The Curriculum and Instruction major is designed to provide the theoretical and practical foundations that guide curriculum and instruction. Graduates will have studied curriculum and instruction both broadly defined and individually practiced. This program will help classroom teachers improve their teaching knowledge and skills for greater efficiency in classroom teaching. The program focuses on further work to strengthen knowledge and skills in educational philosophy and curriculum planning, learning theory, teaching practice and technique, and an opportunity to build a deeper knowledge base in the subject matter taught.

TESOL Strand (13 hours)
Within the past decade, the central Ohio area has seen dramatic demographic changes in PreK-12 schools. These demographic changes have lead to challenges range from preparing more TESOL certified teachers in order to serve the needs of English Language Learners (ELLs) to making accommodations in curriculum, instruction, and assessment. The goal of the Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Graduate Strand is to prepare highly qualified teachers who can competently address the various linguistic, academic, and socio-cultural needs of English Language Learners (ELLs) in PreK-12 schools.

The Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages Strand includes a series of three new graduate level courses (9 hrs) and 4 hours of electives.

Please note:

EDUC 691 - Reading Instruction for Students with Diverse Learning Needs - (3 hours)
Required for TESOL candidates with no or limited Reading or Language Arts background Students who do not have an Intervention Endorsement, K-3 Early Childhood License, Reading Endorsement, or K-8 Elementary License do not meet the Reading or Language Arts requirement, and therefore, must take the additional 3-credit hour reading course.

For more information about the TESOL Strand, contact Dr. Sue Constable, Graduate Programs Director, at (614) 823-1419 or sconstable@otterbein.edu. To apply for admission and register for courses, contact the Office of Graduate Programs at (614) 823-3210.

Elective Strands: The MAE Curriculum and Instruction major student selects one of the following: Professional Development, TESOL, Middle School, or Technology.

Professional Development Strand (13 hours)
In the Professional Development Strand, students make a thoughtful selection of electives, guided by the advisor, in order to increase expertise in a content area or to facilitate professional growth. Electives may be chosen from other graduate courses not required in the Curriculum and Instruction major or Education 689 MAE Independent Study.

Middle School Strand (9 hours)
The Middle Childhood Strand is an area of specialization for teachers currently teaching in grades 4-9. The Strand, comprised of three sequential courses, provides a total of nine-quarter hours of elective credit for graduate students seeking the Master of Arts in Education degree or seeking to renew their certification. The Strand may also be used toward Middle Childhood Licensure for grades 4-9; however, this program also requires the completion of two teaching areas (for more information contact the Graduate Education Advisor at 614-823-3210.)

Technology Strand
Any combination of technology courses can be taken for a computer technology strand. Look for EDUC 698 courses (Special Topics) to use as electives. A minimum of 13 quarter hours of electives is required.

*The hours for only one of these courses will count toward the elective strand. The other will count toward the hours required for the major.