The 3+2 Elementary Education Program allows students to complete a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in Education in five or more years with an emphasis in one the following areas: K-12 Online Teacher Leadership; Reading Leadership; Teacher Leadership. Additional coursework is required to be recommended for a Reading Teacher or Reading Specialist endorsement.
To be accepted into the 3+2 Elementary Education Program, each student must:
- Provide letters of recommendation from at least one Education Department faculty member and one faculty member of a core content area discipline
- Have demonstrated content knowledge by passing the relevant Praxis exam(s) as defined by the Colorado Department of Education
- Be accepted into Western's Teacher Licensure Program
- Successfully complete EDUC 340 Application of Pedagogy and Practice or show proof of registration
- Be on track to complete all coursework required within the academic major
Upon satisfactory completion of these requirements, students will be designated as "MAED candidates with provisional acceptance." Upon completion of the residency year coursework and requirements, students will be designated as "MAED degree seeking students." Students who have completed all other requirements of the 3+2 Elementary Education Degree Program and all Western undergraduate requirements, yet choose to leave the MAED program before Year Five, will still have completed the BA in Elementary Education, have earned 120 credits necessary for a Western undergraduate degree, and be eligible to apply for initial teacher licensure.
Program Requirements
Students seeking Elementary Licensure in the 3+2 Elementary Education Program (grades K-6) must complete the interdisciplinary requirements of the Elementary Education Major, all other University requirements, and the Elementary Licensure requirements set forth by the Colorado Department of Education.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary Education Core Content: | ||
| MATH 140 | College Algebra (GT-MA1) | 3 |
| MATH 221 | Foundations of Mathematics for Teaching I | 3 |
| MATH 222 | Foundations of Mathematics for Teaching II | 3 |
| MATH 323 | Foundations of Mathematics for Teaching III | 3 |
| SCI 110 | Habitable Planet (with laboratory) | 4 |
| SCI 111 | Nature of Science | 1 |
| SCI 120 | Living Planet (with laboratory) | 4 |
| SCI 210 | Dynamic Planet (with laboratory) | 4 |
| Two of the following: | 6 | |
| Introduction to Literature (GT-AH2) | ||
| Introduction to Creative Writing (GT-AH1) | ||
| Grammar and the English Language | ||
| Critical Approaches to Literature | ||
| Literature and Ethnicity: Studies in: | ||
| Poetry: Studies in: | ||
| Women Writers | ||
| Children's Literature | ||
| Four of the following (courses must include at least 3 disciplines): | 12 | |
| Macroeconomics (GT-SS1) | ||
| Microeconomics | ||
| Environmental Economics | ||
| Introduction to Human Geography (GT-SS2) | ||
| Geography of North America (GT-SS2) | ||
| Geography of Latin America and the Caribbean | ||
| Topics in World History (GT-HI1) | ||
| U.S. History to 1865 (GT-HI1) | ||
| U.S. History Since 1865 (GT-HI1) | ||
| Historical Inquiry | ||
| HISTORY OF LATIN AMERICA GHI1 | ||
| Colorado History | ||
| History of the Hispanic Southwest | ||
| Introduction to Political Ideas (GT-SS1) | ||
| Introduction to American Politics (GT-SS1) | ||
| Politics of the Environment | ||
| Total Credits | 43 | |
Specialization:
The Elementary Education Major requires students to take at least 18 credits in a specialized area of interest. The student may choose one of the following options:
Option 1 is to minor in any minor offered at Western Colorado University
Option 2 is to complete at least 18 credits in one of the Areas of Emphasis below:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Emphasis in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity | ||
| Select six of the following: | 18 | |
| Women Artists | ||
| Native American Art of North America | ||
| Borderlands: Representing Race, Class, Gender, and Sexuality | ||
| Women and Literature | ||
| Literature and Ethnicity: Studies in: | ||
| Women Writers | ||
| Geography of Latin America and the Caribbean | ||
| History of Africa (GT-HI1) | ||
| HISTORY OF LATIN AMERICA GHI1 | ||
| History of the Hispanic Southwest | ||
| Environmental History of the Borderlands | ||
| Politics of Social Movements | ||
| Human Rights | ||
| American Political Thought | ||
| Introduction to Sociology (GT-SS3) | ||
