Trinity’s School of Education Offers Two New Programs to Enhance Career Advancement for Educators and Counselors

Trinity’s School of Education is offering two new degree programs, in education and counseling, designed to enhance professional career advancement. Both of these programs begin in the fall 2007 semester. “These two advanced degrees are excellent academic programs for educators and counselors looking to expand their career opportunities,” said Dr. Suellen Meara, Dean of the School of Education.

Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction: Educating for Change

Trinity’s School of Education is adding a new concentration, educating for change, to its offerings in the master of education degree (MEd) in curriculum and instruction; existing concentrations include teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) and the teaching of reading. This new 33-credit program provides an opportunity for teachers and administrators to earn an advanced degree and better understand the dynamics of working for change to improve the quality of education for all students, particularly in urban environments. Taught in a liberal arts context, this advanced degree program draws heavily from the insights of sociology, psychology, history, political science, economics and education. This interdisciplinary perspective equips students to engage intellectually and in practice while addressing social inequalities along lines of gender, ethnicity, social class and disabilities as they intersect with the educational system.

Students in this program work together to create effective responses to the political, social, and economic realities that impact the learning opportunities of students, as they learn to become leaders and educational change agents. The use of instructional technology is integrated into all classes; therefore, students matriculating into this program are expected to demonstrate basic computer skills.

Theory to practice is emphasized in this program as students explore the practical application of their coursework. Degree candidates learn about models for curriculum change and implementation, current research and best practices for teaching and learning, and equitable methods of assessment. Experiential learning composed of field experiences will be a central component of the learning process for this program as students interact with the community.

Master of Arts in Counseling

Trinity’s School of Education is now offering a new master of arts degree (MA) in counseling that provides students the academic course requirements needed for licensure. The 60-credit program meets one of the requirements for state licensure. Licensed professional counselors (LPCs) work in schools, communities and agencies, and are eligible to open their own private practices. The program is designed for students seeking the MA degree in counseling. Additionally, those graduates who have already earned a master’s in counseling and need the additional credits to take the exam for licensed professional counselors can supplement their degree. This new program builds on the quality and reputation of Trinity’s existing master’s in school counseling, a 48-credit program that prepares individuals for careers as counselors in elementary and secondary schools. Both programs consist of required courses, laboratory and field experiences and a comprehensive exam. The student’s program is planned in consultation with a faculty advisor; prior experiences and professional goals are considered.

Learning experiences in Trinity’s counseling programs emphasize the integration of theoretical knowledge with professional practice in a supervised setting. Attention is given to understanding ethical, multicultural, socioeconomic and developmental issues. Graduates from Trinity’s counseling degree programs are qualified to provide individual and group counseling; implement assessment and consultation services; and develop, direct and evaluate comprehensive counseling services.

NCATE Accreditation

All of Trinity’s programs in the School of Education are fully accredited by NCATE, the National Council on the Accreditation of Teacher Education. NCATE accreditation affirms that a graduate from Trinity’s School of Education has the necessary content, pedagogical and professional knowledge and skills to be an effective teacher or administrator. As a result, teacher candidates who graduate from NCATE-accredited schools are better prepared for initial licensing and advanced board certification. In addition, many states have reciprocity agreements based on graduation from NCATE-accredited schools.

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