Secondary Teaching: Grades 6-12

Admission

In addition to general admissions requirements, admission to this degree program requires applicants to have a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or have a GPA in the top 50th percentile for coursework completed during the most recent two years of the applicant’s general education, whether secondary or post-secondary.

Admission to the Master of Arts in Secondary Teaching degree program requires the following:

1. Complete and submit the Application for Admission, accompanied by a non-refundable application fee.

2. Submit an official transcript or transcripts verifying completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Transcripts and all application documents should be sent to Wilmington University Office of Graduate Admissions. Please note that any course(s) accepted for transfer into the program must have a letter grade of B or better and be from a degree-granting, regionally-accredited institution. With official transcripts, submit a copy of your Immunization Records.

3. Schedule a program planning conference with a Graduate Program Advisor, the Program Chair or the Assistant Chair.

After completing all of the above, register for MED 6102 (E-Folio) and MAS 7604 (Technology for Instruction). MED 6102 and MAS 7604 are prerequisites for all other courses in the program.

Program Advising

All candidates entering and completing the Master of Arts in Secondary Teaching (6-12) are required to meet with an academic advisor two times through the course of the program. 

Advising Appointment 1 – Program Planning Conference – This meeting will happen after application to the program but before registration for coursework. Meeting topics will include:

• Initial course selection
• Program course sequencing including the importance of taking practicum I MAS 7996 in the first semester of coursework
• Content coursework required for desired area of certification which includes a review of previous college transcripts and a list of content courses the candidate will need to complete before registration for MAS 7998 – Practicum III
• An understanding of Praxis requirements for initial licensure

Advising Appointment 2 – The Program Progress Review is required when a candidate registers for Practicum III.  A candidate will not be permitted to enroll in Practicum III until this meeting has been conducted and documented.  This meeting will review:

• Completion of content coursework requirements for area of concentration

Content and Performance Assessment Requirements

Praxis Testing Requirements

Prior to placement for student teaching/internship in secondary education, candidates must meet the qualifying score on the ETS PRAXIS II content knowledge exam for licensure/certification as a secondary teacher (grades 6-12).

Please note that state-mandated licensure/certification exams and minimum score requirements are subject to change by the Delaware Department of Education.  Any changes mandated by the Department of Education will be implemented as required by state regulation. 

Test takers should designate Wilmington University and the Delaware Department of Education as score recipients. This enables scores to be sent directly, confidentially, and electronically to the University and to the DE Department of Education.

NOTE: Wilmington University is obligated to modify educator preparation program requirements to comply with any regulatory mandates/changes of the Delaware Department of Education.

Performance Assessment

The College of Education and Liberal Arts at Wilmington University requires students pursuing teacher preparation degrees to take the Praxis Performance Assessment for Teachers (PPAT) in order to qualify for program completion and degree conferral. The performance assessment is not scored by any employees of the University.  It is scored by Nationally Certified ETS Reviewers not associated with Wilmington University. Completing this assessment is a student teaching requirement.  Candidates must check with their supervisors, program advisors or program chairs to obtain current and accurate information related score expectations.

Program Changes

The Master of Arts in Secondary Teaching degree program contributes to eligibility for initial licensure and certification as a Delaware educator and is approved by the Delaware Department of Education. Any changes that are mandated by the Delaware Department of Education or the Delaware General Assembly will be implemented in accordance with state regulations. 

Program Purpose

The Master of Arts in Secondary Teaching degree program prepares teachers to meet the academic and social needs of students in grades 6-12. The program is based on the premises that teachers must be sensitive to varying social demands and expectations; must be able to diagnose and address the individual learning and developmental needs of students, including emotional, physical, social, and cognitive needs; must be able to use technology in all aspects of their profession; must make important decisions about how and what to teach in the face of an overwhelming knowledge explosion; and must reach out more effectively to parents and the community.

