In-Person Courses

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 mathematical concepts and subject-specific pedagogy, focusing on rational numbers, algebraic thinking, and geometry. 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 tutoring experience that requires using data to make decisions, monitoring student progress, and developing individualized math interventions is incorporated into the course.

EDUC 510U

Introduction to the American educational system. Explores the philosophical, sociological, historical, and political roots of schools today. Attention also given to the legal status of teachers and students, including federal and state laws and regulations, school as an organization/culture, and contemporary issues in education. Explores professionalism, ethics, performance standards, and integrity for teachers.

In-depth examination of the teaching methods, literacy concepts and development, and materials which are utilized to support and scaffold children's literacy acquisition from birth to the primary grades. Addresses a foundational understanding of the components of reading including phonemic awareness, concepts of print, phonics, fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, and writing. Examines early literacy assessment tools and how to implement interventions for diverse learners. Investigates language development, children's literature, and classroom strategies for early literacy instruction. Note: Field experience required.

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.

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 tools and techniques used in conducting and utilizing assessment data. Includes current research approaches, project design, and data collection. Also included are methods for using data to identify school needs, evaluate personnel, track student performance, and develop strategies for increasing performance as necessary.

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.

Students will apply their coursework to modern education settings and reflect on where and how the lessons and theory from those courses are relevant to working and leading in today's schools. This includes assessing how and where strategies and ideas explored in previous coursework can be infused into school leadership.

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.

Effective leadership demands continuous improvement and effective communication. These two endeavors share an irrefutable connection.This course examines school improvement through the dynamic relationship among the community, the school, and all stakeholders with emphasis on the critical role of effective communication. We will study planning, managing, and then building communication around significant issues in schools. Students will become competent and confident consumers of research to be utilized in school improvement, goal setting, and decision making. We will examine the impact of purposeful, meaningful, well-crafted communication in building trusting relationships with all stakeholders. We will explore the degree to which such strong communication is instrumental to school leaders in finding success throughout the crucial school improvement process.

Rapid climate change is causing an increase in the temperature of the atmosphere and oceans. This is a truly global problem that requires international research and collaboration to resolve. The USA is a major producer of the atmospheric "greenhouse" gases that make a significant contribution to this global "anthropogenic" warming. Students investigate the global environmental impact of anthropogenic climate change, explore the science that explains our observations, and are challenged to find solutions that offset the impact of climate change on poor, marginalized and at-risk communities around the world.

Rapid climate change is causing an increase in the temperature of the atmosphere and oceans. This is a truly global problem that requires international research and collaboration to resolve. The USA is a major producer of the atmospheric "greenhouse" gases that make a significant contribution to this global "anthropogenic" warming. The aim of this course is to introduce students to the global environmental impact of anthropogenic climate change, and to challenge students to think about the possible impact of the way we live in the USA on poor, marginalized and at risk communities around the world.