondary Methods with Practicum | 3 |
Student Teaching Semester (9 crs):
| ED 766 | Teacher as Professional Collaborator | 1 |
| ED 796 | Student Teaching: Secondary | 8 |