Program Competencies

Master of Arts degree programs in the College of Education and Liberal Arts are designed to prepare educators who demonstrate the following competencies:

Learner Development

The teacher understands how learners grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and designs and implements developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences.

Learning Differences

The teacher uses understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high standards.

Learning Environments

The teacher works with others to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning, and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self- motivation.

Content Knowledge

The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and creates learning experiences that make the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners to assure mastery of the content.

Application of Content

The teacher understands how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues.

Assessment

The teacher understands and uses multiple methods of assessment to engage learners in their own growth, to monitor learner progress, and to guide the teacher’s and learner’s decision making.

Planning for Instruction

The teacher plans instruction that supports every student in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross disciplinary skills, and pedagogy, as well as knowledge of learners and the community context.

Instructional Strategies

The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas and their connections, and to build skills to apply knowledge in meaningful ways.

Professional Learning and Ethical Practice

The teacher engages in ongoing professional learning and uses evidence to continually evaluate his/her practice, particularly the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and the community), and adapts practice to meet the needs of each learner.

Leadership and Collaboration

The teacher seeks appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning, to collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals, and community members to ensure learner growth, and to advance the profession.

Outcomes Assessment

The assessment of content knowledge, pedagogy, learning theory, and performance competencies is accomplished through satisfactory attainment of specific course objectives; satisfactory performance on tests of general and content-related knowledge, as well as performance assessments, successful completion of assignments linked to program competencies and graduation competencies; fieldwork evaluations from advisors and school-based mentors; and evaluations and post-graduation surveys.

Program Design

The Master of Arts in Secondary Teaching degree program is designed for individuals with undergraduate or graduate degrees in content/subject areas taught in the middle level and high schools in our region. The curriculum provides individuals with the professional preparation necessary for licensure and certification in the selected content area(s).

To be eligible for the program, a teacher candidate must hold a degree with a major in a secondary content area from a regionally-accredited college or university. At entry, transcripts of prior coursework will be carefully reviewed to determine if content area coursework has been completed that satisfies national standards. Any omissions in such content area coursework must be completed before Student Teaching/Teaching Internship.

The MAT program is an attractive route into high school teaching for individuals coming into the field from other professions. In a relatively short period of time, the program will prepare teacher candidates to teach students at the middle and high school level using the teacher candidate’s previously acquired content major. When they complete the program, successful teacher candidates will enter or move forward in the teaching profession (and will be compensated) at the master’s degree level. Through the program, teacher candidates will be prepared to face the challenges of teaching in a middle or high school classroom and will be better able to help students meet the rigorous achievement standards now expected in secondary schools. 

Dual Certification

Teacher Candidates should consider completion of coursework in other certification areas as an enhancement to their initial certificates. For example, completion of specific pedagogical coursework in Special Education, passing the appropriate Praxis II category assessment, and completing Student Teaching/Internship placement in an inclusion setting would contribute to eligibility for dual certification.

Contact a Program Advisor or Program Chair for specific details.

Program Requirements

Teacher candidates are expected to complete all requirements associated with the Master of Arts in Teaching degree, including all content course work, master’s course work, and fieldwork/clinical experiences. Pedagogical courses, MAS 8805, Performance Assessment, and the appropriate Praxis II Content Knowledge test must be satisfied prior to taking MAS 8801 Student Teaching/Internship. The Praxis II Content Knowledge test must be taken by the completion of MAS 7997, Practicum II and passed prior to MAS 8801, Student Teaching/Teaching Internship as a condition of entry into MAS 8801. All courses have one or more goals for both diversity in education and writing across the curriculum.

The College of Education and Liberal Arts sets a required minimum grade of “C-” for all education core courses as well as courses needed to satisfy the content major. However, an overall GPA of 3.0 is required for program completion.

