Master of Education to be added to HC curriculum

FOR RELEASE May 10, 2004
HUNTINGTON, IN—Upon state approval from the Professional Standards Board, Huntington University plans to begin offering the Master of Education degree in 2005. The new graduate program is designed for teachers who already have a bachelor’s degree in education from a regionally accredited institution. Master of Education degrees will be available in Elementary Curriculum and Instruction, Elementary Reading, Early Adolescent Education, and Adolescent and Young Adult Education.

“The state of Indiana requires teachers to demonstrate continuous growth and professional development over the length of their career. One way of meeting those requirements is through relevant graduate courses,” said Dr. Terrell Peace, professor of education at Huntington University. “Recent reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, popularly knows as No Child Left Behind, has strong language requiring all states to provide ‘highly qualified’ teachers for all learners. This legislation provides additional incentive for teachers to seek additional professional training.”

The program will allow for candidates to complete a M.Ed. in as little as three semesters and a summer session, offering two courses per semester and two each summer. Candidates enrolled in the program will meet Indiana requirements for professional development for licensed teachers. They will be equipped to be leaders in their respective schools while having the ability to take advantage of the professional and financial benefits which come with a graduate degree.

The Huntington University Education Department conducted surveys with the Teacher Education Professional Advisory Council (TEPAC), made up of the teachers, principals, and administrators in the schools and corporations where Huntington College student-teachers are placed each semester. The department received overwhelmingly positive feedback from not only Huntington County school personnel, but also from all the surrounding counties to the idea of HC offering a M.Ed.

“This program offers the opportunity for practicing teachers to grow in the understanding of their chosen profession, to interact with others in an academically challenging environment and to study and research recent developments in the field,” Peace said. “At Huntington University, we seek to be the most useful vessel we can be for the transmission of God’s love to others. Having an environment where experienced teachers can interact freely with more recent graduates about both professional and spiritual issues will encourage both professional and spiritual maturity.”

Huntington University is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 60 academic concentrations. USNews & World Report ranks Huntington among the top comprehensive colleges in the Midwest. Founded in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Huntington University is located on a contemporary, lakeside campus in Huntington, Indiana. The College is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).

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