Secondary School Teaching, M.Ed.

Master of Education in Secondary Teaching (with Initial Teacher Certification)

These programs are designed for college graduates who have earned a degree in an endorsable content area who are seeking teaching certification in Nebraska with a master’s degree. These programs are accredited/approved by state, regional, and national accrediting agencies, including the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation and the Nebraska Department of Education.

Many courses include field experience at an elementary or secondary school and the Creighton preservice teacher must arrange his or her own transportation. Prior to any education program coursework or field experience, the teacher education candidate must sign and have notarized two affidavits assuring that, a) he or she does not have a felony or misdemeanor conviction involving abuse, neglect, or sexual misconduct; and b) the teacher education candidate is in sound mental capacity. The candidate must maintain this status throughout the program. Also, prior to the first field experience, and again prior to student teaching, the preservice teacher must have a satisfactory background check through the Education Department.

Candidates will be provisionally licensed in Nebraska during their first summer in the program before they assume teaching responsibilities in the Magis placement in August of the first year. Certification for other states will vary.

Program Goals for M.Ed. Secondary School Teaching   

At graduation, Creighton teachers will:

  1. Use student personal data to adjust teaching and learning opportunities.

  2. Differentiate instruction so that all learners have the opportunity to succeed.

  3. Facilitate student responsibility for behavior and classroom environment.

  4. Have a passion to open up their subject area to student led inquiry.

  5. Engage all students in critical thinking and collaborative problem solving.

  6. Use student assessment data to redesign teaching and learning opportunities.

  7. Prepare lessons in which students have multiple opportunities to demonstrate understanding.

  8. Use research-based classroom strategies, including technological tools, to facilitate student engagement in learning.

  9. Be ethical practitioners who seek to continually grow through ongoing professional learning and personal goal setting.

  10. Communicate and collaborate with colleagues, families, and communities to enhance student learning opportunities.

  11. Be faith leaders in religious schools, especially Catholic schools.

  12. Understand their profession as a calling to serve (magis, Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm).

There are two ways that this Master's degree can be pursued:

Teacher Residency track

This 30 credit hour option is for students seeking to receive a standard master’s degree and teaching certificate. It involves a year-long residency in a middle school or a high school, and, other than a six week face-to-face summer experience on Creighton's campus, is entirely online. Student teaching experience is important in order to provide students ample opportunities to apply the knowledge and skills of teaching practice and to learn the professional ways of acting required of a school teacher.  Some courses may be online, and some courses may have online components.  Scholarships for 1/2 of tuition costs are available to qualified students. Courses required are:

Teacher Residency Track Requirements (30 Credits):

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
EDU 522 Foundations of Education Seminar I 1
EDU 575 Contemporary Teaching Methods in Your Content Area, Grades 7-12 3
EDU 591 Clinical Practice (Student Teaching) 3
EDU 601 Instructional Technology for the Classroom 3
 Term Credits10
Spring
EDU 510 Growth And Development 3
EDU 523 Foundations of Education Seminar II 1
EDU 548 Differentiating Instruction & Literacy Strategies in Grades 7-12 3
EDU 591 Clinical Practice (Student Teaching) 3
 Term Credits10
Summer
EDU 521 Teaching Residency Integrated Seminar 1
EDU 535 Human Relations And Cultural Diversity 3
EDU 551 Facilitating Student Learning 3
EDU 583 Facilitating Student Responsibility 3
 Term Credits10
 Total Credits30

Magis Catholic Teacher Corps track

This 34 hour option seeks to develop a core of highly motivated teachers to work in under-served Catholic Schools. Each year a new cohort is admitted into the program. Upon acceptance, Magis teachers will make a commitment for two years to live in community and pursue professional and spiritual development while serving as full-time teachers in selected Catholic schools. This program is offered at no tuition cost to the participants. Courses required are:

