In-Person Courses

An introduction to drawing materials and techniques; the basics of two-dimensional design, including a brief introduction to color theory. The semester will culminate in the execution of a three-dimensional work of art. No previous experience will be assumed; a hands-on, lab-style course.

In-depth examination of fundamental science concepts and subject-specific pedagogy, focusing on Earth, life, and physical sciences, the nature of science and scientific inquiry, the social and cultural significance of science, the relationship of science to technology, and the historical development of scientific concepts and scientific reasoning. Course content emphasizes and integrates state and national standards, problem-solving approaches, curriculum integration strategies, content area literacy, and current research.

In-depth examination of fundamental social studies concepts and subject-specific pedagogy, focusing on history, geography, economics, and civics. Course content emphasizes instructional design and integrates state and national standards, project-based learning approaches, curriculum integration strategies, content area literacy, and current research.

In-depth examination of fundamental mathematical concepts and subject-specific pedagogy, focusing on rational numbers, algebraic thinking, geometry, probability, and statistics. Content emphasizes meeting the needs of struggling students and integrates state and national standards, problem-solving approaches, use of manipulatives and technology, current research, and learning theory. A supervised practical experience using a Response to Intervention (RTI) approach will be incorporated into the course. Emphasis will be placed on using data to make decisions based upon students' needs, monitor progress, and develop individualized mathematical interventions.

EDUC 310U

In-depth examination of reading comprehension, vocabulary development, critical thinking, word study, and writing instruction within elementary classrooms. Exploration across the components of reading of the methods, materials, and assessment tools associated with elementary literacy instruction. Examines assessment tools and learn techniques for meeting the needs of struggling readers. A supervised practical experience will be incorporated into the course. Emphasis is placed on making decisions based upon students' individual needs and critical reflection to improve instructional effectiveness. Analysis of assessment data and use of this information to inform instructional practices including developing reading and writing interventions. Studies effective literacy techniques designed to support diverse learners.

EDUC 324U

Effective classroom and behavior management skills to build individual responsibility and self-discipline, promote self-regulation, and maintain a positive learning environment. Research-based classroom and behavior management techniques, classroom community building, positive behavior supports, and individual interventions.

Direct contact with students in a classroom on a full-time basis for 15 weeks under the direction of a cooperating teacher and a University supervisor. Student assumes full teacher responsibility for all instructional periods and school activities. Graded pass/fail; however a comprehensive evaluation is completed for each student teacher.

Completion of all core courses.

This weekly seminar for student teachers provides a forum for discussion and examination of critical issues related to students' teaching responsibilities and competence. Also provides guidance in the preparation of the Teacher Work Sample.

EDUC 475U is co-requisite.

In-depth examination of fundamental science concepts and subject-specific pedagogy, focusing on Earth, life, and physical sciences, the nature of science and scientific inquiry, the social and cultural significance of science, the relationship of science to technology, and the historical development of scientific concepts and scientific reasoning. Course content emphasizes and integrates state and national standards, problem-solving approaches, curriculum integration strategies, content area literacy, and current research.

In-depth examination of fundamental social studies concepts and subject-specific pedagogy, focusing on history, geography, economics, and civics. Course content emphasizes instructional design and integrates state and national standards, project-based learning approaches, curriculum integration strategies, content area literacy, and current research.

EDUC 507U

In-depth examination of fundamental mathematical concepts and subject-specific pedagogy, focusing on rational numbers, algebraic thinking, geometry, probability, and statistics. Content emphasizes meeting the needs of struggling students and integrates state and national standards, problem-solving approaches, use of manipulatives and technology, current research, and learning theory. A supervised practical experience using a Response to Intervention (RTI) approach will be incorporated into the course. Emphasis will be placed on using data to make decisions based upon students' needs, monitor progress, and develop individualized mathematical interventions. Note: Field experience required.

EDUC 510U

In-depth examination of reading comprehension, vocabulary development, critical thinking, word study, and writing instruction within elementary classrooms. Exploration across the components of reading of the methods, materials, and assessment tools associated with elementary literacy instruction. Examines assessment tools and learn techniques for meeting the needs of struggling readers. A supervised practical experience will be incorporated into the course. Emphasis is placed on making decisions based upon students' individual needs and critical reflection to improve instructional effectiveness. Analysis of assessment data and use of this information to inform instructional practices including developing reading and writing interventions. Studies effective literacy techniques designed to support diverse learners. Note: Field experience required.

EDUC 524U

Comprehensive introduction to pedagogy to include principles of learning; application of skills in discipline and grade-specific methodology; selection and use of materials; state and national curriculum standards; and evaluation of student performance.

