2024-2025 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog
Master of Education in Instruction and Curriculum - Elementary Education Emphasis
- Requirements for M.Ed. in Elementary Education
- Requirements for Initial Elementary Certification (Graduate Teacher Certification)
For additional information about opportunities your college offers, please refer to the College of Education and Community Innovation section in this catalog.
Website: gvsu.edu/coe/grad
Mission
Teaching, leading, and learning in a democratic society.
Philosophy
Believing that schools function as social and political entities as well as for the growth of individuals, the College of Education and Community Innovation prepares teachers and leaders a) to enhance the academic and personal potential of their students, and b) to evaluate the social and ethical implications of educational policies and practices.
Values
The College of Education and Community Innovation values expertise to guide our practice, equity to guide our interactions, liberal education to guide our perspectives, and social responsibility to guide our commitment to democratic education. We value these ideals in our preparation of candidates, our development of faculty, and our relationships with the larger community we serve.
This program helps teachers continue their professional growth and advance in competence in their work in elementary school classrooms. The program may be used to develop an academic specialization of work with elementary school children or to explore a field of specialization for present or future professional goals.
Accreditation
The program is nationally recognized by the Specialty Program Association: Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) Michigan Department of Education approved.
Minimum Number of Hours in Program
The M.Ed. degree in instruction and curriculum with an emphasis in elementary education requires a minimum of 33 credit hours.
Program Location
The program is offered at DeVos Center, Pew Grand Rapids Campus, located in downtown Grand Rapids, MI.
Requirements for M.Ed. in Elementary Education
Each candidate for the M.Ed. degree must complete the following requirements.
Social Foundations of Education (3 credits) Choose one:
- EDF 671 - Educational Policy and Practice (3 credits)
- EDF 672 - Social/Cultural Foundations of Education (3 credits)
Research and Evaluation (3 credits):
Core Courses (9 credits):
- EDI 639 - Curriculum Development (3 credits)
- EDI 637 - Assessment: K-12 Models and Practices (3 credits)
- EDI 638 - Facilitating School Environments (3 credits)
Emphasis Area Courses (12 credits):
- EDI 630 - Teaching Mathematics: PK-6 (3 credits)
- EDI 631 - Teaching Science: PK-6 (3 credits)
- EDI 633 - Teaching Social Studies and Diversity (3 credits)
Choose one:
- EDR 626 - Field-based Literacy Assessment for Learning (3 credits)
- EDR 628 - Literacy Instruction Across Disciplines (PK-6) (3 credits)
Practicum/Graduate Field Experience (3 credits):
- EDI 685 - Elementary Education Field Experience Credits: 3
Students must apply in advance for each practicum course. Advisor approval is required. Application deadlines (practicum): February 15 for spring/summer, May 15 for fall, September 15 for winter semester.
Capstone (3 or 6 credits) Choose one:
Prerequisite: EDF 660
Students should meet with their advisor midway through their program to decide on a Capstone and discuss plans for completion. Subject to department approval, Capstone courses may be taken in variable amounts from one to three credits (EDI 693) or one to six credits (EDI 695) and require continuous enrollment each semester until completed. Application deadlines (thesis/project): February 15 for spring/summer, May 15 for fall, September 15 for winter semester.
Requirements for Initial Elementary Certification (Graduate Teacher Certification)
This program is for postbaccalaureate candidates who do not hold a teaching certificate and wish to pursue elementary education certification. Initial elementary certification candidates must first be admitted to graduate teacher certification, then complete a minimum of 36 credit hours. See Graduate Teacher Certification section in this catalog for details.
Elementary Endorsement for Students Already Certified
Students already certified and seeking an additional Michigan Elementary Endorsement must have Michigan secondary certification; then complete a minimum of 30 credit hours.
Reading Methodology (6 credits):
Choose one:
- EDR 626 - Field-based Literacy Assessment for Learning (3 credits)
- EDR 628 - Literacy Instruction Across Disciplines (PK-6) (3 credits)
Mathematics (3 credits):
Fine and Performing Arts and Movement (3 credits):
Science (3 credits):
Social Studies (3 credits):
Computer and Instruction (3 credits):
Practicum/Graduate Field Experience (6 credits):
Students must apply in advance for each practicum course. Advisor approval is required. Application deadlines (practicum): February 15 for spring/summer, May 15 for fall, September 15 for winter semester. Candidates must receive a positive recommendation, maintain a 3.0 GPA, and pass the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) tests for grade bands PK-3 and/or 3-6.