Job-Embedded Graduate Degree Program For Lastinger Partner Schools
(Program Brochure)
Teacher Leadership for School Improvement
Teachers in Lastinger Partner Schools can earn a University of Florida master's or education specialist degree onsite and online at their school with a cohort of colleagues free of charge.
Teachers who participate in the program feel empowered and respected for their experience and professionalism by collaboratively developing the skills, knowledge and practice needed to transform teaching and learning in their classroom and throughout their school!
Our masters and education specialist degree program (offered by the School of Teaching and Learning) is a version of the Teacher Leadership for School Improvement Degree program specifically designed for Lastinger Partner Schools. With its strong focus on literacy, the program helps educators to become master teachers by emphasizing the core competencies of effective teaching:
Knowledge of content and pedagogy
Continuous personal growth
Understanding of learner development
Designing engaging instruction
Creating positive classroom environments
Effective use of technology
Use of effective assessment strategies
Planning/implementing/evaluating instruction
Critical reflection
This is an inquiry-based program that places a high priority on developing teachers who can ensure student success. A real value to teachers who participate in the program is the fact that we focus directly on improving classroom outcomes by teaching new strategies, implementing them in the classroom (with guided assistance), collecting evidence of student learning and subsequently reflecting on and adapting practice. Of further benefit is the fact that the program is offered onsite (and online) in Lastinger Center Partner Schools. Teachers participate with a cohort group of colleagues, learning in the embedded structures and routines of the school. The program is free of charge with the exception of books and program materials!
How The Program Differs From Traditional Graduate Programs
With traditional graduate programs learning is viewed as an individual activity. Knowledge is gained but is often not translated into practice in the classroom. With our program, you will actively participate in a professional learning community with a clear and direct focus on classroom practice. Another vital component of the program is that participants examine and reflect upon their own practice as well as collect evidence of student learning and share and apply new knowledge with others within the community.
Important Facts About The Program
Cost/Commitment/Coursework
The Lastinger Center for Learning offers full tuition scholarships to teachers who make a five year commitment to remain in a Lastinger Center-affiliated school. This translates to an award of approximately $14,000! In return for receiving a scholarship, participants sign a binding agreement to work in their school for the two years of the program and three years thereafter. The Teacher Leadership for School Improvement program is a two and a half year, 36 credit Graduate program. The majority of classes will be offered onsite at participating schools, while others will be taken online.
Course of Study
Job-Embedded Graduate Degree Program for Lastinger Partner Schools
(The Teacher Leadership for School Improvement Degree Program)
Core Coursework
Guided Teacher Inquiry
Teacher Leadership and School Change
Transforming the Curriculum
Educational Technology
Data-Driven Decision Making
Differentiated Instruction
Professional Portfolio Practicum
Specialization Options
Reading/Writing/Literacy
Foundations of Reading
Assessment In Reading Instruction
Diagnosis/Remediation of Reading Difficulties
Educational Technology
Literacy and Technology
Media Literacy
Internet and K-12 Curriculum
Diverse Populations
Culturally Responsive Teaching
Cross-Cultural Communication
ESOL Strategies
Enrollment Procedures and Requirements
To begin, teachers must submit an e-mail to Dr. Alyson Adams of the Lastinger Center for Learning (adamsa@coe.ufl.edu) expressing interest in the program. Subsequently, prospective students will be sent additional information on how to apply to the University of Florida. Entrance requirements include an upper division GPA of 3.0 and an acceptable GRE score (typically between 800-1100). Please note that students’ complete portfolio will be taken into consideration when deciding on admission to the program.
The Lastinger Center for Learning
The Lastinger Center for Learning marshals the intellectual resources of the University of Florida to develop new models, strategies and approaches to improve student learning and healthy child development. The Lastinger Center draws on the interdisciplinary research capabilities of the University of Florida to partner with educational, philanthropic and community-based organizations to promote high quality teaching, increase school performance, develop educational leadership, secure parental engagement, and mobilize communities in support of schools and children.
The School of Teaching and Learning makes a difference in Florida schools and elsewhere in the nation by providing leadership through discovery, application, and teaching on important problems facing schools today. The School is committed to educating outstanding teacher-leaders and researchers whose practice is informed by broad and deep understanding of their disciplines and by a moral commitment to equity and social justice.
To learn more about how the Job-Embedded Graduate Degree Program for Lastinger Partner Schools can help you advance personally and professionally as well as support teaching and learning at your school, please contact:
Alyson Adams, Ph.D.
Lastinger Center for Learning
College of Education
University of Florida
352-392-0726 x295
adamsa@coe.ufl.edu
www.lastingercenter.com
