Department of Curriculum and Learning Programs

The Classroom Teacher Specialist program is designed to enrich and expand the role of the career teacher. By emphasizing professional growth and self-improvement, this program gives each individual ample opportunity to investigate current learning theories and to apply theory to practice. It allows students to explore the development of curriculum and to pursue advanced professional interests. The program allows for students to pursue a general interest area or a specific interest area of study. For example, a specialization in digital teaching and learning is available. The program may also be designed for students who are seeking cross-endorsement.

The Sixth Year Professional Program for Classroom Teacher Specialists enriches and expands the role of the career teacher. Students in this program will be able to investigate current learning theories, explore the development of curriculum, and implement theory as practice, as well as pursue personal and professional interests. The program emphasizes professional growth and self-improvement through guided instruction and self-directed analysis.

Students successfully completing the program are awarded the Sixth Year Professional Diploma of Advanced Study.

To be admitted to the program, students must have a master’s degree and must satisfy admissions requirements for a sixth year program.

The Master of Science in Education is a 36-credit program that allows teachers to further their careers and strengthen their pedagogical knowledge, while earning a state-approved master’s degree.

The program is extremely flexible – offering a number of choices in electives and the ability to do some courses as hybrid or online.

The capstone project involves working with faculty to research a topic of interest and create a deliverable such as a research-based curriculum unit or handbook.  These action research projects allow students the opportunity to understand or improve their learning community while aligning to Southern's commitment to social justice.

As a Graduate of Southern Connecticut's Undergraduate Early Childhood program you enter will enter the classroom ready to teach. You will shape the most critical time in child's education. As a teacher you will work with students to build the foundations of literacy and numeracy necessary for life long learning.

The successful completion of this program includes the Liberal Education Program requirements, 40.5 credits in the Early Childhood education major (including a 12-credit student teaching placement), and 36 credits in a second major consisting of concentrations in Psychology and Child, Family & Community Studies.

Graduates of the program, who successfully pass all state licensing exams, will earn a teacher certificate to teach in Pre-K to grade three classes.
    
Advisement for undergraduate pre-education students

The Elementary Education B.S. is for undergraduate students who wish to become elementary educators. The program prepares them to receive their State of Connecticut teaching certification to teach in grades one through six. There are opportunities throughout the program for students to get real-world experience through field placement observations. The culminating experience is a semester-long student teaching placement in an elementary school. Students also double major in Liberal Studies, which is comprised of two “report-card subjects” such as English and Mathematics.
    
Advisement for undergraduate pre-education students

The Elementary Education B.S. is intended for undergraduate students who are seeking initial certification in elementary education and an additional endorsement in bilingual education.   There are opportunities throughout the program for students to get real-world experience through field placement observations. The culminating experience is a semester-long student teaching placement in a bilingual classroom. Students also double major in Liberal Studies, which is comprised of a concentration in English and a concentration in Spanish.
    
Advisement for undergraduate pre-education students

Candidates who are already certified as a reading specialist (102) but are not seeking a Sixth Year degree can take just the courses required for certification as reading and language arts consultant. These courses provide you with the knowledge and skills to improve school-wide literacy through program development, leadership, and coaching. Depending upon the coursework taken to meet the requirements for the reading specialist certification (102), you will take three to five courses/9-15 credits in this program.

M.S. candidates are already certified teachers (elementary education, special education, 7-12 social studies, English, etc.) who are seeking to further develop their professional knowledge and practice in reading for students in grades 1-12. A Master of Science degree in Reading leads to eligibility for certification as a remedial reading and remedial language arts specialist (102). Our candidates build on their expertise as teachers because they go on to study typical and atypical literacy development; best practices in intervention; and instruction for students with learning difficulties or disabilities including dyslexia, discipline- specific literacies, and the literacy acquisition of English learners. There are 10 courses/30 credits in this program. The Graduate Reading Program is accredited by the International Literacy Association and the International Dyslexia Association.

Candidates for the Sixth Year Professional Diploma Program in Reading are already certified teachers (elementary education, special education, 7-12 social studies, English, etc.) who are seeking to further develop their professional knowledge and practice in literacy. Our candidates build on their expertise as they study typical and atypical literacy development; best practices in intervention; instruction for students with learning difficulties or disabilities, including dyslexia; discipline-specific literacies; the literacy acquisition of English learners; adult learning theory; school-wide literacy leadership, and school-wide literacy intervention. There are 13 courses/39 credits in this program. Upon completion of the program, students will have the necessary coursework to be eligible for certification as a remedial reading and language arts specialist (102) as well as a reading and language arts consultant (097). Further requirements for the 102 CT certification are 30 months of full-time teaching and a passing score on the Literacy Specialist Test. Ten months of teaching experience under the 102 (Reading Specialist) is additionally required for the 097 CT certification. The Graduate Reading Program is accredited by the International Literacy Association and the International Dyslexia Association.

