Graduate programs in education

 

The Graduate Programs in Education is organized around the conceptual framework, Educators Nurturing Communities of Learning and Respect.  All courses and experiences are structured with this framework in mind and all candidates are expected to demonstrate the following performance outcomes:

Communities of Learning

  • demonstrate strong content knowledge
  • understand how students learn and develop
  • employ effective teaching strategies that lead to high levels of student learning
  • employ effective teaching strategies that encourage critical thinking and problem solving
  • implement on-going assessment through a variety of formal and informal strategies
  • have knowledge and skills and use technology to enhance learning

Communities of Respect

  • nurture respectful classrooms
  • develop inclusive classrooms that value each student
  • use non-violent conflict resolution strategies to demonstrate respect
  • celebrate diversity
  • provide instruction to accommodate diversity      

Educators as Professionals

  • develop and maintain collaborative relationships with parents, colleagues and the    community
  • act upon the understanding that they have been called to a vocation
  • communicate effectively using verbal and nonverbal techniques
  • reflect on teaching and student learning
  • value and participate in on-going professional development
Mindy Bassitt MAEd '02 Mindy Bassitt MAEd '02 I chose Bluffton's program because of its convenience. I attended classes only one night a week so I was able to fulfill my obligations not only as a student, but as a mom and teacher. I also found the small classes and professors very helpful. Dan Ruhe MAEd '06 Dan Ruhe MAEd '06 I appreciate Bluffton's focus on respect and character-based education. My professors provided me with tools and practical solutions for cultivating a positive learning environment that I could apply the next day in my classroom.