In-depth exploration of content-specific teaching techniques for planning, teaching and assessing in the middle and secondary classroom. This course combines lecture-based course instruction with in-field experience with content-based teachers in middle and secondary classroom settings. Note: Field experience required.

Effective classroom and behavior management skills to build individual responsibility and self-discipline, promote self-regulation, and maintain a positive learning environment. Research-based classroom and behavior management techniques, classroom community building, positive behavior supports, and individual interventions. Note: Field experience required.

EDUC 507U or EDUC 542U

Investigates reading comprehension, vocabulary development, critical thinking, word study, and writing instruction within the classroom. Study of the methods, materials, and assessment tools associated with elementary and secondary literacy instruction will be explored across the components of reading. Participants will examine assessment tools and learn techniques for meeting the needs of struggling readers. A supervised practical experience will be incorporated into the course. Note: Field experience required.

EDUC 550U

Direct contact with students in a classroom on a full-time basis for 15 weeks under the direction of a cooperating teacher and a University supervisor. Student assumes full teacher responsibility for all instructional periods and school activities.

Completion of all professional studies coursework.

Culminating clinical experience of teacher preparation for those who participate in the STEP Residency program. Residents spend a full academic year as the teacher-of-record in a partnering school division Title 1 classroom. A specially trained resident coach provides support throughout the school day to two residents placed at the same school site. Students must take two semesters of the Teaching Residency in order to complete the residency program.

This weekly seminar for student teachers provides a forum for discussion and examination of critical issues related to students' teaching responsibilities and competence. Also provides guidance in the preparation of the Teacher Work Sample.

Completion of all professional studies coursework.

A survey of the fundamental leadership theories and models as they apply to educational leadership. Includes historical and contemporary conceptions, collaborative case study work on current educational leadership approaches, personal reflection and leadership development, and bridging theory and practice in twenty-first century schools.

This course will examine the legal and moral aspects of educational leadership. Includes evolution of school law, major ethical spheres of thought, current trends and school law, and critical thinking and problem-solving strategies. Course will utilize case studies and consider Virginia School Code.

The second of two required seminars to complete the practicum. Students will continue the reflective process by studying leadership first-hand in a school. Students will spend a minimum of 170 hours in a designated school and regularly report on a series of online reflection prompts addressing various issues affecting educational leadership.

Study of testing, measurement, and evaluation related to instruction, the construction and use of teacher-made tests, a survey of standardized tests, test interpretation, and basic statistical procedures are included in this course. An improvement process will be applied to bridge the understanding of assessment theory, alterable variables, and data-based decision-making for student growth. Students will gain an understanding of how the classroom learning environment, as well as instruction, impact ESSA indicators and the school improvement process.

This course in human resources uses an HR development point of view in which employees are considered assets to be developed rather than costs to be minimized. Topics include recruiting, hiring, training, retaining, rewarding, and promoting employees; employment planning, performance management systems, and succession planning; and managing outsourced relationships. Special attention is given to quality of working life issues; the balance between work and non-work; traditional and nontraditional incentives; and generational, cultural, and ethnic differences in employees' needs and values.

Every manager and HR professional will face numerous legal challenges to managing people in a workplace. In fact, employment-related litigation is one of the greatest financial risks facing any organization. This class will explore in a practical way the federal and state laws associated with hiring, firing and discipline, medical leave (including FMLA, ADA and worker's compensation), discrimination, harassment, immigration, labor law, unemployment compensation, religion in the workplace and state law torts including defamation and privacy. The course will also explore workplace investigations, workplace violence and employment-related legal processes, including EEOC Charges and lawsuits.

Exploration of the management of risk across the organization with a special emphasis on the risks associated with human capital management. The course focuses on the human resource manager's role in enterprise risk management and managing human capital risk.

Hurricane Ian had its own theme music although it differed from one news network to another. You may not have noticed it because music is ubiquitous. We hear so much music that we even block some of it from our cognizance. It can manipulate us and direct our behavior without our knowing it. This course explores the music of four institutions in current American life. How does it influence how these institutions function? Is music the driver of fundamental purposes of each institution? How much power does music have?

Focuses on the origins, size, scope and composition of the nonprofit sector; operational issues encountered in the management of nonprofits; and the development of strategic solutions to manage and move the sector forward. Topics include theory, public policy, advocacy, management, collaboration, culture, strategy and innovation.

Focuses on assessing financial performance, establishing policies for fiscal accountability, financial management, including budgeting, resource development, outcomes measurement, assessment, technology, and capital project analysis.