University of Miami - SCHOOL OF EDUCATION - Education and Social Change (Teach for America Track)


	Education and Social Change (Teach for America Track) - M.S.Ed.

	As a track within the Advanced Professional Studies program, the University of Miami offers a 30-credit Master of Science degree in Education and Social Change that is specifically designed for Teach For America corps members and alumni. Classes are taken with fellow corps members who are completing, or have completed, the Teach For America two-year commitment, following a cohort model and specified course sequence. The track�s conceptual framework focuses on the world of education beyond classroom walls, the classroom context of teaching, and the students in classrooms, comprising a holistic, developmental approach across the three areas. Overall, the goals of the program track are to help corps members become better teachers, to prepare them for leadership roles within their schools, and to develop their capacity to lead future change efforts in support of public education. General Information The program track consists of 30 credits (10 graduate courses) designed to be completed in two years with two courses scheduled per semester and two summer courses (part time enrollment). Classes meet on the UM Coral Gables campus. During the fall and spring semesters, classes generally meet once/week, and during Summer terms twice per week. During Fall and Spring Terms classes are scheduled from 5:00 - 7:40 p.m. (one time each week per course) and Summer terms courses meet from 4:20� 8:40 p.m. (two times each week per course). Certification This program track does not lead to certification. Possible Financial Aid *Teach for America & AmeriCorps* Teach for America corps members and alumni earn an AmeriCorps award (currently $4,725/year) at the end of each service year. This AmeriCorps award may be used for past, current, or future tuition fees within seven years of receipt; however, if the award is not yet earned (i.e., you are currently completing your first year commitment), you will need to submit an application for a student loan in order to pay tuition as payments due at the beginning of each semester. For specific information about the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award, visit AmeriCorps or call 1-800-942-2677 between 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. EST Courses *Bolded font indicates separate courses required for elementary and secondary teachers.* TAL 580 Seminar in Teaching (Teach for America Summer Institute) (3 credits) Topical seminar to accompany associate teaching. TAL 674 Internship in Elementary School (Elementary only)(3 credits) A comprehensive program of supervised teaching in a K-6 classroom in the elementary school. The student spends a full semester employed as a full-time teacher while under the guidance of school and university personnel. TAL 675 Internship in Secondary School (Secondary only) (3 credits) A comprehensive program of supervised teaching in a 6-12 classroom in the elementary school. The student spends a full semester employed as a full-time teacher while under the guidance of school and university personnel. TAL 550 Language and Reading Instruction (3 credits) Factors related to emergent literacy with an emphasis on diverse aspects of language that influence literacy and learning; development of emergent literacy and word perception; examination of emergent literacy and word perception curriculum as well as appropriate assessment and instructional techniques. Emphasis on understanding of reading as a process of student engagement in fluent decoding of words and construction of meaning. TAL 518 Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment for Number, Operations, and Algebra (Elementary only)(3 credits) This course examines topics that address the mathematical ideas underlying number, operations and algebra. Related curriculum, instructional and assessment issues will be also discussed. TAL 540 Instruction in Secondary Schools (Secondary only)(3 credits) Research-based instructional processes in the secondary school. TAL 603 Teacher in American Society (3 credits) An historical, philosophical, and sociological analysis of the teaching profession in American society. The role and status of teachers in American culture will be discussed. Contemporary issues such as the union movement, status assignment, rewards and incentives, and the role of the teacher as an instrument in the definition of the culture will also be covered. TAL 590 Politics of Education (3 credits) Review of emerging policy, practice, empirical research and scholarly writing o n important educational issues for which formal course title and syllabus have not been developed and formalized in the UM Bulletin. Allows for experimental instructional formats. Course number indicates appropriate student audience. TAL/EPS Human Development (3 credits) Under Construction. TAL 647 Understanding Culture in the Classroom (3 credits) This course explores the conflicts and the strategies for resolution between the patterns of culture in the classroom and the patterns of culture that schoolchildren bring to the classroom --- patterns which are learned in their families and their communities. EPS 6XX Psychosocial Change and Well-Being in Education (one-week intensive course) (3 credits) Pending approval by EPS faculty and committees: The main thrust of the course will be to link theory and research on personal, organizational, and collective well-being with educational success and school reform. Well-being is a positive state of affairs, brought about by the simultaneous satisfaction of personal, relational, organizational, and community needs. In this course we will examine the signs, sources, and strategies of well-being in individuals, relationships, organizations and communities. The course will focus on applications of theory and research to the well-being of students, parents, teachers, and schools. We will explore the organizational well-being of schools and the policy changes needed to improve the linkages between community development and educational success of children living in poverty. TAL 609 Practicum in Education and Social Change (3 credits) Practicum in educational setting. For specific information about this Program Track, contact: Mary A. Avalos , Ph.D. Asst. Research Professor Department of Teaching and Learning Tel: 305-284-6467 Email: mavalos@miami.edu Maria D. Papazian, M. S. Ed. Program Coordinator � Education and Social Change Department of Teaching and Learning Tel: 305-284-2963 Fax: 305-284-4439 Room: 5202 University Drive, Merrick Building 601 Email: m.papazian@miami.edu Mailing Address to submit application materials or documents: University of Miami, Graduate School of Education Master�s in Education and Social Change Attn: Ms. Maria Papazian, Program Coordinator P.O. Box 248065-2040 Coral Gables, FL 33124 Master�s in Education and Social Change Application Process: Online application for admission A completed application must be submitted by Nov. 15 each year, including: Oline application for admission 3 letters of recommendation ( 2 must be from former professors or those familiar with academic performance and address your qualifications for graduate study) Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended (must be received sealed) (not necessary for UM transcripts) GRE quantitative and verbal scores (1,000 combined) GRE information Essay (copy/paste in online app. and send via email as Word document to program coordinator) *Essay Prompt* Multiple aspects of public education in the U.S. are currently under heated debate. Select one such issue, e.g., racial disparities in student achievement, standardized testing, science education, school violence, student drop-out, etc., and write an essay of no more than 1500 words describing (a) the importance of the issue, (b) how it affects and is viewed by teachers, students, school administrators, and the local community, and (c) what role you may play in resolving the issue as a teacher leader for change. Application Process Timeline Completed applications (all documents) due Nov. 15, 2009; Review of applications completed by Nov. 25; Admission decisions sent beginning of December via email (if email address on file is registered with UM for receipt of secure/encrypted messages) or U.S. Post.; Intent to Enroll must be declared by Dec. 15 (mail postcard in admission packet to Teaching and Learning); New Student Orientation and Registration in early January.

Note: Programs, program components, and courses subject to change.