Graduate Study in Adolescence Education

Interested in becoming a teacher at the middle or high school level? One of Ithaca College’s newest graduate programs provides students with a master of arts in teaching (M.A.T.), which prepares college graduates for initial teaching certification in adolescence education in the following fields: biology, chemistry, English, French, mathematics, physics, social studies, and Spanish.

Highlights of the M.A.T. program include

• the chance to earn a teaching certificate and a master’s degree in just 12–13 months. Begin the program one summer and apply for certification and a teaching position the following summer.
• the integration of theory and practice, coursework and field experiences, and study in education and in the academic discipline.
• opportunities to observe, tutor, and teach in multiple and diverse settings, including Ithaca area schools and Frederick Douglass Academy in New York City’s Harlem community.
• an emphasis on culturally responsive teaching that supports the personal and academic achievement of all learners.
• collaboration with local community agencies, organizations, and resources to enhance school and classroom effectiveness.
• the development of future teachers as reflective practitioners and action researchers in their own classrooms.
• the preparation of program graduates who contribute actively to school and community improvement efforts and take leadership roles in our nation’s schools.

Students who wish to apply to the M.A.T. program should contact Linda Hanrahan, chair of graduate programs in education, at lhanrahan@ithaca.edu or 607-274-3147. Information about the program is available on the website at www.ithaca.edu/gradstudies/programsites/education.

The intensive, one-year, 33-credit M.A.T. program begins in the summer with two graduate courses. Prerequisite coursework in education is also offered during the summer.

Prerequisite Courses

Early Field Experience: Theory and Practice
EDUC-21910

Offered in the May session (May 14–25, 2007) 3:00–5:00 p.m., plus full-day public school field placement

This prerequisite introduces students to the public and private education system in an extended field experience; each student completes 50 hours of fieldwork in a classroom setting. This is a coordinated offering of Ithaca College and the area schools. 3 credits.

Social and Cultural Foundations of Education
EDUC-34000

Offered twice during summer 2007:

• May session (May 14–25)  8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
• Summer session I (May 29–June 29)  8:30 a.m.–10:05 a.m.

This prerequisite combines historical, philosophical, sociological, and anthropological perspectives to investigate contemporary social and cultural issues in education and teaching. It also provides preparation for critically reflective decision making and for working effectively with diverse communities. Topics include educational opportunity; the financing of U.S. schools; tracking/ability grouping; the sociocultural dynamics of teaching and learning; multicultural education; social class issues; gender bias and equity; the experiences of African American, Latino, Asian American, and linguistic minority students in U.S. schools; educating students with disabilities; the role of religion in U.S. schools; issues of sexuality; working with families and communities; developing schools as caring learning communities; effective uses of technology; and recent proposals for school reform. 3 credits.