Candidates who are already certified teachers but who are not seeking an advanced degree can take just the courses required for certification as a reading specialist. These courses prepare you to provide literacy intervention for students in grades 1-12 who are experiencing reading and writing difficulties due to disabilities, including dyslexia, or for other reasons. There are eight courses/24 credits in this program.

The Collaborative Special Education/Elementary Education program is a unique program that prepares students for dual certification in Special Education, grades K-12 and Elementary Education, grades 1-6. The program provides students with a competitive advantage when searching for jobs and more flexibility throughout their careers as they are prepared to work with a wide variety of students. Students have multiple fieldwork opportunities to interact and instruct learners with and without disabilities in individual, in small group and whole classroom educational settings. Students in this program also complete two student teaching experiences – one in a special education setting and one in general education setting. Students in this program are required to have a second major, usually interdisciplinary studies (IDS), to expand general education content knowledge and fulfill state teaching requirements for elementary education.

Art Education at Southern fulfills the state requirements to earn Connecticut Initial certification in PK12 Art (042), simultaneously with a state-approved Master’s degree. The 4-semester program of 39.5 credits includes a path of study designed to accommodate students who are employed during the day; all courses start at 5 p.m. or later. The coursework meets in a variety of formats including hybrid, online, and in-person. We cultivate art teachers who contribute to the creative lives of students in preschool through high school in our community of innovation and reflection.

MAT - A route to a Master's Degree and certification for future educators with a Bachelor’s degree

The Master of Arts in Teaching, Bilingual and Elementary Education is the only MAT of its kind in Connecticut.  It is intended for future educators who are seeking initial certification in elementary education and an additional endorsement in bilingual education.  Additionally, as part of the 51-credit program, students also receive a state-approved Master’s degree.  There are opportunities throughout the program for students to get real-world experience through field placement observations.  Additionally, the program culminates in a semester-long student teaching experience in a bilingual classroom.

MAT - A route to a Master's Degree and certification for future educators with a Bachelor’s degree

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are involved in nearly every aspect of our lives. Basic math and science knowledge provide individuals with the skills to make important, informed life decisions. Science teachers play a pivotal role in developing critical thinkers and scientifically literate citizens. Nearly two million new teachers will be needed in
the next decade. In particular, science is considered a “shortage” area, and science teachers are in high demand. 

At Southern, we prepare our Biology MAT students to be ambitious science teachers, who deliberately aim to support students of all backgrounds to deeply understand science ideas, participate in the activities of the discipline, and solve real-world problems. As a student in the Biology MAT Program at Southern, you will work with professors and scholars who are experts in their fields to develop a strong theoretical and practical foundation for what constitutes effective science teaching. Extensive and embedded clinical experiences in a variety of middle and/or high school Biology classrooms will support your growth as an educator by helping you bridge knowledge from your coursework with the realities of classroom practice. Further, you will have the opportunity to dig deeper into an area of your interest related to Biology education by conducting research that explores answers to the pressing questions and challenges of science teaching and learning today. 

Upon completion of the 45.5. credit Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Biology program, qualified candidates are recommended to the Connecticut Department of Education for their initial Biology 7-12 certification, and will receive a Master's degree. Applicants interested in this program should already have a Bachelor's degree in Biology, or a closely related field. This program is not for teachers who already hold a science teaching certification. 

MAT - A route to a Master's Degree and certification for future educators with a Bachelor’s degree

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are involved in nearly every aspect of our lives. Basic math and science knowledge provide individuals with the skills to make important, informed life decisions. Science teachers play a pivotal role in developing critical thinkers and scientifically literate citizens. Nearly two million new teachers will be needed in
the next decade. In particular, science is considered a “shortage” area, and science teachers are in high demand. 

At Southern, we prepare our Chemistry MAT students to be ambitious science teachers, who deliberately aim to support students of all backgrounds to deeply understand science ideas, participate in the activities of the discipline, and solve real-world problems. As a student in the Chemistry MAT Program at Southern, you will work with professors and scholars who are experts in their fields to develop a strong theoretical and practical foundation for what constitutes effective science teaching. Extensive and embedded clinical experiences in a variety of middle and/or high school Chemistry classrooms will support your growth as an educator by helping you bridge knowledge from your coursework with the realities of classroom practice. Further, you will have the opportunity to dig deeper into an area of your interest related to Chemistry education by conducting research that explores answers to the pressing questions and challenges of science teaching and learning today. 

Upon completion of the 45.5. credit Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Chemistry program, qualified candidates are recommended to the Connecticut Department of Education for their initial Chemistry 7-12 certification, and will receive a Master's degree. Applicants interested in this program should already have a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, or a closely related field. This program is not for teachers who already hold a science teaching certification. 

MAT - A route to a Master's Degree and certification for future educators with a Bachelor’s degree

The Master of Arts in Teaching, Early Childhood is intended for future educators who are seeking initial certification AND a state-approved Master’s degree.  The 50-credit program leads to the State of Connecticut 013 certification which allows one to teach regular education, pre-k through grade three and special education, pre-k and kindergarten.  There are opportunities throughout the program for students to get real-world experience through field placement observations.  Additionally, the program culminates in a semester-long student teaching experience, split between a pre-k or kindergarten setting and a setting in grades one through three.

