Curriculum & Instruction, MA Ed (Montessori - Elementary I)
Master of Arts in Education Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a Concentration in Montessori - Elementary Education
University of Nebraska at Kearney
Overview
Learning Online
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Why Pursue This Program
The online Curriculum and Instruction, Master of Arts in Education (MA Ed) with an emphasis in Montessori Elementary I program is designed for those with a passion for teaching via the Montessori Method to school-aged children. Through coursework, students gain:
- Foundational knowledge of a concept coined by Dr. Maria Montessori, which incorporates learning methods structured around a child's mind, body and soul.
- Greater expertise in the Montessori Method and how it nurtures student development.
- Credentials for career advancement. This program offers the following tracks:
This program offers the following tracks:
- Montessori Early Childhood (age 3-6, pre-K)
- Montessori Elementary I (age 6-9, grades K-3) Coursework information: Courses for the program are available online, with a required 3-week on-site training at an approved Montessori facility. Students must have access to a Montessori School for some courses for hands-on activities.
A practicum is required and must be completed at a Montessori-approved school or through a self-directed practicum experience at a school approved by the program administrators. To determine if a school in your area is an approved location for the practicum course, please contact the program coordinator.
Note: This program does not lead to the initial teacher certification needed to begin teaching in a public school in the state of Nebraska. Students pursuing certification in other states should check with their state Department of Education for certification requirements.
The University of Nebraska at Kearney is currently pursuing accreditation as an Applicant in Good Standing with the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE).
More about the Curriculum and Instruction, MA Ed Program: The Curriculum and Instruction program is designed to provide educators with the opportunity to gain knowledge and skill in the design, development and evaluation of school curriculum. The program requires four core courses covering areas of research, democracy, diversity and technology in accordance with the College of Education at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
The Curriculum and Instruction, MA Ed program offers the following specializations:
- Early Childhood Education
- Elementary Education
- English as a Second Language
- Instructional Effectiveness
- Montessori Early Childhood
- Montessori - Elementary I
- Reading/Special Education
- School Librarian
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
- Secondary Education
- Transitional Certification
Career Outlook:
Curriculum specialists support teachers by providing foundation materials for courses and giving constructive feedback on how teachers are implementing those materials. Sometimes they are called instructional coordinators.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of instructional coordinators is projected to grow 11% between 2016 and 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. As states and school districts put greater emphasis on student achievement data, schools may increasingly turn to instructional coordinators to develop better curriculums and improve teachers' effectiveness.
What's it like to take a program online?
Quality learning experience
The University of Nebraska has offered distance education courses for more than 100 years so you can expect a quality, rigorous experience. Online courses are often highly interactive with faculty and students communicating through e-mail, discussion forums and chat groups. You’ll have direct access to world-class faculty – researchers who are experts in their fields or practitioners with real-world experience. Also, you’ll be part of a community of learners and can benefit from the perspectives of students from across the globe.
Flexibility
Online learning gives you the flexibility and freedom to attend your classes wherever is convenient to you. You can save time and money by being able to continue to work and by avoiding relocation or travel costs. You will be required to complete assignments in a certain timeframe, but in most instances, you can log in and complete coursework during the time of day that works best for you. You aren’t tied to a specific class time.
Service you expect from a leading University
Online learners at the University of Nebraska have access to the same student services available to on-campus students. An academic adviser will guide you along your journey, library services are available to help you excel in your program and career services are available when you are ready to take your next step. These are just a few of the services in place to help you succeed.
About Faculty
University of Nebraska online courses are taught by expert faculty who embody the qualities resulting from research experience and professional/field experience. Students learn from faculty with a variety of backgrounds, many of whom are published researchers in their fields. NU faculty who teach online do so in a way that optimizes learning within the online modality and because technology enables students to access education they may otherwise may not be able to pursue.