English Education: Preparation (7-12), MS

Contact:

Dr. Kelly Chandler-Olcott, 200 Huntington Hall, 315-443-4755, kpchandl@syr.edu

Description

The program graduates new professionals who are prepared to teach English language arts, composition and writing, digital literacies, and a wide range of literature to diverse students in grades 7-12. It aligns with the professional standards of the National Council for Teachers of English and the New York State Teaching and Learning Standards. From experiences in university classrooms, online, and in schools and communities, students learn to design inclusive, culturally relevant pedagogy for 21st century classrooms. Graduates understand the key role that English educators play in developing literacy across the curriculum and for life purposes that extend beyond school.

Historically, the Reading and Language Arts department has enjoyed cooperative relationships with area public schools, BOCES, and local companies that permit candidates to gain field experience and, where appropriate, conduct research in school and workplace settings. In addition, English Education maintains a close tie with the other programs in the Reading and Language Arts department.

This program is intended for those with an English major or major equivalent (see below) who are seeking teaching certification (preparation program). In combination with the English and liberal arts distribution credits described below, it meets the academic requirements for New York State initial teacher certification in English Language Arts for grades 7-12.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Acquire knowledge of each student, and demonstrate knowledge of student development and learning to promote achievement for all students

2. Know the content they are responsible for teaching, and plan instruction that ensures growth and achievement for all students

3. Implement instruction that engages and challenges all students to meet or exceed the learning standards

4. Work with all students to create a dynamic learning environment that supports achievement and growth

5. Use multiple measures to assess and document student growth, evaluate instructional effectiveness, and modify instruction

6. Demonstrate professional responsibility and engage relevant stakeholders to maximize student growth, development, and learning

7. Set informed goals and strive for continuous professional growth

Master’s Degree Course Requirements

The program requires 35 credits, and may be completed in 12 months, beginning in May. However, students who enter with education study equivalent to one of the courses below may have their syllabi reviewed for waiver of courses. In no case will fewer than 30 graduate credits be required.

(courses with * include field experience)

First Summer

EDU 606 - Understanding Learning and Teaching 4 credit(s)
ELL 645 - Issues in Educating English Language Learners 3 credit(s)
RED 625 - Literacy Across the Curriculum 3-4 credit(s) * (4 credits required)

Fall - Candidacy Semester

SED 613 - Methods and Curriculum in Teaching 3 credit(s)
SPE 612 - Adapting Instruction for Diverse Student Needs 3 credit(s)
EDU 508 - Student Teaching 2-15 credit(s) /Candidacy (3 credits) *
RED 614 - Teaching 21st Century Writers In and Out of School 3 credit(s)
Safe and Healthy Learning Environments (0 credit), which includes the following topics: Identifying/reporting child abuse, violence prevention, child abduction prevention, highway/general safety, alcohol/drug/tobacco prevention, fire and arson prevention, and training related to the Dignity for All Students (DASA) Act.

Spring - Standard Student Teaching Semester

EDU 508 - Student Teaching 2-15 credit(s) 6 credit(s) *
RED 512 - Children’s and Adolescent Literature 3 credit(s)
SED 616 - Assessment & Data-Driven Instruction 3 credit(s)

Intensive Examination

A master’s degree intensive examination is also required.

Liberal Arts Course requirements

The requirements of this program include several undergraduate science and distribution courses. It is not unusual that an applicant will have one or more of these courses left to take. These do not need to be completed before applying and may be taken at an institution other than Syracuse University. However, some of the courses need to be done before starting the graduate program, and all must be finished before a degree can be granted. We help prospective students identify appropriate courses.

Interested students should contact the English Education program coordinator as early as possible (including before applying) to have unofficial transcripts reviewed against the liberal arts requirements. This allows more time to enroll in needed courses.

English Content

This program requires a completed major in English; or a major in another area, with no fewer than 30 English credits before earning a master’s degree, with a significant number of those completed before entering the program. For those without a major in English, 18 of the 30 credits must be upper division or its equivalent. A strong complement of writing should be included, with at least 9 credits of writing instruction or writing intensive courses. A limited number of related courses (e.g., journalistic writing; drama history, etc.) from departments other than English will be considered on a course-by-course basis.

Additional Liberal Arts Distribution courses

(one from each, with no grade less than a C):

Mathematics
Natural Science
History
Social Science (other than history or psychology)
Artistic Expression (course or equivalent)
Language other than English, including American Sign Language (completion of high school Foreign Language Level 3 or higher may be substituted.)