Master of Education
For educators planning to take the next step in their careers, the Master of Education program is an excellent choice.
Grand View's Master of Education program offers you the flexibility to design your graduate studies to fit your interests and goals. You can also select an endorsement area for graduate credit – it’s that easy. To earn a master's degree, you need a minimum of 33 credits.
| Admission and Application Requirements (M.Ed.) |
Admission Requirements
- A baccalaureate degree earned from a regionally accredited institution, evidenced by a transcript.
- Validated minimum undergraduate grade-point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. (Students below 3.0 will be considered for provisional acceptance.)
- A current or pending license to teach.
- Complete the application for admission.
Submit the following:
- Include a statement of purpose with application that addresses: 1) the student’s interest in the program, including the identification of short-term and long-term career goals; 2) the skills and experiences the student will contribute to the program; 3) expectations the student has of the program
- A professional resume
- Provide two references, academic or professional, who complete an online recommendation form
- Transcript from institution where bachelor's degree was earned
- Dyslexia Endorsement requires Experience Verification Form
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| Admission and Application Requirements (Stand-Alone Endorsements) |
Admission Requirements
- A baccalaureate degree earned from a regionally accredited institution, evidenced by a transcript
- Validated minimum undergraduate grade-point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. (Students below 3.0 will be considered for provisional acceptance.)
- A current or pending license to teach
- Complete the application for admission
Additional Endorsement Requirements:
- Dyslexia Endorsement requires Experience Verification Form
- Professional School Counseling Endorsement requires transcripts from graduate and/or undergraduate institution
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| Course Requirements |
Culturally Responsive Teacher Leadership Core (15 credits)
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| Culturally Responsive Educational Leadership
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3 credits
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Offered first 8 weeks of fall semester
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The focus of this course is developing the attitudes, dispositions, and skills needed to lead in multicultural educational settings. Students will explore and examine their individual leadership styles and will understand processes of school improvement and second order change. Students will explore major state initiatives like: Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, the Iowa Core, and the Early Literacy Initiative. This course will also examine theoretical and historical issues that affect the culture and climate of schools and that require school leaders to be culturally competent and culturally responsive. Participants will examine issues such as, urban education, rural education, immigration, overpopulation, low funding, segregation, linguistic diversity, race and discrimination, and low achievement. This course will deeply examine how school leaders can apply various theoretical lenses to address issues related to urban schooling. Students will also begin to analyze and use data to better understand student achievement and school environment.
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| Improving Collaborative Culture Through Instructional Coaching, Modeling, and Mentoring
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3 credits
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Offered first 8 weeks of spring semester
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In this course, students will explore a variety of strategies and models for creating a collaborative culture and will develop the effective communication skills required of teacher leaders, such as an instructional coaches and mentors. Students will learn how to use data, gap analysis, and action planning to prioritize professional development needs. Then, students will apply adult learning theory and Universal Design for Learning to plan professional development for classroom teachers. Students will then practice delivering professional development, anticipating and responding to the potential pitfalls that may arise as a result of the change and reform process. This course also focuses on establishing the theoretical foundations for using non-evaluative techniques for peer feedback, coaching, modeling, and mentoring. Students will gain experience conducting walk-through observations, designing questions focused on promoting instructional growth, providing specific, constructive feedback to peers, modeling effective teaching strategies for peers, goal-setting, and problem solving.
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| Empowering the Community Through Education
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3 credits
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Offered second 8 weeks of fall semester
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In order to meet the demands of the 21st century, schools need to create organized and planned partnership programs that fosters an environment which encourages families to become actively involved and contribute to their student’s academic success. These partnership programs must recognize that student learning is not confined to the school, but takes place in both in the home and the greater community. This course, therefore, features an introduction to the theory and principles of community education, an approach to education that builds upon the strengths and actively addresses needs within a community. Some of the examples studied will be full-service community schools, after school programs, adult and cooperative learning programs, and community based efforts to bring about social change. Students will analyze current and historical examples of community education and design strategic plans for fostering community-school collaboration in their own practice.
