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The Master of Science in Education - Concentration in Teaching Methodology Program is a 30-credit master’s degree encompassing 15 graduate credits that already are offered within the Teacher Certification Program (TCP) and an additional 15 credits that have been designated as core courses delivered on-line.  Please see admission requirements for the guidelines for admittance into the program. 

Program Goals

• Allow ɫ����Ƶ post-baccalaureate teacher certification students to build on their graduate –level teacher certification courses to complete a master’ degree
• Offer an innovative curriculum that presents the latest educational theories and the practical skills necessary to maximize performance and competency as professional educators.
• Enable teachers to complete academic work and degree studies in a time/place flexible manner utilizing primarily an online WebCT format.
• Establish a learning environment for teachers to become more reflective about their practice, and translate new insights into meaningful change.

After completion of ɫ����Ƶ’s Post Baccalaureate Teacher Certification program, a student is eligible to enroll in the Master of Science in Education degree program with a concentration in Teaching Methodology. The MSEd in Teaching Methodology is available only to ɫ����Ƶ graduate Teacher Certification Students. This program is a 30 credit master’s degree encompassing 15 graduate credits from the Teacher Certification Program (TCP) and an additional 15 credits that have been designated to satisfy Department and state requirements for certification in areas of elementary education (K-8), secondary education (7-12), or art education (K-12). The remaining 15 credits will be completed following initial certification and will provide in-depth study in the areas of differentiation, classroom management and research.

Requirements for Admission

• Student must have completed ɫ����Ƶ’s Teacher Certification program within one to five years of applying to the MSEd Teaching Methodology program
• Students must have completed a minimum of 15 graduate TCP credits to be considered for admissions

Procedures and Policies

• Applications for admissions are submitted electronically through specific MSEd in Teaching Methodology application form. 
• Applicants must submit the following to the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions, 716 Stevens Avenue, Portland, ME, 04103
  • Official transcripts for all colleges and universities attended since the receipt of Teacher Certification (if applicable)

The Admission Committee reserves the right to make changes or exceptions to the admission policies and procedures without notice when it deems such a decision is appropriate.

For additional information on the admissions process and requirements, please access the MSEd in Teaching Methodology website.

No transfer credit accepted.

Minimal Grade Standard and Academic Progress

Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B or better) with no less than a “C” in any course. Failure to maintain a GPA of 3.0 will result in academic probation and possible termination from the program. Students receiving a grade below a “C” in a course must repeat the course before continuing in the program.  If a student receives an “F” in any course he/she will be immediately placed on academic probation. This student must register and pass the failed course with grade of “C” or better before registering for any additional credits.  Unsuccessful completion (C- or below) of two courses will result in ineligibility to continue in the program.

If a student feels the grade is in error, the first step in the appeal process is to discuss the outcome with the course instructor.  If the issue is not resolved satisfactorily, the student should follow the grievance policy outlined in the program of study found on the website.

Courses 

This master's degree program is designed as a two-step program for candidates entering as non-certified teachers. 
 
First, the student will elect the elementary certification, the secondary certification program, or the art certification program and will complete the total credits that are needed to become licensed as a teacher (potentially 27 credits of coursework and 15 credits of internship for elementary certification students; 18 credits of coursework and 15 credits of internship for secondary certification and art education students). 
 
The concentration courses for the master's degree in teaching methodology will be comprised of 15 credits of these initial teacher certification courses within ɫ����Ƶ's Teacher Certification Program. 
 
The remaining 15 credits are designed to be taken generally after the student has attained a teaching position, and entails the student enrolling in three to six credits of coursework per semester (fall, spring, summer).

Elementary Education

Secondary Art Certification

Course Titles and Suggested Sequence—Elementary Education

The first two years will be dedicated to the student attaining his/her initial teaching license. Only 15 of these credits (internship credit can not be used) will apply toward the master degree.

Course Titles and Suggested Sequence—Secondary in English, History, Mathematics, Life Sciences or Physical Sciences (7-12) or Art Education (K-12)

The first two years will be dedicated to the student attaining his/her initial teaching license. Fifteen of these credits will apply toward the master degree.

Nature of Field Experience 

Within each course in the concentration, there is an expectation of a minimum of 10-12 hours of fieldwork per class to meet the State of Maine's requirement of "early and on-going" clinical experiences in public school classrooms. The core courses are based in the classroom of the certified teacher.  

After completing the MSE program, students should be able to: 

1. address the full range of student motivation and differentiation issues encountered in today's school systems
2. analyze and conduct research relevant to their teaching or administrative interests
3. document professional development in the program via an electronic portfolio of course work
4. demonstrate a high degree of specialized knowledge and skills about their chosen concentration area
5. exhibit leadership in their classroom and/or school system
6. develop online collaborative relationships with peers 

Course Withdrawal Policy

The last date to withdraw from a course with no record is the first day of the course.
Students who withdraw from a course must do so in writing (e-mail is acceptable) by the end of the fourth week of the course.  Students will receive a “W” on their transcripts indicating withdrawal.  Beyond the fourth week, at the faculty’s discretion, a “WP” or “WF” may be assigned if extenuating circumstances do not allow the student to complete his/her work. Be aware that no portion of the tuition will be refunded after the second week of the course.

Dismissal from the Program

Termination from the Program will occur when the Graduate Coordinator and Chair of the Education Department become aware of one of the following:

• Surrender of a teacher license in any jurisdiction for disciplinary reasons.
• Documented academic dishonesty (Note this also includes course on-line postings and email communications with faculty and staff).
• Behavior while participating in the Program should exemplify the ethical behavior of a professional educator with respect to all communications.
• Serious reservations identified on the Professional Performance Student Self-Assessment and Review instrument.
• Academic failure (see “Minimal Grade Standard and Academic Progress)”.

Timeline for Completion/Leave of Absence

Students may complete the program in two or three terms (i.e. one year beyond completion of the Teacher Certification Program (TCP) or less); students may “stop out” for one term if necessary, and take an additional term to complete the program. The required Request for Leave of Absence form must be filed with the MSEd office and the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences if this will be occurring.  Application for readmission is not necessary if the student returns as planned; however, the student who does not return at the specified time will be administratively withdrawn and will be subject to readmission procedures. Policy on leave of absence tuition credit is found in respective Financial Information sections of this catalog. Note: It is the responsibility of the student to contact the office of the appropriate academic dean and the Education Department to indicate change of plans.

However, if a student has not completed the MSEd Program, Teaching Methodology within two (2) years from the date of completing the TCP program, the student will be administratively withdrawn from the program and be required to apply for readmission. Students may also take a slightly reduced course load in any term if necessary. These arrangements are the responsibility of the student and must be communicated to in writing to the graduate program coordinator.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.