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School of Education
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Elementary Teaching
Curriculum

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Curriculum

Students explore the meaning and structure of teaching and learning and, through field experiences, collaborate with skilled mentors
Students' experiences in the MSEd program grow out of their needs and interests.
Students explore the meaning and structure of teaching and learning and, through field experiences, collaborate with skilled mentors. Students consider various pedagogical methods and the design of authentic learning environments that value diversity and engage student interest.

They investigate the theoretical underpinnings of education, examine their own philosophies and beliefs and — through reflection and active inquiry — connect these to practice. They examine the roles of public and private schools in the larger social and cultural context. Most students will participate in field experiences in both urban and suburban settings.

Successful completion of the Elementary Teaching program entitles students to be recommended for a State of Illinois Standard Teaching Certificate (Type 03) for grades K-9, which is required for teaching in Illinois public schools.


Note: course syllabi listed on this web site are intended for informational purposes only and do not necessarily reflect current readings and assignments. Current students should always refer to syllabi distributed by their professors in class.

Fall
MS_ED 426 Mathematics in the Elementary School from an Advanced View
MS_ED 406 Research and Analysis in Teaching and Learning I: Discussion and Question Development
MS_ED 453 Methods and Techniques of Elementary Teaching
MS_ED 423 Mathematics in the Elementary School from an Advanced View
MS_ED 477 Practicum Seminar (concurrent registration in MS_ED 453 Methods and Techniques of Elementary Teaching required)


Winter
MS_ED 487 Student Teaching


Spring
MS_ED 403 Childhood and Early Adolescent Development
MS_ED 407 Research and Analysis in Teaching and Learning II:Literature Review and Research Methodology
MS_ED 413 Problems in the Philosophy of Education
 
Elective in the learning sciences (1; may be taken in Winter or Spring Quarter; students pursuing a Middle School Science endorsement must take LRN_SCI 435 Science Education)


Summer
MS_ED 402 Social Contexts of Education
MS_ED 408 Research and Analysis in Teaching and Learning III: Analysis Interpretation
MS_ED 425 Foundations of Writing Processes
MS_ED 427 Educating Exceptional Children

Note: The MSEd program recommends that students in the Elementary Teaching concentration pursue the required courses in the sequence described above. Students who need to complete additional course work to fulfill requirements for state certification are encouraged to enroll and take those courses during the spring and/or summer quarters before the sequence described above. Students in the Elementary Teaching concentration must be enrolled on a full-time basis during fall and winter quarters when they pursue the teaching practicum and the MS_ED 487 Student Teaching.



Teacher preparation at Northwestern addresses the challenges that educators face in establishing and maintaining high-quality schools. Students in the Elementary Teaching concentration develop an understanding of the roles of public and private schools, the organization of schools and districts, the integrated functions and particular responsibilities of different school personnel, the social and cultural dimensions of education, issues related to professional growth, school-community relations, and the setting of deliberative goals and standards.

Through course work and field experience, students in Elementary Teaching learn to plan and present effective lessons and units in their particular subject areas, taking into account grade and ability levels; the interests, experiences, and cultural backgrounds of students; and the nature of the school community. In addition, emphasis is given to the characteristics of desired teaching-learning experiences, including classroom atmosphere, curriculum development and evaluation.

The goals of the Elementary Teaching concentration are to help students become skilled and committed educators and to improve conditions for teaching and learning in elementary schools. This concentration prepares students to earn a State of Illinois Type 03 teaching certificate for grades K-9, required for work in Illinois public schools. Students may also pursue a middle school endorsement (which covers grades 5-8) on the Illinois Type 03 certificate.

News and Events
Apply Yourself
Application to the MSEd program is done online through Apply Yourself.

Morning Drop-In
Every Thursday, 7:30–9 a.m.
MSEd Office, 618 Garrett Place, Evanston
Join us for conversation and discussion about the Master of Science in Education Program. This is an informal opportunity to ask questions, gather information, and meet members of the MSEd community. Light refreshments and coffee will be served. No RSVP or appointment is needed – just stop by our office!
For further information, please call 847/467-1458 or e-mail us.
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MSEd General Information Session
July 16, 2009
5:30–7 p.m., Annenberg Hall, Room 303
Informal gathering of faculty, staff and prospective MSEd students. Light refreshments served. To RSVP, please call 847/467-1458 or e-mail us.
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MSEd 25th Anniversary Celebration
July 23, 4:30 p.m., Norris Center
Join us for a gathering of alumni, current students and other members of the MSEd community in celebration of our 25th anniversary. Featured speakers include Carol Lee, president of the American Educational Research Association, and Wayne Watson, Chancellor of the City Colleges of Chicago. Dinner will be served. Please RSVP by e-mail and include the number of guests you will bring.




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Last Updated: 2006-08-31 11:22:01


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