EDU 510Growth And Development3
EDU 522Foundations of Education Seminar I1
EDU 523Foundations of Education Seminar II1
EDU 535Human Relations And Cultural Diversity3
EDU 548Differentiating Instruction & Literacy Strategies in Grades 7-123
EDU 551Facilitating Student Learning3
EDU 572Action Research and Assessment for Teachers3
EDU 575Contemporary Teaching Methods in Your Content Area, Grades 7-123
EDU 583Facilitating Student Responsibility3
EDU 591Clinical Practice (Student Teaching)2
EDU 601Instructional Technology for the Classroom3
EDL 605Foundations of Catholic Education3
EDU 685Magis Capstone: Forming lgnatian Educators3
Total Credits34

Courses

EDU 500. Literacy Assessment & Intervention. 3 credits. FA, SP

Focus of the course is on meeting the variety of individual educational needs that confront a teacher of reading. Techniques, methods, materials, and organizational systems that can be used within the framework of daily instruction. Students participate in a practicum during class. P: EDU 566.

EDU 510. Growth And Development. 3 credits.

This course covers the theory and research literature of human development in every phase of life. Physical, cognitive, language, motor, personality, social, affective, moral, and spiritual development are considered as the course seeks to prepare students for roles in school, counseling, or therapeutic settings. P: EDU 170 or PSY 201.

EDU 521. Teaching Residency Integrated Seminar. 1 credit.

This one-credit course introduces the primary elements of the Accelerated Master's Degree Program including fundamentals of teacher professionalism, differentiation of instruction, and the residency model incorporated into the program. Teacher candidates will develop a framework for instructional practice to be implemented during the Residency and the Clinical Practice experiences. P: Admit to Teacher Residency MEd.

EDU 522. Foundations of Education Seminar I. 1 credit.

This one-credit online course introduces pivotal historical moments in US P-12 education as well as the philosophical underpinnings of educational movements throughout US history. Significant court cases and legislation related to education will be discussed. The philosophy of John Dewey, Catholic educational philosophy, Ignatian spirituality and the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm will be explored. Teacher ethics and legal responsibilities will be introduced. P: Admission into Education department; Graduate standing.

EDU 523. Foundations of Education Seminar II. 1 credit.

This one-credit course delves the importance of family and school community Catholic Social Teaching, the Jesuit focus on faith and justice, and contemporary pedagogy resisting oppression, including work by Paulo Freire. It reviews Jesuit spirituality from the second 1-credit seminar and introduces conversation about work-life balance. P: EDU 521, EDU 522; Admission into Education Department; Graduate standing.

EDU 525. Inclusion and Differentiation in the Elementary Classroom. 3 credits. FA, SP (Magis Designation: Ethics)

This course is designed to acquaint the regular elementary or secondary classroom teacher with inclusion and differentiation strategies. This includes the characteristics of students with mild/moderate disabilities. The course highlights discussions of diagnostic and remedial techniques for students with disabilities in the general classroom. Ethics in the school setting will also be explored. Students complete a 15-20 hour practicum under supervision of a special education teacher. P:Ethics, Education Department Consent.

EDU 535. Human Relations And Cultural Diversity. 3 credits. SU

Course designed to provide teacher educators with human relations skills and to foster insight into effective communication with diverse racial and/or cultural groups. This course meets the human relations requirement of the Nebraska Department of Education. P: Admission into Education Department.

EDU 541. Curriculum Design For English As A Second Language. 3 credits. OD

This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for understanding and designing curricular models for P-12 students who are acquiring English as their new language. Students will learn theories of second language acquisition, English as a Second Language (ESL) legislation and issues, models of curriculum design, and language assessment.

EDU 542. Methods In English Language Learning. 3 credits. OD

This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for using appropriate strategies and techniques with P-12 students who are acquiring English as their new language. Students will learn theories of second language acquisition, conduct language assessments, plan and implement lessons using bilingual/bicultural materials, and understand how to work with culturally/linguistically diverse families and interpreters.

