Education and Social Change - Professional Teaching Option

Course Overview

The three primary goals of the program include improving instruction for diverse populations, preparing teachers for leadership roles within their schools, and preparing teachers to lead future change efforts in support of public education. The program includes coursework required by the Florida Department of Education for teachers with temporary certification who are seeking full certification. There are two program tracks available for this program, one emphasizing teaching and learning, and the second emphasizing social change. While both tracks prepare teachers to work in classrooms, the teaching track includes a teaching methods course and the social change track includes a class in understanding education policy and school organization. Both tracks consist of 30 credit hours (10 graduate courses) designed to be completed in two summers and two or three academic semesters (Fall and Spring). Classes meet on the UM Coral Gables campus; however there are some hybrid classes offered during the summer. All classes are offered during evening hours, (i. e. , 5: 00-7: 40 p. m. during the academic term and 4: 25-8: 30 p. m. during summer terms). All students take the Core Courses (27 credits) , which include both teaching/learning and social change courses, and then choose one class with either a Teaching or Social Change Emphasis to complete the required number of credits for the degree. Additionally a capstone project, integrated within the program's coursework, is required to complete the program's requirements and is due during the last semester of enrollment in the program prior to graduation. This program does not lead to Florida teaching certification; however, in combination with other sources, the required coursework may be offered and completed based on the Florida Department of Education's Statement of Eligibility received by applicants granted Temporary Certification. As a track within the Advanced Professional Studies program, the University of Miami offers a 30-credit Master of Science degree in Education and Social Change. Classes are taken following a cohort model and specified course sequence. The track's conceptual framework focuses on the world of education beyond classroom walls, the classroom context of teaching, and the students in classrooms, comprising a holistic, developmental approach across the three areas. Overall, the goals of the program track are to improve instruction for diverse populations, to prepare teachers for leadership roles within their schools, and to develop capacity to lead future change efforts in support of public education.