Graduate Programs
The Department of Teacher Development provides a Master's degree program in Curriculum & Instruction. The program is a balance of theory and practice, incorporating the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards. The intent of the program is to provide teachers with professional development, as well as a basis for a doctoral program. The program has a focus on social justice and diversity. Key assessments in each of the core courses emphasize the demonstration of, an understanding of, and a commitment to social justice and diversity. The following professional dispositions are incorporated into the program: professional communication, engagement in the profession, consideration of multiple persepctives and willingness to challenge and analyze one's own perspectives given alternatives, critical self-reflection, and attention to preparation for and contributions to classes.
The Department also has a Teacher of Reading K-12 Graduate Certificate Program--a five course program for classroom teachers interested in becoming either specialized teachers of reading (K-12) in their school districts or in focusing on improving their own classroom instruction. Special emphasis is placed on effective instruction and assessment for K-12 students who are struggling with reading. The program incorporates the MN Board of Teaching Standards for licensure as a Teacher of Reading. The courses qualify teachers to apply for a Teacher of Reading K-12 license through the State of MN (a praxis test is required by MN for licensure). The courses may also be applied to the Master's in Curriculum & Instruction.
Fianlly, the Department also houses the Teacher Leader Graduate Certificate Program, which provides graduate level specialized study in the area of leadership. It is a multidisciplinary cohort program providing knowledge and skills that could be utilized in numerous educational settings and in a variety of roles. Course outcomes will be aligned to the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), and participants will develop portfolio components that may be used toward NBPTS certification. The Teacher Leader Graduate Certificate Program may be a stand-alone program or may be used toward a master’s degree program. The Teacher Leader Graduate Certificate could also complement other graduate majors in the College of Education. Individuals who have a master’s degree or who currently are enrolled in a master’s degree program have an option to supplement their graduate work with the Teacher Leader Graduate Certificate. Instructors for the six courses in the Teacher Leader Graduate Certificate Program will meet prior to the initiation of the program and collaborate on course content to insure that the designated performance areas, criteria and descriptors are met. The expertise and individual needs of cohort members will also be consider during their collaborative planning sessions.
The following information is provided by the St. Cloud State University Online Bulletin:
(This link will also provide information about completing the middle level endorsement at the graduate level for those who already have a Minnesota teaching license.)
Visit the Online Bulletin to view a list of graduate level classes for this department.