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| Educational Policy and Law |
3 credits
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Offered 8 weeks in May / June
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In this course, students will understand the major legal and policy issues that are affecting schools in the 21st century. Students will examine and explore educational legal precedent with a focus on how schools leadership teams collaborate when problem-solving. Students will also understand the legal, economic, and social implications of major policy initiatives at the local, state, and federal levels and how to advocate for students’ and other stakeholders’ needs within policy frameworks.
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| Research in Education |
3 credits |
Offered second 8 weeks of spring semester
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This course will focus on exploring the strengths and limitations of various research designs and the use of research in education. Students will have the opportunity to read a variety of research and explore differing purposes of various kinds. They will design a small research project focused on improving instructional practice in their classroom, building, or district. Students will reflect on their own practice and develop strategies for incorporating new research findings and resources into their practice to increase Pre-K/12 students’ achievement.
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| Student Testimonials |
Dr. Jaclyn Easter
“Dr. Easter has gone above and beyond for me on too many occasions to mention. She has encouraged me to present with her at a statewide teacher's conference, encouraged me to take multiple education practicum opportunities, and has overall pushed me to be the strong, confident student teacher I am today. She is truly an amazing woman. My Grand View experience simply would not have been nearly as remarkable without her. That is why Dr. Easter is absolutely deserving of the mentor appreciation award.” - Madison Green
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Endorsements
You can also select an endorsement area for graduate credit:
Dyslexia (18 Credits) (Online)
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- The Science of Dyslexia: Etiology, Theory, Assessment, and Policy
- Linguistics and Structured Literacy
- Principles for Effective Structured Literacy Intervention: Routines and Protocols
- Screening, Assessment, and Diagnosis of Language and Literacy Difficulties
- Diagnostic Literacy Instruction and Intervention
- Dyslexia Practicum 1: Advanced Assessment
- Dyslexia Practicum 2: Advanced Reading Intervention
Transcripts must be analyzed to identify the specific requirements needed to complete any endorsement.
Learn More
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ELL (20-21 credits) (Online)
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- ELL Methods (3)
- ELL Assessment (3)
- ELL Practicum (2)
- Linguistics for Educators (3)
- Language Acquisition (3)
- Serving Immigrant and Multilingual Students (3)
- Modern Languages for the 21st Century Educator (3) or Foreign Language (4)
Transcripts must be analyzed to identify the specific requirements needed to complete any endorsement.
Learn More About the ELL Program
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Instructional Coaching Certificate (10 credits) (Online)
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Please consider this opportunity to add the Instructional Coaching Certificate to your MEd. Almost twenty percent of teachers are in a leadership position in their schools. This certification provides further training for roles that include the coaching of teachers in instruction and for providing professional development. For one additional credit hour and a fifty hour internship, you can be certified by Grand View as an Instructional Coach. This program is entirely online with you performing internship hours at your school. You will work with the Graduate Program Coordinator and receive feedback on your reflections on your internship hours and experiences.
Courses You Will Take
*Instructional Coaching Certificate is a 10 credit certificate. However, 9 of the credit hours are already included in Grand View's Masters of Education program, making it easy to complete.
- EDGR 521 Culturally Responsive Educational Leadership (3)
- EDGR 559 Educational Policy an Law (3)
- EDGR 561 Improving Collaborative Culture through Coaching, Modeling, and Mentoring (3)
- EDGR 589 Instructional Coach Internship (1)
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| Instructional Strategist I (25 credits) (Online) |
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Grand View’s Instructional Strategist I endorsement program allows teachers who are currently teaching to complete an endorsement to teach special education. Current teachers interested in teaching and working with students with special needs can add Grand Views’ Instructional Strategist I endorsement. Our program addresses multiple learning disabilities and equips teachers to work in K-8 or 5-12 mild/moderate instruction settings. This endorsement authorizes teachers for K-8 or 5-12 mild/moderate instruction, an in-demand teacher shortage area in Iowa.
