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Academic Programs:<br /> Master of Education Program in <br />Early Childhood and Elementary Education
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Early Childhood, Elementary and Literacy Education

Academic Programs: Graduate
Master of Education in
Early Childhood and Elementary Education

Coordinator: Nancy Lauter
Office: University Hall, Room 3163
Phone: (973) 655-5407
Email: lautern@mail.montclair.edu

Overview

The Master of Education degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education is a 36 credit program designed for experienced teachers who want to prepare to assume leadership roles in areas such as: curriculum development, inclusion practices, or Philosophy for Children. The program will follow a cohort model, and allows each student to specialize in a particular area of study as part of a community learners. Prerequisites include 2 semesters of child development. Applicants must hold a valid teaching license (P-3, K-5, N-8, or equivalent), demonstrate a minimum of three years teaching experience, complete the Graduate School Application, and meet Graduate School requirements.

Students who have not taken the prerequisite courses as part of their certification or undergraduate/graduate education are responsible for taking these courses as part of their work programs.

Course Requirements:

Number Name Hours
ECEL 505 Observation and Inquiry in Early Childhood and Elementary Settings 3
 
Family Community, Diversity Course (one course, chosen by advisor)
Number Name Hours
ECEL 518 Families, Communities, and Schools: Diversity, Culture and Democracy 3
ECSE 508 Strengthening Partnerships with Families of Children with Disabilities 3
EDFD 531 Foundations of Education for Language Minority Students 3
 
Literacy Course (pick one course)
Number Name Hours
READ 500 The Nature of Reading 3
READ 503 Literature for Adolescents 3
READ 508 Critical Thinking and Literacy 3
READ 510 Field Experience in Reading 3
READ 524 Teaching Multiethnic Literature in P-8 Classrooms 3
READ 600 Workshop in Contemporary Issues in Reading 3
 
Research Courses
Number Name Hours
ELRS 503 Methods of Research* 3
ELRS 504 Action Research 3
 
* If a student has completed this course or equivalent within the last five years, this requirement may be waived. Students must complete a minimum of 32 credits to complete the M.Ed. degree.
 
Concentration (select one Focus Area from the following sections - 15-16 SH)
 
Curriculum Development
Number Name Hours
ECEL 501 Perspectives on Early Childhood and Elementary Education in a Diverse Society 3
ECEL 516 Social Studies and the Arts: Understanding Democracy in Elementary Classrooms 3
ECEL 517 Integrating Science and Technology in Early Childhood and Elementary Classrooms 3
ECEL 532 Research Seminar: Current Topics in Early Childhood and Elementary Education 3
MATH 577 Mathematics Education in the Elementary School 3
 
READ 503 Literature for Adolescents 3
OR
READ 524 Teaching Multiethnic Literature in P-8 Classrooms 3
 
Inclusion Practices
Number Name Hours
ECEL 522 Curriculum Development and Assessment in Diverse Elementary Classrooms 3
ECEL 523 Communication, Collaboration, and Consultation in ECSE 6
ECSE 505 Early Learning and Development in Young Children With and Without Disabilities 3
ECSE 506 Observation and Assessment of Young Children with Disabilities: Birth to Age 8 3
ECSE 507 Assessment of Preschool Children with Disabilities 3
ECSE 509 Principles and Practices in Inclusive Early Childhood Education 3
ECSE 518 Neuromotor Development of the Young Child 3
ECSE 520 Research in Inclusive Early Childhood Education 3
SPED 579 Special Education for Students with Disabilities 3
 
Literacy (select five courses)
Number Name Hours
READ 503 Literature for Adolescents 3
READ 508 Critical Thinking and Literacy 3
READ 510 Field Experience in Reading 3
READ 519 Language and Early Literacy Development 3
READ 522 History of Literacy and Media 3
READ 524 Teaching Multiethnic Literature in P-8 Classrooms 3
READ 525 Literacies, Digital Technology and Learning 3
READ 600 Workshop in Contemporary Issues in Reading 3
 
Philosophy for Children
Number Name Hours
EDFD 522 Pragmatism in Education 3
PHLC 501 Teaching Children Philosphical Thinking I 3
PHLC 512 Value Inquiry 3
PHLC 513 Social Inquiry 3
 
Select one course from the following:
EDFD 581 Critical Thinking, Community and Self 3
 
PHLC 508 Teaching Philosophical Reasoning I 2
AND
PHLC 509 Teaching Philosphical Reasoning II 2
 
PHLC 511 Teaching Philosphical Reasoning III 3
 
PHLC 614 Scientific Reasoning 2
AND
PHLC 615 Foundations of Philosphy for Children 2
 
*Elective (consult with Graduate Advisor)
 
Masters Thesis Preparation
Number Name Hours
ECEL 698 Master's Thesis 3
ECEL 699 Master's Thesis Extension (if necessary) 1
 
PROGRAM TOTAL: 36 credits
 
For the Master's Thesis, each student will be required to assemble a portfolio, including a research thesis. Students will present portfolios to a panel of reviewers.

Additional Student Responsibilities

  • Students are responsible for seeking advisement from their academic advisor for registration and completion of degree requirements.
  • It is the student's responsibility to be familiar with all policies designated in the graduate catalog.