Master of Education in Birth-Kindergarten Education
Birth-Kindergarten Education is one of three M.Ed. master’s programs offered by Greensboro College. Each program has its specialty studies component taught by individuals in that or related disciplines. The professional studies common to all licensure areas are taught by the faculty in the Division of Education. The professional and specialty studies component of the master’s programs are vitally interlinked.
Admission Requirements
Competencies required for initial licensure are at a basic level. Content in the graduate courses includes a more in-depth study of basic concepts and requires the candidate to examine historical, psychological, sociological and philosophical issues as well as current trends in education. The master curriculum provides opportunities for candidates to become actively involved in identifying programs researching these problems and subsequently making needed changes in public school classrooms. The curriculum expands the knowledge base of the teachers so they can begin to think in terms of best practices and reflect upon their own professional instructional growth and leadership development. The master curriculum leads candidates to become critical and reflective practitioners who examine best practices from a perspective of equity and inclusion.
The graduate program builds upon but extends the initial “A” licensure requirements for candidates in a number of specific ways. First, the graduate program emphasizes research by requiring candidates to interpret, judge the quality of and apply research findings to actual classroom issues. Graduate candidates demonstrate their knowledge of research through case study analysis and action research projects. Second, the graduate program focuses upon professional development and leadership skills. Graduate candidates demonstrate their growth in these areas through self-selected initiatives and community involvement. Third, the graduate program concentrates upon understanding oneself as a learner, teacher and leader. Graduate candidates engage in ongoing reflection upon practice, learn to work collaboratively with colleagues, and learn to use assessment to study their practice in systematic ways to guide their decision making. Ultimately, the graduate program is designed to guide and recognize teacher development.
The Birth-Kindergarten Program courses and instructional experiences are designed with guidance from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) and the Division of Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children (DEC/CEC). The standards of these national specialty professional associations have shaped a program that emphasizes teacher development in the areas of assessment, leadership, diversity and reflective best practices.
Admissions
To apply, click here. You’ll also need to download a recommendation form.
Further Questions?
Susan Connelly
Professor of Education and Coordinator of Birth to Kindergarten Education Program
237 Proctor Hall East
Phone: (336) 272-7102 x5414
