Research and Professional Development

At the graduate level, we encourage all students to learn research methods to enable them to become reflective practitioners of their chosen profession. Professionals with strong research credentials know how to keep track of and study what they do in order to use the data they gather to inform and improve their practice. Students at the doctoral level conduct original research with a goal toward improving practice not just for themselves but for other educators.

In the education profession, as in so many others, learning does not stop once an educator has received certification and begun practice. As new knowledge is generated, and new methods tried, educators need access to best practices and to the latest research influencing professional practice in their fields. After working for a few years, teachers or other education professionals often decide they need additional, more specialized skills in areas such as literacy, special education, English language learning or leadership.

In addition to programs that prepare students for general classroom teaching, the College offers various specialized degrees and certification programs designed to prepare school counselors, school psychologists, reading/literacy specialists, teachers of English as a second language, special education teachers, curriculum supervisors and school and school district administrators. We offer programs for students seeking initial certification and professional development programs for working professionals seeking to add an advanced certification to their credentials or acquire a master´s or doctoral degree. These programs, often cohort-based, are offered at times and in formats designed to maximize learning and take best advantage of out-of-school time.

Hands-on, Interactive Learning Guided by Highly-Qualified Instructors

Courses in the College are small and interactive as our graduate courses are rarely larger than 25 students. Students are expected to take an active role in their learning, including interactive discussion boards, Web-based activities, supplemental readings and class discussion.

In addition, nearly every program features a clinical component, for which our students are placed in schools or other educational settings to learn from observation and experience. Professors, school-based supervisors and experienced clinical faculty supervise students in the field and help to make the connection between theory, classroom learning and practice.