School of Education Announces New Master of Arts in Education Principles and Practices
06/08/2020
Saint Louis University’s School of Education is excited to announce the creation of a new degree option—the Master of Arts in Education Principles and Practices.
This new program is relevant to current trends in the field of education; its courses
focus on the goals and interests of the individual student, while addressing context-specific
challenges in classrooms and schools more broadly. The program is designed to provide
individuals with the tools necessary to improve in their everyday work with youth,
communicate research-based best practices to diverse audiences, and collaborate with
local stakeholders to work for change.
The degree requires 32 hours of coursework, including 15 hours of foundational core
coursework, a two-credit capstone project, and an additional 15 hours in a chosen
area of specialization. There are three areas of specialization: advanced literacy
methods, inclusive practice, and educational equity. The same areas of specialization
that can be pursued as part of the master’s degree are also offered as stand-alone
certificates.
“We are especially excited about offering certificates as part of the new master’s degree,” said Jennifer Buehler, Ph.D., director of the new program.
Each certificate was designed in consultation with local school leaders to address current challenges in local schools. We love the idea that teachers who already hold master’s degrees can sign up for additional focused professional learning opportunities here at SLU.
Jennifer Buehler, Ph.D.
The advanced literacy methods certificate is designed for individuals who want to deepen their understanding of teaching and
learning in literacy. Individuals in this concentration will study literacy methods,
the role of literacy in content area learning, and the role of talk and literature
in the literacy learning process. Students will gain tools and knowledge that they
can use to design generative literacy learning experiences and communicate with stakeholders
about best practices in culturally relevant literacy instruction.
The certificate in inclusive practice aims to provide classroom teachers and educational advocates with tools to support
the social-emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs of all students, and particularly
students with both suspected and diagnosed disabilities. Individuals pursuing this
specialty will take courses covering behavior management, differentiated instruction,
mental health literacy, and systems-level supports for learners with special needs.
In addition, this certificate involves a year-long, site-based practicum that allows
teachers and local stakeholders to experience hands-on support for the daily work
of teaching.
The educational equity certificate option helps individuals learn to identify, challenge, and disrupt inequitable patterns
in school and communities. The coursework in this concentration provides individuals
with the tools necessary to talk about race and racism, respond to student disengagement
in school, construct culturally responsive curriculum, and build authentic relationships
with youth from diverse racial groups, class backgrounds, language communities, and
sexual orientations. The certificate connects like-minded individuals to current equity
initiatives underway in local school districts and facilitates collective strategizing
and sharing of knowledge in those settings.
Completion of the master’s program will prepare individuals for a variety of future
careers such as curriculum coordinator, teacher educator, professional development
provider, educational outreach coordinator, nonprofit specialist, special educator,
adult educator, or educational advocate. Evening courses are available to accommodate
a teaching schedule, and entry into the program is open in fall, spring, or summer.
The M.A. in Education Principles and Practices is affordable — $585 per credit hour
— and will allow individuals to earn this high-quality degree for under ten thousand
dollars per year.
Buehler stated that overall, the new master’s degree, “creates a space for students to think deeply about current issues and challenges in education. We want to serve people who work in area schools as well as individuals who work with youth in out-of-school contexts. Our courses are designed to equip teachers and educational advocates with knowledge and skill to improve in their everyday practice and work collaboratively for educational and social change.”