EDU 543. Practicum In English Language Learning. 3 credits. OD

This course is the capstone for the teaching endorsement "English as a Second Language." Students will work in a P-12 school setting with students whose native language is not English. This course meets the certification requirements of the Nebraska Department of Education for a supplemental endorsement.

EDU 544. Framework of World Languages and Cultures. 3 credits. OD

Students will examine and compare cultural and language frameworks from world regions in order to understand the cultural and/or language dissonance experienced by limited or non-English speaking individuals in the United States.

EDU 547. Teaching Residency in Grades 7-12. 3 credits.

The course instructor will serve as an offsite supervisor for teacher residents while they complete a full-time residency in an accredited school. The instructor will work with the onsite mentor teachers to assist residents with putting into practice the specific skill set acquired in previous course work. P: EDU 521, 535, 551, 583, GRD 600.

EDU 548. Differentiating Instruction & Literacy Strategies in Grades 7-12. 1-3 credits. FA, SU

Teacher candidates and teachers will learn how to identify students with special learning needs. Teachers will also learn how to assist these students through differentiation of instruction. Application of skills will occur during a practicum in a school. This course meets the Nebraska Department of Education special education requirements. P: Graduate standing or Department consent.

EDU 551. Facilitating Student Learning. 3 credits.

Teacher candidates will be introduced to best practices for facilitating student learning. Planning for instruction and assessing student achievement will be key topics covered. The Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm will be reviewed and teacher candidates will learn how to use this paradigm to facilitate student learning, reflection, and action. P: Admission into Education Department; Graduate standing.

EDU 556. Foundations and Best Practices of Early Childhood Education. 3 credits.

An in-depth study of early childhood development theory (birth through age 8), principles and current research including both typical and atypical development and the implications this has for early childhood education. Study will extend to observational strategies and application of growth and development data in decision making for developmentally appropriate practice. A total of 15 clock hours of field experience will be required in conjunction with EDU 556.

EDU 557. Investigating Critical and Contemporary Trends and Issues in Early Childhood Education. 3 credits.

An in-depth study of critical trends and issues that have an impact on early childhood education today. These include but are not limited to family involvement, cultural diversity, differentiated instruction technology, and the benefits of nature and outdoor play.

EDU 558. Content and Methods Specific to Early Childhood Education. 3 credits.

This course is designed to prepare candidates to use their knowledge of academic disciplines to design, implement, and evaluate experiences that will promote positive development and learning in the content areas of math, science, social studies, health and religion for each and every young child. Focus will be placed on the use of inquiry tools, knowledge of content, and developmentally appropriate teaching strategies and methodologies to design, implement, and evaluate meaningful and challenging curriculum that promotes positive outcomes for all early learners. Emphasis will also be placed on the candidate’s use of knowledge acquisition and self-reflection to deepen and improve teaching practices. This course will include a 10 hour field experience, which will allow the students to put into practice the skills they have learned throughout this course.

EDU 559. Significant Concepts for Early Childhood Education. 3 credits.

This course explores the importance integrating literacy, play, the arts, and social/emotional teaching practices in programs for children birth to age 8. Emphasis is placed on understanding the principles and practices that support young children’s emerging literacy. It links the significance that oral language and early exploration has on later reading and writing skills. Focus will be placed on the role of play in influencing cognitive, social, emotional, physical, and language development. The course also identifies how the arts build interest, motivation, and learning in all curriculum areas. This course will include a 10-hour field experience, which will allow the students to put into practice the skills they have learned throughout this course.

EDU 560. Assessment, Observation, Screening and Evaluation in Early Childhood Education. 3 credits.

This course is designed to ensure candidates understand that child observation, documentation, and other forms of assessment are central to the practice of all early childhood professionals. In this course students will learn about the uses of assessment, systematic observations, screening, and other effective assessment strategies in responsible and ethical ways. As well, the students will learn how to use these assessment practices to positively influence the development of every child. To aid in the professional growth of the students this course will focus on fostering reflective practices, and special attention will be paid to the need for partnerships with parents and colleagues. Additionally, this course will allow candidates to become familiarized with some of the commonly used teacher assessment methods, in the hopes that they will be equipped to use these to improve their own teaching practices. This course will include 10 hours of field experience, which will allow students to observe and participate in various assessment practices.

