Curriculum and Instruction

Welcome to the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.

Teacher Education

Undergraduate Degrees

All undergraduate BS in Education degree programs lead to initial teacher certification in the following areas:

• EC-6: Generalist
• EC-12: Special Education
• 4-8 Mathematics
• 4-8 English Language Arts and Social Studies

We also have a secondary education, minor certification area for those who want to teach.

• 7-12 English, Mathematics, History
• EC-12 Music

For more information: BS Education - Course Catalog

Graduate Degrees

We offer two graduate programs. For those students who currently have a conferred bachelor’s degree and would like to become a teacher, we offer opportunities for initial certification through both the Alternative Certification Program and the MA in Teaching program. For those certified educators with at least a year of teaching experience, we offer the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction. This graduate program prepares educators to move into a different role such as a curriculum specialist or a reading specialist*.

• MA in Teaching
• M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction
• Alternative Certification

 *To be eligible for the professional certificate as a reading specialist, graduate students must have completed two years of creditable teaching.

The alternative teacher certification program (ACP) and the Master of Arts in Teaching program (MAT) both require 50 hours of field experience (beginning September 1, 2024) that must be completed in local school districts in Central Texas prior to Internship or Practicum.

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Educator Preparation Program Handbook

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Advising

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Mission

The mission of the Department of Curriculum & Instruction is to produce reflective professional educators who make effective educational decisions that support the creation of dynamic learning environments. Teacher Education, one of the major programs at the University, emphasizes broad general education as a foundation for mastery of teaching skills and specialized knowledge in academic discipline. The primary purpose of teacher education is to prepare highly qualified teachers for employment in Texas and the nation. The goal of the department is to develop teachers who possess the following Teacher Competencies:

1. Comprehensive Knowledge of Core Content
   Graduates will demonstrate a strong understanding of the content areas they are certified to teach, including literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies, and will be able to apply this knowledge in diverse educational settings.
2. Effective Instructional Strategies
   Graduates will develop and implement evidence-based instructional strategies, including multisensory approaches and differentiated instruction, to meet the diverse needs of all learners, including those with special needs and English language learners.
3. Literacy Development and Instruction
   Graduates will be proficient in teaching reading and writing across the curriculum, utilizing the science of reading, and employing formative and summative assessments to guide instruction and improve student outcomes.
4. Classroom Management and Learning Environment
   Graduates will create and maintain safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environments that promote student achievement, positive behavior, and social-emotional growth.
5. Assessment and Data-Driven Decision Making
   Graduates will be skilled in using a variety of assessment tools to evaluate student progress, analyze data, and make informed decision to improve instructional practices and student learning.
6. Professionalism and Ethical Practice
   Graduates will exhibit the highest standards of professionalism and ethical behavior, including a commitment to ongoing professional development, collaboration with colleagues, and advocacy for students and the education profession.
7. Culturally Responsive Teaching
   Graduates will develop the ability to implement responsive teaching practices that recognize and respect the culturally and linguistically rich backgrounds and experiences of all students, ensuring access to high-quality education.
8. Reflective Practice and Continuous Improvement
   Graduates will engage in reflective practice, continuously assessing and improving their teaching methods, and staying current with educational research and best practices.
9. Integration of Technology in Education
   Graduates will engage in reflective practice, continuously assessing and improving their teaching methods, and staying current with educational research and best practices.
10. Collaboration and Communication
    Graduates will develop strong communication and collaboration skills, working effectively with students, families, colleagues, and the community to support students success and well-being.

The mission of the Graduate Program in Curriculum & Instruction is to provide a relevant, research-based curriculum that develops the capacity for leadership through mastery of knowledge, effective communication, collaboration, inquiry, and decision-making to ensure learner success. The Master of Education Degree in Curriculum and Instruction prepares students to identify, evaluate, and investigate best practice in the field of curriculum and instruction. The degree prepares educators who aspire to attain positions such as curriculum coordinator, academic department head, reading specialist, technology director, mentor teacher, community college faculty or clinical adjunct faculty in higher education. High school teachers who teach dual enrollment courses or advanced placement courses may also choose to pursue this degree.

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Program Coordinators