Stackable M.Ed. Program

English Language Learning

The certificate in English Language Learning as part of the Master’s degree is a 15-hour progression designed for licensed teachers and focuses on culture and community in the classroom for non-native speakers. The certificate emphasizes a targeted curriculum for second language acquisition and examines the most effective pedagogical practices for working with students whose primary language is not English. In addition to the Certificate in English Language Learning, candidates will earn an endorsement in English Language Learning preK-12 upon passing the required PRAXIS exam. 

• EGEL 5013 - Theory and Practice in Second Language Acquisition (3)
• EGEL 5033 - Grammar for ELL Teachers (3)
• EGEL 5043 - Curriculum Design and Instruction in the ELL Classroom (3)
• EGEL 5053 - Culture, Communication and Community in the ELL Classroom (3)
• EGEL 5203 - Global Literature in the Linguistically & Culturally Diverse Classroom (3)

Gifted Education & Advanced Academics

The Gifted Education Certificate and Endorsement program is designed to prepare teachers and leaders to effectively teach gifted students and lead gifted programs. Candidates will be prepared to design and lead gifted services through appropriate curricular and programming decisions that enhance student learning for this population. Graduates will be able to use their skills and knowledge in careers as gifted education teachers, consultants, and coordinators of advanced academic programs in public and private schools and community programs. Candidates with an active TN teaching license will be eligible to add the TN Endorsement PK-12 to their license once the appropriate Praxis exam has been passed. The program adheres to similar admission standards and procedures and academic policies of the graduate studies in the education department.

• EG 5593 - Characteristics & Needs of Gifted Learning (3)
• EG 5673 - Curriculum, Planning, and Instruction for Gifted Learners (3)
• EG 5693 - Issues and Advocacy for Gifted Students and Underrepresented Groups (3)
• EG 5703 - Practicum: Theory and Practice in Gifted Education (3)

Instructional Coaching

This certificate will equip teacher-leaders to be effective leaders of job-embedded professional learning. Students will experience a strong competency-based leadership core and then specialty courses in leading adult learning, cultural competence, instructional coaching, and leading collaborative professional learning programs. Graduates of this program will earn a certificate in instructional coaching that is aligned with the International Coaching Federation competencies and code of ethics. Graduates will be able to use their skills and knowledge in careers as instructional coaches, professional development coordinators in schools, districts or in the private sector, consultants, leadership coaches and school and district administrators.

• EG 5273 - Coaching Models and Practices (3)
• EG 5033 - Leadership in Collaborative Professional Learning (3)
• EG 5283 - Culturally Responsive Coaching (formerly Developing Critical Cultural Competence) (3)
• EG 5293 - Principles of Adult Learning (3)

Reading Specialty

The College of Education offers a master’s level Reading Specialty certificate/endorsement that is open to licensed teachers who will have three years of teaching experience when they complete the program based on state licensure requirements for the Reading Specialist.  This certificate has 15 hours of master’s level coursework focused on reading. These specialty courses include two courses designed to equip graduates with the skills to collaborate with other teachers to improve their reading instruction focused on instructional coaching and collaborative practice in literacy instruction. Candidates with an active TN teaching license will be eligible to add the endorsement to their license once the appropriate courses and PRAXIS exam have been passed. 

• EG 5543 - Teaching Writing (3)
• EG 5753 - Emergent Literacy (3)
• EG 5763 - Reading in the Content Area (3)
• EG 5773 - Diagnosis and Remediation of Reading Difficulties (3)
• EG 5853 - Leadership and Coaching in Literacy

Special Education

Licensed teachers who would like to seek an additional endorsement in Special Education may enroll in this 18 hour graduate level track. This program has been designed to meet the standards for the Tennessee Special Education Interventionist License. Students will choose the K-8 or 6-12 license. The program will provide students with coursework in special education that addresses a wide range of topics from disabilities to instructional strategies to legal issues. Candidates will develop effective communication and collaboration skills in special education and will master the creation, implementation, and use of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

In addition, educators who already hold a current special education license can add the K-12 comprehensive license with one additional class.

• EGSE 5023 - Special Education Disabilities (3)
• EGSE 5033 - Special Education Law and Ethics (3)
• EGSE 5043 - Special Education Teaching Methods (3)
• EGSE 5053 - Foundations of Applied Behavior Analysis (3)
• EGSE 5213 - Methods of Inclusive Education (3)
• EGSE 5233 - Complex Disabilities (3)

• To add a comprehensive license, the following course must also be completed.

• EGSE 5313 - Methods of Complex Disabilities (3)

Teacher Licensure

Candidates with an undergraduate degree may pursue Tennessee teacher licensure through the Teacher Licensure program. The program will provide the coursework and skill development that new educators need.

Participants in the Teacher Licensure Program can complete the program as part of the stackable master’s degree. The program adheres to admission standards and procedures and academic policies of the Graduate Studies in the College of Education.

All candidates seeking a Tennessee teaching licensure will take the following required 18 credit hours of course work and will pass required tests for licensure:

Educational Leadership

This guided electives option as part of the stackable master’s degree is not a certificate pathway or a designated concentration area on a transcript, but can be added to another certificate in the stackable master’s degree program. Candidates will choose 12 hours from the available electives and may explore courses in Educational Leadership. Candidates may choose Educational Leadership electives that could lead to administrative licensure after the completion of the stackable M.Ed. (three years of educational experience, three additional courses, and a passing score on the SLLA exam required to complete licensure). Four recommended guided electives are:

Leading in Curriculum and Instruction

This guided electives option is not a certificate pathway or a designated concentration area on a transcript, but can be added to another certificate in the stackable master’s degree program. Candidates will choose 12 hours from the available electives and may explore courses in multiple concentration areas. Two recommended guided electives are:

Electives and Other Courses