Elementary Education M.Ed.

Degree: Master of Education
https://www.towson.edu/coe/departments/elementary/grad/elementary/

Program Director: Dr. Maria Perpetua Socorro Liwanag 
Phone: 410-704-2242
Email: mliwanag@towson.edu

The Master of Education degree in Elementary Education is an advanced curriculum and instruction program that provides skills needed for teachers to navigate an ever more complex school and social system. The program is designed for those involved in instructional and curricular decision-making in schools and districts and those committed to quality professional growth. Course, program goals and learner outcomes are based on the professional setting to ensure transfer of theory to practice. 

Admission Requirements

Application deadlines and a full listing of materials required for admission can be found on the website.

Degree Requirements

  • Completion of required prerequisite courses
  • Completion of ELED 775, with a grade of “A” or “B” (the course may be repeated only once) or completion of  ELED 897(6 units).
  • Completion of 33 units of required courses and electives as specified.

Non-Thesis Option (33 units)

Foundation Courses
Select four of the following: 12
EDUC 605
INFORMING EDUCATIONAL PRACTICE TO EFFECT CHANGE
EDUC 660
MATTERS OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND EMPOWERMENT IN LEARNING COMMUNITIES
ELED 594
TRAVEL AND STUDY: ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
ELED 628
DESIGN THINKING IN INSTRUCTION AND LEARNING
ELED 629
RETHINKING EDUCATION
Specialization Area - English Language Learners
Select two of the following: 6
REED 650
SOCIAL, CULTURAL, AND CURRICULAR CONTEXTS FOR SECOND LANGUAGE LEARNING
REED 651
INSTRUCTION AND ASSESSMENT FOR SECOND LANGUAGE LEARNERS
REED 652
INTRODUCTION TO LINGUISTICS FOR TEACHERS OF LANGUAGE AND LITERACY
Specialization Area - Technology
Select two of the following: 6
ISTC 603
FOUNDATIONS OF DISTANCE EDUCATION
REED 660
INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY IN LITERACY INSTRUCTION
SPED 646
USING TECHNOLOGY TO DIFFERENTIATE INSTRUCTION
Specialization Area – Family and Community Outreach
Select two of the following: 6
ILPD 746
CULTURES AND CONTEXTS OF EQUITABLE SCHOOLS
SPED 605
WORKING WITH FAMILIES OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
SPED 632
ASSESSMENT ISSUES FOR CULTURALLY AND LINGUISTICALLY DIVERSE STUDENTS
Capstone3
ELED 775
INTEGRATED PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE SEMINAR
Total Units33

Thesis Option (33 units)

Foundation Courses
Select four of the following: 12
EDUC 605
INFORMING EDUCATIONAL PRACTICE TO EFFECT CHANGE
EDUC 660
MATTERS OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND EMPOWERMENT IN LEARNING COMMUNITIES
ELED 594
TRAVEL AND STUDY: ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
ELED 628
DESIGN THINKING IN INSTRUCTION AND LEARNING
ELED 629
RETHINKING EDUCATION
Specialization Area – English Language Learners
Select two of the following: 6
REED 650
SOCIAL, CULTURAL, AND CURRICULAR CONTEXTS FOR SECOND LANGUAGE LEARNING
REED 651
INSTRUCTION AND ASSESSMENT FOR SECOND LANGUAGE LEARNERS
REED 652
INTRODUCTION TO LINGUISTICS FOR TEACHERS OF LANGUAGE AND LITERACY
Specialization Area – Technology
Select two of the following: 6
ISTC 603
FOUNDATIONS OF DISTANCE EDUCATION
REED 660
INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY IN LITERACY INSTRUCTION
SPED 646
USING TECHNOLOGY TO DIFFERENTIATE INSTRUCTION
Specialization Area – Research Methods
Select one of the following: 3
EDUC 761
INQUIRY FOR PRACTICE
EDUC 789
RESEARCH METHODS, DESIGN, AND ANALYSIS
Thesis6
ELED 897
ELEMENTARY EDUCATION THESIS
or ELED 898
 ELEMENTARY EDUCATION THESIS
Total Units33
1

Students must meet with adviser one term prior to enrolling in the thesis course. ELED 897 is a 6 unit course taken in one term, ELED 898 is a 3 unit course, taken in two consecutive terms for a total of 6 units.

The goals and objectives of the degree program are based on MSDE Professional Development Standards and the core propositions endorsed by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. The areas addressed by the standards are reflected in the required and elective courses.

The program of study helps the student achieve the following goals: 

  1. Develop advanced capabilities in design thinking, creative curriculum design and innovative data-focused instruction.

  2. Understand the diverse nature of learners, family and community and develop advanced capabilities in (inter)cultural competency.

  3. Assume specialty roles in areas identified as important to the school community and the changing educational landscape. 

  4. Use technology and media to enhance teaching and learning.

  5. Understand and use appropriate assessment and evaluation within the teaching process.

  6. Engage in scholarly activities including action inquiry to promote student achievement as well as one’s own professional development.

  7. Lead and/or participate in collaborative activities with others such as peers, colleagues, teachers, administrators, community organizations and parents.

  8. Think, reflect, and critically analyze the educational processes and professional practices.