EDU 561. Becoming an Early Childhood Teaching Professional. 3 credits.

This course is designed to prepare candidates to identify and conduct themselves as members of the early childhood profession. This course will place an emphasis on ethical guidelines and other professional standards related to the early childhood practice. It will encourage students to use reflection, collaboration and critical thinking skills as they pursue and attempt to assimilate new knowledge into their experiences with early childhood education. As the candidates gain an identity as an early childhood professional they will be encouraged to engage in advocacy for the young child. This course will include a 45-hour practicum, which will allow the student to put into practice all of the knowledge gained in previous ECE courses. P: EDU 556, EDU 557, EDU 558, and EDU 559. CO: EDU 560.

EDU 565. Methods Of Teaching Language Arts In Elementary School. 3 credits. FA

Emphasizes content and methods in teaching language arts in elementary and middle school. Students complete a minimum of 32 hours of practicum in a school classroom. P: DC. CO: EDU 566, EDU 567, EDU 583.

EDU 566. Methods of Teaching of Elementary Reading. 3 credits. FA

Designed to assist in understanding the process of developmental reading and to acquaint the student with the newest as well as the traditional tools for teaching reading. CO: EDU 565.

EDU 567. Methods of Teaching Social Studies in Elementary School. 3 credits. FA

Emphasizes content and methods in teaching social studies in elementary and middle school. CO: EDU 565.

EDU 568. Engaged in Math: Effective Methodologies for Pre-Service Elementary School Teachers. 3 credits. SP

Pre-service teacher candidates need to be prepared to be effective mathematics educators. This course seeks to prepare pre-service teachers for the ever-evolving mathematics instructional practices that will undoubtedly emerge in this era of high-stakes accountability. It will allow the students to take a dynamic classroom role as the orchestrators of authentic learning environments. This will be accomplished by fostering the teacher candidates' ability to use inquiry, technology, systematic assessment, prescription, implementation, and oral communication, all of which are associated with mathematics education for diverse classroom communities. Over 25 hours of field experience are required for this course, allowing the students to experience a variety of real world teaching situations. Satisfies Magis Designation: Oral Communications. P: Oral Communication course; Co: EDU 569.

EDU 569. Methods of Teaching Science in Elementary School. 3 credits. SP

Emphasizes content and methods in teaching science in elementary and middle school. P: Admission into Education Dept required. CO: EDU 568.

EDU 572. Action Research and Assessment for Teachers. 3 credits. FA

Course emphasizes the fundamentals of educational research and the development, implementation, and analysis of formative and summative assessments utilized within PK-12 schools. Students will design and conduct a small scale assessment/research project within a PK-12 classroom. P: Department Consent.

EDU 575. Contemporary Teaching Methods in Your Content Area, Grades 7-12. 3 credits. FA

The course instructor will serve as an instructional coach for candidates who are either completing a clinical practice experience or are teaching full-time in a Magis school. The instructor will assist candidates with completion of an assessment project and expansion of their instructional skills. Note--Candidates in the Teacher Residency MEd must satisfactorily complete EDU 547 with a grade of A or B prior to beginning this course and must take this course with EDU 591. P: EDU 548 or EDU 525; EDU 547.

EDU 583. Facilitating Student Responsibility. 3 credits. FA, SU

Teacher candidates will learn how to facilitate student learning through the use of behavioral expectations, reinforcement, procedures, and emphasizing student responsibility both for actions and for reconciliation. Specific components of the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm will be reinforced. CO: EDU 565.

EDU 584. Advanced Instructional Practices. 3 credits.

