New Master's Program Equips Classroom Instructors, Corporate Trainers and HR Professionals

Published: April 13, 2021

At the start of her teaching career, Kathryn knew exactly where to go for clues to determine a student's progress: homework, classroom observations, conversations with the student, and conferences with parents. "It was much more anecdotal than today," says the special education instructor with more than twenty years of teaching experience. "Today everything is data driven. Now, my aides and I are documenting data constantly, just constantly."

With each passing year, more eyes scrutinize that data - school administrators, district and state governing bodies, funding agencies, and the press. Even non-educators like Oprah and Bill Gates spin the numbers to influence their audiences for better or worse. Back in the classroom, Kathryn plans lessons that align with state goals and documents for parents what their children did that day and why. Increased accountability is just one of the ever-changing realities that today's teachers face.

Beginning this fall, a new master's degree program at Greenville College will help instructors manage the onslaught of change that impacts their work. The Master of Arts in Education (M.A.E.)-Curriculum and Instruction program is designed to help them learn the latest research, theories and methods to effectively engage their audiences and improve their value as educators.

Participation in the program does not require a teaching certificate, however. Corporate trainers and human resource professionals who develop training modules for their businesses will also benefit from the courses that include learning assessments, literacy in today's society, and managing educational technologies. The program's all-online format consists of 10 eight-week courses taught by GC professors. Students can complete the program in as little as two years. Enrollment is currently underway for the fall semester.

"We have a great number of teacher education alumni that may need to retool, find out what's new, and learn new methods," says Vickie Cook, dean of the School of Education. "This program gives past graduates a vehicle to know what's going on today and how they can manage what's going on both in and outside of the classroom." The program builds on Greenville College's tradition of excellence in teacher education. Cook says the program will work best for teachers who have some classroom teaching experience, ideally at least two to three years.

For additional information about admission to Greenville College's M.A.E.-Curriculum and Instruction program, application procedures, and costs go to www.greenville.edu/admissions, email janice.chapman@greenville.edu, or call her at 618-664-6751.