Grand View’s Education program offers individualized, high-quality education that can lead to long-term career opportunities. Become equipped to work with individuals using evidence-based practices that meet the needs in our rapidly changing schools.
Courses You Will Take
Several of these courses are a part of teacher licensure. Licensed teachers enrolling in the program will have transcripts reviewed to determine how credits will transfer.
- Psychology & Development for Educators (EDUC 146)
- Pedagogies of Exceptional Learners (EDUC 242)
- Instructional Strategist I Methods (EDUC 343 / EDGR 533)
- Career / Vocational Programming (EDUC 360 / EDGR 535)
- Education Practicum: Instructional Strategist I (EDUC 362 / EDGR 532)
- Working with Families, Teachers, and Community Agencies (EDUC 363 / EDGR 536)
- Mental Health First Aid / Trauma-Informed Care: What to Know to Be Successful with Children (EDUC 415 / EDGR 515)
- Assessing and Instructing Struggling Readers (EDUC 431 / EDGR 543)
- Diagnosis and Evaluation of Special Education Students (EDUC 440 / EDGR 538)
- Individual Behavior Management (EDUC 475 / EDGR 539)
Download Course Schedule
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Instructional Strategist II: Intellectual Disabilities (25 credits) (Online)
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Grand View University offers future and current teachers the opportunity to add Instructional Strategist II endorsements in Intellectual Disabilities (ID) or Learning Disabilities and Behavior Disorders (LD/BD). These K-12 endorsements will prepare you to meet the educational needs of complex learners in your school community.
The Instructional Strategist II: ID endorsement is required to serve students with significant intellectual disabilities in the school setting. Because the endorsement is in a shortage area, adding it has the potential to expand your career opportunities exponentially. The endorsement allows you the opportunity to realize your vocation to be a valued and effective educator of students with significant cognitive disabilities.
Please note that teachers with an Instructional Strategist I endorsement may only have 9 to 10 hours to finish to complete the Instructional Strategist II endorsement.
Courses You Will Take
Several of these courses are a part of teacher licensure for those with Instructional Strategist I endorsements. Licensed teachers enrolling in the program will have transcripts reviewed to determine how credits will transfer.
- Pedagogies of Exceptional Learners (EDUC 242, 3 credits)
- Career / Vocational Programming (EDUC 360 / EDGR 535, 3 credits)
- Working with Families, Teachers, and Community Agencies (EDUC 363 / EDGR 536, 3 credits)
- Instructional Strategist II: Characteristics of Intellectual Disabilities (EDUC 367/EDGR 574, 3 credits)
- Diagnosis and Evaluation of Special Education Students (EDUC 440 / EDGR 538, 3 credits)
- Instructional Strategist II Methods: Using Assistive Technology (EDUC 466 / EDGR 566, 1 credit)
- Instructional Strategist II Methods: Designing Curriculum and Instruction for Students with ID (EDUC 467 / EDGR 567, 1 credit)
- Instructional Strategist II Methods: Challenging Behaviors (EDUC 468 / EDGR 568, 1 credit)
- Instructional Strategist II Methods: Education Assessment (for ages 5-21) (EDUC 469 / EDGR 569, 1 credit)
- Instructional Strategist II: ID Practicum (EDUC 472/ EDGR 572, 3 credits)
- Individual Behavior Management (EDUC 475 / EDGR 539, 3 credits)
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K-12 Instructional All Strategist
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The K-12 All Instructional Strategist All endorsement prepares teachers in all grade levels and areas of special education: mild to moderate disabilities and moderate to severe disabilities as it relates to cognition, learning, behavior, and physical needs.
Why Grand View?
Grand View is a small university that focused on student learning. One of the big advantages of being a small university is the 1-on-1 professional relationships that professor and student can built.
The K-12 All Instructional Strategist All endorsement is designed for working professionals with a completely online asynchronous program offering, if desired.
Teachers with an Instructional Strategist I endorsement may only have 10-13 additional credit hours to complete the K-12 All Instructional Strategist All endorsement.