This seminar-style course is designed to develop teachers' skills in enhancing learning for all students by engaging them in activities that respond to their particular learning needs, strengths, and preferences. Instructional practices for differentiated instruction and culturally responsive pedagogies will be covered. Graduate students will learn about and engage in the processes of educational research. P. DC.

EDU 586. Special Topics in Education. 2-3 credits. OD

Course designed to deal with current theory, research and practices in a specific area, e.g., social studies education. Faculty will provide a subtitle and a brief description for inclusion in the "Schedule of Courses." P: DC.

EDU 587. Methods Of Teaching Religion In Elementary School. 3 credits. OD (Same as THL 587)

The course is designed to prepare students to effective religious educators in Catholic elementary schools. The course content will encompass the four dimensions of religious education: message, community, service and worship. Students will not only become acquainted with methods and materials for teaching religion, but they will also gain experience planning liturgical celebrations.

EDU 590. First Year Teacher Induction Workshop. 3 credits. OD

Designed to ease the isolation and provide continuity between the theory of pre-service preparation and the realities of teaching. Assistance provided in acquiring additional knowledge and instructional skills, combating the effects of isolation, and becoming integrated into a school community. P: DC.

EDU 591. Clinical Practice (Student Teaching). 1-14 credits. FA, SP

Practical experience in the observation and conduct of classroom teaching and related activities. This experience is obtained under the immediate supervision of a fully experienced cooperating teacher and a University Supervisor. Application to the Director of Field Experiences for all undergraduate student teaching must be made before February 1 for the Fall Semester and October 1 for the Spring Semester. Residency and Magis graduate student teaching applications are considered complete upon program entry. P: DC.

EDU 593. Clinical Practice (Student Teaching) Seminar. 1 credit. FA, SP

Practical experience in the observation and conduct of classroom teaching and related activities. This experience is obtained under the immediate supervision of a fully-experienced cooperating teacher and a University supervisor. Application to the Director of Field Experiences for all student teaching must be made before February 1 for the Fall Semester and October 1 for the Spring Semester. P: DC.

EDU 595. Restorative Justice in the Eyes of our Youth. 3 credits.

An introduction to the nature of restorative justice, community engagement, and developmental relationships, in a classroom setting, on a societal level, and in an interpersonal context. This course will survey the interplay between various systems that lead to injustice, specific behavior patterns, as well as analyze destructive and constructive human emotions, developmental relationships, and behavior. Students will be placed in metro area locations assisting youth. Students will use this practicum as an Academic Service Learning experience to help serve the community and put their Creighton and course learnings to practice. Prereq: Critical Issues in Human Inquiry course.

EDU 600. Principles Of Curriculum Construction For Elementary And Secondary Schools. 3 credits. FA

Course designed to prepare educators for instructional leadership in identifying curriculum determiners, planning procedures, and evaluation processes for both elementary and secondary schools. P: DC.

EDU 601. Instructional Technology for the Classroom. 3 credits. SU

This course will train teachers to develop a more robust, engaging, and student-centered curriculum through the use of educational technology. We will focus on practical uses of technology in the classroom through simulations and lesson development. Students will build a personal learning network (PLN) to facilitate professional collaboration beyond this class. P: Admission into Education Department; Graduate standing.

EDU 602. Faith Leadership in Catholic Schools. 3 credits. OD

This course provides an introduction to the teachings of the Catholic Church in these areas: creed, liturgy and Sacraments, Christian morality, Christian prayer and spirituality, Catholic social teaching, and Scripture. This course will help leaders apply Catholic Church teaching to contemporary Catholic school issues, build faith community, and foster faculty/staff formation for mission. P: DC.

EDU 603. Educational and Managerial Leadership in Catholic Schools. 3 credits. OD

This course is designed to investigate educational leadership using the Catholic mission of the school as a focus and integrating principle. Students will also explore pertinent managerial leadership topics such as site-based management, models of shared leadership, school finance and the stewardship of school resources, and legal issues as they apply to the Catholic school setting, including safety. P: DC.

