Instructional Practice, Grades K-5, M.Ed.

The M.Ed. programs create a faith-based learning community that values both theory and practice. This holistic and constructivist approach to learning opens opportunities to discuss important topics, techniques and unique perspectives used in school systems. The faculty members have years of professional experience as teachers and administrators. They bring this knowledge to the graduate learning community to enhance each student’s professional skills.

Lipscomb University’s M.Ed. programs are structured around a core of classes required of all students. Those seeking initial teaching licensure take a core that addresses the needs of beginning teachers, while those in advanced programs take a leadership core designed for the more experienced educator. The remaining courses in each program follow a modified cohort model.

Prospective applicants seeking initial teacher licensure may apply to M.Ed. programs in Instructional Practice or Special Education. Those who are already licensed teachers/administrators or who do not seek teacher licensure may apply to M.Ed. programs in English Language Learning; Instructional Coaching; Technology Integration; Special Education; or Teaching, Learning and Leading. Students seeking licensure as a school administrator may apply to the Educational Leadership program. (This program requires three years of successful education working experience and a teaching license.) Students seeking an endorsement as a reading specialist may apply to the Reading Specialty program. (Reading Specialist endorsement requires completion of three years of successful education working experience and a teaching license. It is recommended that applicants for Reading Specialty have at least one year teaching experience and expect to have three by the time they complete the program.)

Master of Education

Prospective applicants seeking initial teacher licensure may apply to M.Ed. programs in English Language Learning, Instructional Practice, or Special Education. Those who are already licensed teachers/administrators or who do not seek teacher licensure may apply to M.Ed. programs in English Language Learning; Instructional Coaching; Technology Integration; Special Education; or Teaching, Learning and Leading. Students seeking licensure as a school administrator may apply to the Educational Leadership program. (This program requires three years of successful education working experience and a teaching license.) Students seeking an endorsement as a reading specialist may apply to the Reading Specialty program. (Reading Specialist endorsement requires completion of three years of successful education working experience and a teaching license. It is recommended that applicants for Reading Specialty have at least one year teaching experience and expect to have three by the time they complete the program.)

Instructional Practice (30 hours)

The M.Ed. in Instructional Practice is an initial licensure program designed for the post-baccalaureate individual who has a desire to teach and needs the certification required by the state. The coursework, curriculum and instruction are designed around the conceptual framework (C.A.R.E.- Craft of Teaching, Attitudes and Values, Relationships and Essential Knowledge). Successful completion of the program and appropriate field experience provide students with the credentials for licensure in early childhood education (PreK-3) with dual special education, elementary education (K-5), with an emphasis in ELL or special education, middle grades education (6-8), STEM, most secondary (6-12) disciplines and preK-12 in some designated areas.

Course Requirements

All M.Ed. candidates take the following two courses as non-credit, no-charge, and pass/fail, one during their first semester and one during the semester in which they graduate:

Major Instructional Practice Grades K-5

M.Ed. Initial Core + 18 hours