MAE Elementary Education for Teacher Leaders

Purpose

The Teacher Leader programs are designed to empower teachers to address authentic needs in classroom management, differentiated instruction, and most importantly improve student learning. Teacher leaders are essential in leading schools to overcome student barriers to learning, particularly those that emerge from high-need environments. Placing highly trained teachers who are prepared for systemic change and leadership in schools will help close achievement gaps, facilitate learning for all students, and develop equitable practices to meet the needs of diverse learners.

• To directly impact student learning
• To include a Professional Education Core rooted in Pedagogy, Leadership, and Content applicable to all programs of study in teaching
• To allow individualized programs based on the candidates' professional learning goals

Program Requirements

The Elementary Education program requires 30-31 hours, and is divided into two instructional components:

1. Professional Education (9-16 hours) provides advanced level pedagogy, leadership, and content related to Kentucky Teacher Standards and applicable to all P-12 teachers working in a wide gamut of developmental levels and content areas, and is available online.
2. Specialization (15-21 hours) directs the student into an individual program in content, pedagogy, and/or areas of professional growth consistent with each candidate's professional goals. TCHL 520 and an advisor approved content specific course are required. The remaining hours will be selected by the candidate based on individual needs, content areas and/or areas of professional growth. The candidate may select from the following areas: Elementary Education, Education Administration, English as a Second Language, Gifted and Talented Endorsement, or Instructional Computer Technology Endorsement. Specializations in Elementary Education, Gifted and Talented Endorsement and Instructional Computer Technology Endorsement are available completely online, allowing candidates to earn their degree entirely at a distance.  View a complete list of online specialization and endorsement areas by clicking here.

Admission Requirements (Criteria vary, depending on the student’s undergraduate institution and GPA)

WKU Graduates

Applicants who are alumni of WKU teacher preparation programs must submit a current, valid teaching certificate or Statement of Eligibility for Elementary (Grades P-5).

Graduate of a Kentucky Higher Education Institute other than WKU

Applicants with undergraduate degrees from all other accredited universities will be admitted without a qualifying GRE score if they have a minimum 2.75 GPA for all previous coursework (undergraduate and graduate) and a valid teaching certificate for elementary education. A copy of the certificate must be submitted with the application.

Graduate of an Out-of-State Institution of Higher Education

Applicants with undergraduate degrees from all other accredited universities with a GPA lower than 2.75 (undergraduate and graduate) must achieve a GAP (GRE score multiplied by the undergraduate GPA) score of 2200 or higher and a GRE Analytical Writing score of 3.5 or higher and have a valid teaching certificate for elementary education. A copy of the certificate must be submitted with the application.

Applicants to the MAE program in Elementary Education must hold or be eligible to hold a teaching certificate at the elementary level OR have a valid elementary program on file with the Office of Teacher Services. (Note: Conversion program must be completed prior to or simultaneously with the MAE.)

Applicants whose certificates have expired may be admitted, but they may enroll for only six hours before they must apply to the EPSB for reissued certificates. After completion of six hours, a student admitted with an expired certificate must submit a copy of the reissued certificate before being allowed to register for any additional courses.

Non-Degree Planned Fifth Year/Rank II for Teacher Leaders

• Available in elementary, middle, and secondary education programs
• Designed for students who do not meet the admission requirements of a degree program
• Results in Rank II salary classification in Kentucky, renews the teaching certificate, and permits entry into a Planned Sixth-Year/Rank I program
• Total Program Hours: 32

Contact Information

Program Contact: Dr. Lisa Murley
Email: lisa.murley@wku.edu
Phone: (270) 745-8822
Web: www.wku.edu/ste/eled/mae_eled_tchl_advising_sheet.pdf
Download our booklet at http://www.wku.edu/online/documents/maetl.pdf.