Curriculum and Instruction
Elementary education research-driven program focused on effective classroom practices
Curriculum and Instruction, Elementary Initial Licensure Concentration, M.Ed.
MTSU’s Initial Licensure Program provides individuals who currently hold an undergraduate degree in non-education related fields with the opportunity to earn a masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction while also earning a teaching license for elementary school grades kindergarten through fifth.
The Initial Licensure Program differs from other licensure programs by allowing teacher candidates to earn a complete Master’s degree while simultaneously earning their K-5 license. In addition, courses are offered in a variety of formats to accommodate working schedules through online courses, weekends, and weeknights. This program is specifically designed for career changers and their busy schedules. This is also the perfect program for those who are already teaching K-5, but want to earn their Master's degree at the same time!
News Briefs
Personalized Attention at a Large University
"The Initial Licensure Program was a program with more personalized attention than I could have imagined at such a large university. It not only prepared us for the classroom, but also taught us how to navigate the social aspect of the education world and advocate for ourselves and our students. The professors in this program shared copious amounts of knowledge, experiences, and advice while simultaneously providing activities and assignments that we could then use in our own classrooms. This program and the professors within it taught me that despite the sometimes-complicated landscape of education, passionate and dedicated teachers are key to making changes. I am so thankful that this is the program I chose because I know that I will always have mentors to go to for guidance and support, not only in the professors but in my cohort as well. I am entering my career feeling inspired and confident due to this amazing program." - Marissa Capuano (pictured with fellow graduate Maggie Smith)
Uniqueness and Value of Program
"The M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction Program at MTSU is unique and valuable in many ways. First, this program affords people like me who have an undergraduate degree outside of education to gain the necessary knowledge and skills needed to be an effective elementary teacher while simultaneously earning a Master's degree. Second, this program is led by genuine professors who care deeply about their students and consistently go out of their way to make sure we have what we need to succeed - both in the program and in the 'real world.' There’s no place quite like this program at MTSU!" -Maggie Smith (pictured with Dr. Tracey Huddleston and Marissa Capuano)
News Briefs
Personalized Attention at a Large University
"The Initial Licensure Program was a program with more personalized attention than I could have imagined at such a large university. It not only prepared us for the classroom, but also taught us how to navigate the social aspect of the education world and advocate for ourselves and our students. The professors in this program shared copious amounts of knowledge, experiences, and advice while simultaneously providing activities and assignments that we could then use in our own classrooms. This program and the professors within it taught me that despite the sometimes-complicated landscape of education, passionate and dedicated teachers are key to making changes. I am so thankful that this is the program I chose because I know that I will always have mentors to go to for guidance and support, not only in the professors but in my cohort as well. I am entering my career feeling inspired and confident due to this amazing program." - Marissa Capuano (pictured with fellow graduate Maggie Smith)
Uniqueness and Value of Program
"The M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction Program at MTSU is unique and valuable in many ways. First, this program affords people like me who have an undergraduate degree outside of education to gain the necessary knowledge and skills needed to be an effective elementary teacher while simultaneously earning a Master's degree. Second, this program is led by genuine professors who care deeply about their students and consistently go out of their way to make sure we have what we need to succeed - both in the program and in the 'real world.' There’s no place quite like this program at MTSU!" -Maggie Smith (pictured with Dr. Tracey Huddleston and Marissa Capuano)
Related Media
Curriculum and Instruction, Elementary Initial Licensure Concentration, M.Ed.
Graduates of the Initial Licensure Program have a high success rate of becoming a teacher immediately upon graduation. Courses offered are intended to prepare graduate students with the tools and network connections needed to excel upon entering the educational field. Graduates can be found across the middle Tennessee area as well as across the country including Arizona, Illinois, Texas, and South Carolina to name a few.
Some potential careers include
- classroom teacher
- curriculum specialist
- director of curriculum and instruction
- instructional coordinator
- teacher mentor
- textbook reviewer
Alumni from the Curriculum and Instruction Program have been employed across the nation as well as in many districts including
- Bedford County Schools
- Coffee County School District
- Franklin Special Schools
- Lebanon School District
- Manchester City Schools
- Metro-Davidson Schools
- Murfreesboro City Schools
- Rutherford County Schools
- Sumner County Schools
- Tullahoma City Schools
- Williamson County Schools
- Wilson County Schools
MTSU’s Career Development Center
MTSU offers a comprehensive Career Development Center that serves students throughout the full student experience and beyond. They collaborate with faculty and staff to equip students with the tools to be marketable to the world of work and continuing education.
Students can schedule an appointment or check online resources and job boards at mtsu.edu/career.
Students can find current internship opportunities by talking to faculty and visiting the University job and internship board called Handshake .
Wondering what you can do with your major? Check out our What Can I Do with A Major In guides.
Professional Licensure Disclosure
MTSU discloses that the Master of Education (MED) in Curriculum and Instruction, Elementary Initial License is a teacher licensure preparation program accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and approved by the Tennessee Department of Education. Admission to a teacher licensure preparation program does not guarantee that students will obtain a teacher license. Successful completion of this program meets the educational requirements to apply for a practitioner teacher licensure in Tennessee.
The MED Curriculum and Instruction, Elementary Initial License disclosure provided on MTSU’s professional licensure disclosure website indicates the states and territories where MTSU has determined, through reasonable and good faith effort, that the program does or does not meet the educational requirements for other US states and territories. Licensing authorities for each state set and enforce their own requirements and standards, which are subject to change. Current and prospective students not located in Tennessee or who plan to seek licensure or certification outside the state of Tennessee should contact the appropriate state licensing agency or board and discuss their plans with an advisor and the MTSU Office of Teacher Licensure before enrolling in the program to ensure they have the most up-to-date information and guidance regarding licensure requirements.
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