Teacher candidates must apply to the Office of Clinical Studies for a Student Teaching/Teaching Internship placement for the Fall semester (September) by February 1 or for the Spring semester (January) by August 1. Student Teaching/Teaching Internship applications are to be submitted electronically in Watermark. Applications do NOT take the place of registering for Student Teaching/Teaching Internship. Registration and payment of all fees, including laboratory fees for Student Teaching/Teaching Internship, are still required. All sections of the relevant PRAXIS II test, a 3.0 grade point average, and approval from the Office of Clinical Studies are required for Student Teaching/Teaching Internship.

Fieldwork Requirements

All fieldwork placements are arranged by the Office of Clinical Studies in accordance with school district partnership agreements and placement protocols. However, final placement decisions are made by school district officials in coordination with placement specialists and are based on school and district needs and the availability of school-based mentors who are rated as highly qualified and effective. Candidates are not permitted to seek or arrange their own placements.

Practicum Courses (Practicum I, II, III)

Each of these three courses requires 60 hours of field experience in an approved school setting plus 30 hours of required seminars. Although Practicum courses only require candidates to register and pay for one (1) credit for each course, the courses are structured as three (3) credit courses. The reason for this approach is to keep the total credit hours required for the degree as low as possible and still meet state certification requirements. Otherwise, candidates would have to register and pay for an additional 6 credits. This benefit represents a tuition cost savings of more than $2,000.

All practicum placements are arranged by the Office of Clinical Studies in accordance with school district partnership agreements and placement protocols. Final placement decisions are made by school district officials in coordination with the Office of Clinical Studies placement specialists. Candidates are not permitted to seek or arrange their own placements.  The 60 hours of field experience required for each practicum will usually take place in the county where the candidate attends the seminars, although this may vary depending on availability of practicum placement classrooms.

To be considered for placement in a K-6 school setting, teacher candidates must complete the Practicum Fieldwork application in Watermark by the deadlines of February 1 for placement in Fall (September) and August 1 for placement in Spring (January).  At the time of application, a sealed Federal and Delaware CBC (Criminal Background Check) Report, a recent TB/PPD (less than a year old) and a completed CPR (Child Protection Registry Form) are required.  To be eligible for registration into Practicum III, all required Praxis exams must have been attempted.

Capstone Clinical Experience (Student Teaching/Internship)

Student Teaching/Teaching Internship

The capstone clinical experience is a full-time, full-day, Monday through Friday, placement of 80 school days in an approved setting and in a content area/grade level that corresponds to a candidate's program concentration. A full immersion, Yearlong Residency option may also be available. Check with a Program Chair for more information.

Teacher candidates must apply to the Office of Clinical Studies for a Student Teaching/Internship placement for the Fall semester (September) by February 1 or for the Spring semester (January) by August 1. Student Teaching/Teaching Internship applications are to be submitted electronically in Watermark. Applications do NOT take the place of registering for Student Teaching/Internship. Registration and payment of all fees, including laboratory fees for Student Teaching/Internship, are still required. At the time of application, a new and sealed Federal and Delaware CBC (Criminal Background Check) Report, a new TB/PPD, a completed health form, and a completed CPR (Child Protection Registry Form) are required. For Practicum I and Student Teaching Internship (clearances submitted for Practicum I hold firm for all three Practica: I, II, and III).

Placement and registration requirements include the following: Passing and/or Qualifying scores (see above) on the relevant Praxis II Content Knowledge test, a 3.0 grade point average, completion of all teacher preparation and content coursework, and a completed application in Watermark and all required clearance items.  All placements are arranged by placement specialists in the WilmU Office of Clinical Studies in accordance with school district partnership agreements and protocols. However, final placement decisions are made by school district officials in coordination with the Office of Clinical Studies placement specialists and are based on school and district needs and the availability of school-based mentors who are rated as highly qualified.

NOTE: Registration for MAS 8801, Student Teaching/Internship, requires a 3.00 grade point average, successful completion of all other coursework, passing scores on all required Praxis exams, and an approved application from the Office of Clinical Studies.

Course Requirements

Secondary Teaching: Grade 6-12