Available Classes

Explores theory and pedagogy of integrating all art forms (visual, music, drama, dance, literary) across the curriculum and throughout the teaching and learning environment. Includes best practices, skill building, and exploration of resources to provide educators the tools and ability to effectively engage all students while promoting curiosity, mastery of content and collaborative problem-solving skills.

In-depth examination of fundamental mathematical concepts and subject-specific pedagogy, focusing on whole numbers and their operations, algebraic thinking in the early grades, and measurement. Content emphasizes and integrates state and national standards, problem-solving approaches, use of manipulatives and technology, current research and learning theory.

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.

Introduces students to the wide range of diversity that exists in schools today. Explores diverse learning styles and students' needs, and connections to cultures, communities, and family values as well as student support through trauma informed care. Provides theoretical underpinnings and contemporary perspective on critical issues, professional practices, and state and federal laws influencing the teaching of students with diverse learning needs, including specific learning disabilities (SLD) such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and auditory processing disorders. Note: Field experience required.

Students will learn the important principles and concepts related to Adult Learning Theory. Students will be given opportunities to apply these ideas in real-world settings in their own educational and professional practice by developing concrete projects. These projects will be designed and implemented during the semester. Students will be required to further reflect on the projects in terms of effectiveness and the personal and professional growth of the student and the colleagues involved in the projects.

Introduction to 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.

EDUC 542U

This introductory course addresses the effects of language acquisition theories and learner development on instructional planning and practice and builds upon the relationship of foreign language program models and language outcomes. Participants will become familiar with the state standards for foreign language learning and recognize the connection between the state and national standards.

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

This course examines the social, emotional, and psychological aspects of gifted children, adolescents, and adults. The course reviews current literature on affective growth and potential adjustment issues such as self-concept, self-acceptance and understanding, peer relations, and perfectionism. Family relations and potential sources of problems such as underachievement and career and college planning are also included. Classroom adjustments to facilitate development will also be reviewed.

This course provides information on the history of exceptional students in relation to education, current law, and accepted methods for referral, assessment, and identification. It covers major program models and methods of differentiating instruction to meet the rate and level of learning of those students identified. The course gives the learner an understanding of ways to meet the affective needs of the gifted and talented student in the regular classroom and lists resources for teachers and parents who would like more information about the talented and gifted.

This course provides students with critical information and hands-on practice regarding the developmentvand implementation of the Individual Education Program (IEP), the federally required document that describes all the components of special education services and safeguards for students with disabilities. Participants will learn regulatory background, essential components, procedural requirements, implementation practices, and monitoring strategies that support effective IEP implementation and lead to positive student outcomes. Participants will analyze and evaluate IEPs, gaining expertise in IEP development and implementation.

Exploration of the value and impact of building social, emotional, and behavioral skills to create a resilient classroom environment and enhance instructional effectiveness. Topics include an overview of resilience and social-emotional competence, best practices for skill instruction and acquisition, integrating social-emotional skills into instructional planning and delivery, promoting school-wide generalization of these skills, and applying them to support student agency, mental well-being, and college/career readiness. Content is grounded in research and incorporates practical strategies for implementation to support professional growth in all Virginia uniform performance standards for both in-service and newly licensed teachers. The course will use a variety of resources and instructional strategies to provide participants with real-life applications of their learning.

Introduction of the core concepts of self-care in order to provide a research-based, strengths-based approach to creating trauma-informed and resilience-fostering school environments. Students will gain an understanding and awareness of burnout, compassion fatigue, secondary traumatic stress and vicarious trauma for trauma-responsive helping professionals. Risk and protective factors as well as symptoms will be explored. The course is also designed to familiarize students with contemplative practices, their relevance for the field of wellness, and to give professionals methods for taking care of themselves and preventing burnout.

The course provides a survey of children's literature with emphasis on recent trends and evaluative criteria used in selecting books based on school and recreational needs and interests of young readers. Course participants will explore multiple genres, including historical fiction, realistic fiction, fantasy, traditional literature, nonfiction, and multicultural, and ways of integrating these books into curricula.

Introduction to differentiated instruction and examination of why it is appropriate for all learners, how to plan for it, and how to become comfortable enough with student differences to make school comfortable for every learner in the classroom.

This course emphasizes techniques of improving instruction through application of research on effective schools and models of instruction. Topics covered include foundations of leadership, leadership for curriculum instruction and assessment, leadership for supervision and professional development, leadership for communication and community partnerships, and leadership for organizational management.