TLES
The Practice of Teaching
The Master of Arts in the Practice of Teaching is a new graduate degree offered by the Department of Teaching, Learning and Educational Studies.
This 30-hour degree is structured in a manner that allows you to design your own program of study that matter to you, your school, your community.
After you are admitted to the program, you will work with your advisor to select classes in your chosen area of of study. Your program will be tailored to your interests.
If you are already working towards a degree in the master’s program in Early Childhood, Elementary Teaching or Middle School, you may stay with the old program or meet with your advisor to discuss a transition to the Practice of Teaching.
Teacher Institutes
The institutes support the educational needs of teachers and teacher leaders in our master’s and continuing teacher certification programs. Institutes are scheduled during the summer.
Coursework
Your program will be divided into three areas:
- 12-credits from the Foundations of Practice (core program)
- 12-credits from your personalized program (area of specialization)
- 6-credits of education electives
Below is an example program for the K-12 Curriculum and Instruction Emphasis:
Foundations of Practice (required core courses): 12 credits
ED 6010 Intro. to Ed. Research
ED 6330 Human Nature & Diversity
ED 6340 Culture and Politics of Ed. Institutions
ED 6790 Capstone Project or Thesis
Area of Specialization: 12 credits
ED 6000 Assessment & Evaluation of Learning
ED 6760 Teaching Thinking
ED 6020 School Curriculum
ED 6700 School Climate & Discipline
Educational Electives: 6 credits
LS 5160 Pro Symposium in Reading
Open Elective
Contact information to take courses at regional sites
Battle Creek - Bonnie Gorham: (269) 964-3573 or
Grand Rapids - Pam Emery: (616) 771-9470 or
Jean Hibbard: (616) 742-5027 or
Muskegon - Joanne Vandenberg: (231) 777-0500 or
Southwest (Benton Harbor) - Kay Miller: (269) 934-1500 or
Luann Harden: (269) 934-1500 or