Self-Designed

Effective teachers are leaders who make a positive difference in classrooms, schools, and society.  Education professionals explore what it means to be a teacher leader in today's diverse and changing educational landscape, while gaining expertise in current research-based educational advancements.  They examine their values, beliefs, vision, and mission, and they explore teacher effectiveness in relation to their role in the larger context of the teaching profession. They collaborate in professional learning communities and advocate for students and other educators in order to promote positive social change. They synthesize their learning throughout the course and use this knowledge to enhance professional growth and development.

Education professionals use action research in a variety of ways to positively impact P–12 student learning. They examine, design, and implement action research. They address relevant problems, become involved in collaborative inquiry, use data and research to inform their practice, improve P–12 student academic success, and contribute to positive social change in their classrooms and school environments. Education professionals collect and analyze student data, develop and implement data-informed decisions to guide instructional planning, and engage in reflective practices to ensure continuous improvement and enhance professional growth.

In this course, education professionals explore the value of linguistic and cultural diversity and the powerful learning opportunities it affords today's classrooms and schools. They examine their attitudes, beliefs, and biases regarding linguistically and culturally diverse students, families, and communities, and they learn approaches for working together to ensure high levels of learning for all students. Through real-world observations, they assess strategies for ensuring equitable access to high-quality learning experiences. Education professionals also explore effective practices, such as cultural responsiveness, anti-bias curriculum, differentiated instruction, and academic vocabulary development. (Prerequisite(s): Endorsement candidates must complete special education endorsement courses and receive a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher prior to moving into MS in Education courses.)

Education professionals examine the value of adapting the learning environment for multiple diverse populations within the classroom. They explore their attitudes, beliefs, and biases regarding diverse students, families, and communities, and they learn approaches for working together to ensure high levels of learning for all students. Through real-world application, they assess and implement high-quality learning experiences that provide equitable access to promote positive social change. Education professionals incorporate their students' background experiences and differentiate instruction using effective practices so all P–12 students have the opportunities and resources to learn.

Select an emphasis area from one of the following 8 content areas: Curriculum & Instruction K-12, Elementary Reading & Literacy PK-6, Integrating Technology in the Classroom K-12, Mathematics K-6, Mathematics 5-8, Science K-8, Special Education K-12 (non-licensure), Teacher Leadership K-12. View the catalog or contact your Enrollment Specialist for more information.

Select any four courses (traditional or self-directed) from the following list of MSEd course categories: Curriculum Instruction and Assessment Courses, Elementary Reading and Literacy Courses, Integrating Technology in the Classroom Courses, Mathematics Courses (Grades K-6), Mathematics Courses (Grades 5–8), Science Courses (Grades K-8), Special Education Courses, STEM Education Sources (Grades K–8), Teacher Leadership Courses. View the Walden University Catalog or contact your Enrollment Specialist for more information.