Designed for working educators.
March 2018 – Drew University is offering a new Master of Education degree aimed at teachers and administrators seeking to deepen their knowledge and skills in a wide range of specialties, including several that are rarely found in university education programs.
The degree is designed mostly for working educators. It offers specialties that include teaching English as a second language; teaching students with disabilities; literacy and technology; equity and culture; teaching and learning; conflict resolution; and religion, theology and society.
“For a working person going back to get their master’s degree, we have a very flexible program,” said Kristen Hawley Turner, director of teacher education at Drew. “You can take the courses that meet your needs, at times that make sense to you.”
In addition, graduate scholarships are available for teachers and other educators that reduce tuition by 35 percent. And because of Drew’s size, the 30-credit program also offers small classes and easy access to professors.
“You’re at a place that has well-known researchers, and you can walk into their offices and have a conversation with them,” Turner said. “They’re mentors and advisors.”
The new degree expands the offering at Drew’s Caspersen School of Graduate Studies, which already offers a Master of Arts in Teaching that prepares students for their initial teacher certifications in New Jersey. Here are five things to know about the new Master of Education, including the innovative specialization areas:
- The religion, theology and society specialization is aimed at teachers in religious schools, as well as church religious education programs. It offers classes in biblical literature, religious traditions, theology and ethics.
- The specialization in conflict resolution helps education professionals deal with school issues such as bullying and harassment, and learn skills to mediate disagreements among students, parents, administrators and teachers.
- The equity and culture specialization draws on Drew’s strengths in the study of history, gender, race and international studies. It includes classes on ethics, gender history, and diversity in families, schools and communities.
- In the literacy and technology specialty, teachers will receive guidance on how to help students learn in an increasingly digital world. The curriculum is designed for all levels of tech users—from beginners to experts.
- Theses for the degree will have a practical base, and not just be pure library research followed by a long paper. For example, Turner said, a student specializing in literacy and technology might write an app for a master’s thesis.