MAT - A route to a Master's Degree and certification for future educators with a Bachelor’s degree

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are involved in nearly every aspect of our lives. Basic math and science knowledge provide individuals with the skills to make important, informed life decisions. Science teachers play a pivotal role in developing critical thinkers and scientifically literate citizens. Nearly two million new teachers will be needed in
the next decade. In particular, science is considered a “shortage” area, and science teachers are in high demand. 

At Southern, we prepare our Earth Science MAT students to be ambitious science teachers, who deliberately aim to support students of all backgrounds to deeply understand science ideas, participate in the activities of the discipline, and solve real-world problems. As a student in the Earth Science MAT Program at Southern, you will work with professors and scholars who are experts in their fields to develop a strong theoretical and practical foundation for what constitutes effective science teaching. Extensive and embedded clinical experiences in a variety of middle and/or high school Earth Science classrooms will support your growth as an educator by helping you bridge knowledge from your coursework with the realities of classroom practice. Further, you will have the opportunity to dig deeper into an area of your interest related to Earth Science education by conducting research that explores answers to the pressing questions and challenges of science teaching and learning today. 

Upon completion of the 45.5. credit Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Earth Science program, qualified candidates are recommended to the Connecticut Department of Education for their initial Earth Science 7-12 certification, and will receive a Master's degree. Applicants interested in this program should already have a Bachelor's degree in Earth Science, or a closely related field. This program is not for teachers who already hold a science teaching certification.  

MAT - A route to a Master's Degree and certification for future educators with a Bachelor’s degree

The Master of Arts in Teaching, Elementary Education is intended for future educators who are seeking initial certification AND a state-approved Master’s degree.  The 44-credit program leads to State of Connecticut certification to teach in grades one through six.  There are opportunities throughout the program for students to get real-world experience through field placement observations.  Additionally, the program culminates in a semester-long student teaching experience.

MAT - A route to a Master's Degree and certification for future educators with a Bachelor’s degree

The Master of Arts in Teaching, English Education is intended for future educators who are seeking initial certification AND a state-approved Master’s degree.  The 53-credit program leads to State of Connecticut certification to teach in English in grades 7-12.  There are opportunities throughout the program for students to get real-world experience through field placement observations.  Additionally, the program culminates in a semester-long student teaching experience in a middle school or high school.

The Master of Arts in Teaching, History Education is intended for future educators who are seeking initial certification AND a state-approved Master’s degree. This 42.5-credit program leads to State of Connecticut certification to teach grades 7 through 12 in the concentration of Social Studies and History. There are opportunities throughout the program for candidates to get real-world experience through required field placement observations. The program culminates with a semester-long student teaching experience in a middle or high school and a Capstone inquiry project in education. 

MAT - A route to a Master's Degree and certification for future educators with a Bachelor’s degree

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are involved in nearly every aspect of our lives. Basic math and science knowledge provide individuals with the skills to make important, informed life decisions. Science teachers play a pivotal role in developing critical thinkers and scientifically literate citizens. Nearly two million new teachers will be needed in
the next decade. In particular, science is considered a “shortage” area, and science teachers are in high demand. 

At Southern, we prepare our Physics MAT students to be ambitious science teachers, who deliberately aim to support students of all backgrounds to deeply understand science ideas, participate in the activities of the discipline, and solve real-world problems. As a student in the Physics MAT Program at Southern, you will work with professors and scholars who are experts in their fields to develop a strong theoretical and practical foundation for what constitutes effective science teaching. Extensive and embedded clinical experiences in a variety of middle and/or high school Physics classrooms will support your growth as an educator by helping you bridge knowledge from your coursework with the realities of classroom practice. Further, you will have the opportunity to dig deeper into an area of your interest related to Physics education by conducting research that explores answers to the pressing questions and challenges of science teaching and learning today. 

Upon completion of the 45.5. credit Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Physics program, qualified candidates are recommended to the Connecticut Department of Education for their initial Physics 7-12 certification, and will receive a Master's degree. Applicants interested in this program should already have a Bachelor's degree in Physics, or a closely related field. This program is not for teachers who already hold a science teaching certification.

MAT - A route to a Master's Degree and certification for future educators with a Bachelor’s degree

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Special Education is for future educators with a bachelor’s degree who are seeking initial certification in special education AND a Master's Degree. This is a 47-credit program offered at the graduate level which culminates in a semester of student teaching experience in special education settings in CT.

The Master of Arts in Teaching, World Language Education is intended for future educators who are seeking initial certification AND a state-approved Master’s degree. The program leads to State of Connecticut certification to teach in French, Italian, or Spanish, grades 7-12. There are opportunities throughout the program for students to get real-world experience through field placement observations and student teaching.