| Social Problems | ||
| Social Movements | ||
| Social Class, Status, and Power | ||
| Total Credits | 18 | |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Emphasis in Global Citizenship | ||
| Select six of the following: | 18 | |
| Introduction to General Anthropology | ||
| Cultural Anthropology (with laboratory) | ||
| Dramatic Literature and Script Analysis | ||
| Public Relations Communication | ||
| Advanced Cinema Studies | ||
| International Economics and Globalization | ||
| Global Literatures: Studies in: The Underworld | ||
| Introduction to Environment and Sustainability (GT-SS2) | ||
| U.S. and Western Environmental Politics | ||
| Watersheds of the World | ||
| World Regional Geography (GT-SS2) | ||
| Introduction to Human Geography (GT-SS2) | ||
| Geography of Latin America and the Caribbean | ||
| History of Africa (GT-HI1) | ||
| African History: Topics | ||
| Introduction to World Politics (GT-SS1) | ||
| Politics of Social Movements | ||
| The Global South | ||
| American Foreign Policy | ||
| Introduction to Sociology (GT-SS3) | ||
| Social Problems | ||
| Social Movements | ||
| Social Class, Status, and Power | ||
| Elementary Spanish I | ||
| Elementary Spanish II | ||
| Total Credits | 18 | |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Emphasis in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) | ||
| Select six of the following: | 18 | |
| Foundation Drawing I | ||
| Foundation Design: Two-Dimensional | ||
| Foundation Design: Three-Dimensional | ||
| Environmental Biology (GT-SC2) | ||
| Introduction to Film | ||
| Introduction to Theatre (GT-AH1) | ||
| Introduction to Acting | ||
| Introduction to Media Production I | ||
| Multimedia Communication | ||
| MEDIA PRODUCTION: DOCUMENTARY | ||
| Computer Science I | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Introduction to Engineering Design | ||
| Applied Linear Algebra | ||
A 300-level MATH course | ||
| Introductory Astronomy (GT-SC2) | ||
| Meteorology (GT-SC2) | ||
| Energy and the Environment (GT-SC2) | ||
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Required Education Coursework
The Elementary Licensure Program requires 42 credits of Education coursework and the Gateway course (including 6 credits of EDUC 619).
Pre-Residency Coursework:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC 000 | Education Gateway Course | 0 |
| EDUC 102 | Learning & Teaching | 3 |
| EDUC 202 | Education and Schooling in the U.S. | 3 |
| EDUC 210 | Science Teaching Methods | 3 |
| EDUC 326 | Equity, Diversity and Social Justice in Education | 3 |
| EDUC 340 | Application of Pedagogy and Practice | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
4th year Residency Coursework:
Elementary Licensure Coursework to be taken year 4 of 3+2 Elementary Education MAED Program.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC 405 | Data-driven Instructional Practices | 3 |
| EDUC 408 | Teaching Writing with the Brain in Mind | 3 |
| EDUC 600 | Foundations of Literacy Development | 3 |
| EDUC 601 | Methods and Strategies of Effective Reading Instruction | 3 |
| EDUC 604 | Learning Environments | 3 |
| EDUC 613 | Methods and Strategies of Effective Mathematics Instruction | 3 |
| EDUC 628 | Pedagogies for English Learners | 3 |
| Six credits of the following: | 6 | |
| Elementary Student Teaching | ||
| Total Credits | 27 | |
The residency for Elementary Licensure must be completed in a K-6 classroom, where students are expected to work cooperatively 24 hours per week with qualified mentor teachers. During this year-long clinical residency, students are applying and extending the pedagogical knowledge that they are learning in their Education courses. The Elementary Licensure coursework and the post-licensure coursework are taught online.
5th year Post-Licensure Coursework
Once accepted to the 3+2 Elementary Education MAED Program, students must declare their MA emphasis and the School of Graduate Studies will designate the student as an "MAED degree seeking student." Students in the Elementary Education 3+2 Program may choose an MA emphasis in K-12 Online Leadership, Teacher Leadership, Reading Leadership or endorsement in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education.
All Elementary Education 3+2 students will be required to take 3-6 credits of 600 level education electives. The only exception is Master of Arts in Education with Endorsement in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education which has a pre-determined 22 credit course series.