Career Options:
Degree Combinations:
- This program is for Elementary or Secondary Education Majors, in-service teachers, or teachers seeking their Master of Education (M.Ed.)
Did You Know?
According to the United States Department of Education, “Special educators serve a critical role in our nation’s public school, yet 45% of schools reported vacancies in special education roles, and 78% reported difficulty in hiring special education staff.”
Because the endorsement is in a shortage area, adding it has the potential to expand your career opportunities exponentially. Teaching in a shortage area may also qualify you for loan forgiveness and grants through state and federal agencies.
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Instructional Strategist II: Learning Disabilities & Behavioral Disorders (25 credits) (Online)
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Grand View University offers future and current teachers the opportunity to add Instructional Strategist II endorsements in Intellectual Disabilities (ID) or Learning Disabilities and Behavior Disorders (LD/BD). These K-12 endorsements will prepare you to meet the educational needs of complex learners in your school community.
The Instructional Strategist II: LD/BD endorsement is required to serve students with significant learning disabilities and behavioral disorders in a school setting. You’ll engage in rewarding work as students develop emotionally and behaviorally. Having the additional endorsement will be a valuable credential in your job search.
Please note that teachers with an Instructional Strategist I endorsement may only have 9 to 10 hours to finish to complete the Instructional Strategist II endorsement.
Courses You Will Take
Several of these courses are a part of teacher licensure for those with Instructional Strategist I endorsements. Licensed teachers enrolling in the program will have transcripts reviewed to determine how credits will transfer.
- Pedagogies of Exceptional Learners (EDUC 242, 3 credits)
- Career / Vocational Programming (EDUC 360 / EDGR 535, 3 credits)
- Working with Families, Teachers, and Community Agencies (EDUC 363 / EDGR 536, 3 credits)
- Instructional Strategist II: Characteristics of Learning Disabilities & Behavioral Disorders (EDUC 366/EDGR 573, 2 credits)
- Mental Health First Aid / Trauma-Informed Care: What to Know to Be Successful with Children (EDUC 415 / EDGR 515, 1 credit)
- Diagnosis and Evaluation of Special Education Students (EDUC 440 / EDGR 538, 3 credits)
- Instructional Strategist II Methods: Learning Disabilities (EDUC 478 / EDGR 578, 2 credits)
- Instructional Strategist II Methods: Behavioral Disorders (EDUC 479 / EDGR 579, 2 credits)
- Instructional Strategist II: LD/BD Practicum (EDUC 464/ EDGR 564, 3 credits)
- Individual Behavior Management (EDUC 475 / EDGR 539, 3 credits)
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Professional School Counseling Endorsement
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Grand View University's Professional School Counseling Endorsement is intended to allow master's level teachers and master's level graduates from related programs (counseling, social work) in Iowa to receive their school counseling endorsement without enrolling in a new master's program in school counseling.
Applicants with a bachelor's degree are able to apply but must have a master's completed at the time of licensure.
This pathway will allow students to meet Iowa's school counseling educational requirement. Graduates can advise and assist students and provide educational and vocational guidance services.
Teachers that are already licensed in the state of Iowa may need only 36 credits to complete this endorsement. Teachers can begin working as a professional school counselor as early as one year after beginning the endorsement, and can complete their last year of internship as a professional school counselor with a Class G license. Teachers are encouraged to include copy of their teacher's license when applying to Grand View.
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Reading (17 credits)
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- Language Acquisition and Learning (3)
- Writing Across the Curriculum (3)
- Content Area Reading (3)
- Assessing and Instructing Struggling Readers (3)
- Teaching Individualized Reading (1)
- Education Practicum: Reading K-8/5-12 (2)
- Linguistics for Educators
The endorsement requirements vary slightly for elementary and secondary levels. Transcripts must be analyzed to identify the specific requirements needed to complete any endorsement.
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Grand View University has partnered with VESi to provide you with affordable online courses. VESi offers online continuing education courses for professional development and salary advancement.
If you have any questions, please contact Rick Eftink at reftink @ grandview.edu.
View Complete VESi Course List