EDU 606. Strategic and Political Leadership in Catholic Schools. 3 credits. OD

This course addresses the strategic and political dimensions of Catholic educational leadership. Topics include strategic planning, governance, networks and coalitions, political advocacy, funding, public relations, and marketing. The course stresses innovation, collaboration, and advocacy in positioning schools for the future. Course assignments emphasize practical application of theory and best practices. P: DC.

EDU 616. Consulting Techniques. 3 credits. OD

Course designed to acquaint students with models for providing consultation to schools, teachers, and students. Distinction between medical and consultation models is provided, and goals for consultant behaviors and the culture of the school are discussed. Emphasis on problem-solving, collaborative consultation, curriculum-based measurement, and precision teaching.

EDU 617. Leadership in the Administration of Educational Technology. 3 credits. SP

The course gives the school principal knowledge of technology ethics, laws, and standards; skills in evaluating hardware and software, as well as facility and security issues; perspectives on emerging trends in educational technology; and strategies in formulating an effective technology plan for a school to improve student learning and school management. P: DC.

EDU 620. Practical Aspects Of School Law For Teachers And Administrators. 3 credits. FA, SP

The course provides background in Constitutional and statute law affecting the rights and responsibilities of public and private school educators with respect to students, parents, school policies, and working conditions. Abundant opportunities for application of legal principles are staples of this course. P: DC.

EDU 623. Managing the School Climate. 3 credits. OD

Examination of the factors and strategies that create a school environment conducive to learning. Emphasis on the leadership role of the administrator in establishing a safe and productive learning climate. P: DC.

EDU 624. Supervision of Learning. 3 credits. FA

Reviewing and appraising the instructional process; organizing the supervision program with attention to the leadership role of the principal; developing in-service programs and promoting professional growth. P: DC.

EDU 625. Practical Knowledge Of School Finance For Teachers And Administrators. 3 credits. SP

The course examines the means through which public and private schools acquire, spend, and account for resources. Related legal and ethical considerations are also applied in course projects and exams. P: DC.

EDU 631. Leadership in the Administration of Human Resources in Education. 3 credits. OD

EDU 633 requires students to learn and apply the theories and processes essential to effective leadership of the human resources function in PK-12 schools. Students will learn theories of human and organizational needs and apply them to public and private school settings. P: DC.

EDU 652. Differentiating High School Teaching. 3 credits.

Students will utilize previous experience in grades 7-12 teaching to identify their skills and growth areas in differentiating teaching. Students will then expand on existing skills and develop new skills so that all students in their classrooms can reach identified learning outcomes.

EDU 685. Magis Capstone: Forming lgnatian Educators. 3 credits.

Course serves the capstone experience for Magis Catholic Teacher Corps participants' education and training. Students reflect on principles and practices of teaching and complete a culminating artifact of work. Coursework focuses on the lgnatian Pedagogical Paradigm, Magis' pillars of formation, and components of the program's graduate at Graduation.

EDU 692. Cultural Issues in Education. 3 credits. SU

Course emphasizes the global dimensions in education dealing with multi-cultural issues and the role of the leader. This course meets the Nebraska Department of Education human relations requirement.

EDU 793. Directed Independent Readings. 1-3 credits. FA, SP, SU

Intensive reading in an area as approved by the department. P: DC.

EDU 795. Directed Independent Study. 1-3 credits. FA, SP, SU

Independent research on a topic designed by the student with the approval of an adviser from the department. P: DC.

EDU 797. Directed Independent Research. 1-3 credits. FA, SP, SU

Independent Research on a topic designed by the student with the approval of an adviser from the department. P:DC.

EDU 799. Master's Thesis. 1-3 credits. FA, SP

Research in connection with the preparation of the Master's thesis. Student must register for this course in any term when engaged in formal preparation of the Master's thesis; however, six credit hours are the maximum applicable toward the degree. P: DC.