Elective Education Coursework to be taken year 5 of 3 + 2 Secondary and K-12 Education MAED Program:
Education with emphasis in K-12 Online Teacher Leadership, Master of Arts
K-12 Online Teacher Leadership is defined as the work of an individual (an online-teacher leader) teaching online in a virtual school and/or in a blended K-12 learning environment (a) who knows federal and state policies related to online and blended teaching and learning; has advanced knowledge of the development, implementation, and evaluation of quality online teaching and instructional design and (b) who can work effectively with other online or blended instructional staff to meet the targeted learning needs of all students. The K-12 online teacher leader provides professional guidance and expertise to virtual or brick and mortar schools on effective curriculum, instruction, and assessment programs in relation to online and blended learning.
To earn the MA in Education with emphasis in K-12 Online Teacher Leadership, the candidate must successfully complete 43 graduate credits of education course work in conjunction with in-classroom/school practical experience. Already licensed teachers have the option of adding an endorsement in one of the licensure areas above during their first year of study. Successful completion of the K-12 Online Teacher Leadership emphasis will result in earning the MA degree.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC 621 | Creating Effective Online & Blended Learning Environments | 3 |
| EDUC 622 | Using Data to Plan for Online & Blended Learning and Targeted Interventions | 3 |
| EDUC 623 | Designing and Delivering Effective Online & Blended Instruction | 3 |
| EDUC 680 | Action Research for Educational Leaders | 4 |
| EDUC 693 | Conduct, Reflect, and Present Action Research | 3 |
| Total Credits | 16 | |
In addition to the courses listed above, 3+2 candidates must take 6 credits of 600-level education electives for a total of 22 credits.
Education with emphasis in Reading Leadership, Master of Arts
Reading Leadership is defined as the work of an individual (a reading-leader) situated in the classroom or in a school or district-level position who has advanced knowledge of federal and state policies related to literacy; has deep understanding of the development, implementation, and evaluation of scientifically-based reading programs; and can work effectively with other instructional staff to meet the literacy needs of all students. The reading leader provides professional guidance and expertise to classroom teachers, school and/or district literacy curriculum, instruction, and assessment programs; and develops and conducts in-service programs related to literacy.
To earn the MA in Education with emphasis in Reading Leadership, the candidate must successfully complete 43 graduate credits of education course work in conjunction with in-classroom/school practical experience. Successful completion of the Reading Leadership emphasis will result in earning the MA degree. To be recommended for a Colorado Department of Education Reading Specialist endorsement, the candidate must also take EDUC 689 Reading Specialist Internship. Additional requirements to be endorsed as a Colorado Department of Education Reading Specialist are to hold a Colorado initial or professional teacher license and have three or more years of full-time, demonstrated classroom teaching experience. Applicants can wait to apply to the Colorado Department of Education for the endorsement until they have met these additional requirements.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC 602 | Literacy Assessment Informed Instruction | 3 |
| EDUC 680 | Action Research for Educational Leaders | 4 |
| EDUC 685 | Assessing, Evaluating, and Instructing At-risk and Struggling Readers | 3 |
| EDUC 686 | Student-Focused Coaching and Mentoring | 3 |
| EDUC 687 | School-Wide Comprehensive Literacy Program Development | 3 |
| EDUC 689 | Reading Specialist Internship | 3 |
| EDUC 693 | Conduct, Reflect, and Present Action Research | 3 |
| Total Credits | 22 | |
Education with emphasis in Teacher Leadership, Master of Arts
Teacher Leadership is defined as the work of an individual (a teacher-leader) within a school who is regarded as an excellent educator; is well respected by peers; is recognized for his or her leadership capacity; holds a lifelong learning orientation; and has been identified to facilitate, advocate, and advance school reform and improvement of student learning. The work of a Teacher Leader is typically carried out through informal and formal venues and processes; for example, with teachers in their classrooms, district-level task forces, committee, and/or membership in district-level professional development projects. To earn the MA in Education with emphasis in Teacher Leadership, the candidate must successfully complete 43 graduate credits of education coursework in conjunction with in-classroom/school practical experience. Already licensed teachers have the option of adding an endorsement in the licensure areas listed above during their first year of study. Successful completion of the Teacher Leadership emphasis will result in earning the MA degree.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC 632 | Overview of Special Services | 3 |
| EDUC 669 | Formal and Informal Methods of Assessment | 3 |
| EDUC 680 | Action Research for Educational Leaders | 4 |
| EDUC 681 | Instructional Program Evaluation | 3 |
| EDUC 682 | Shaping School Culture | 3 |
| EDUC 693 | Conduct, Reflect, and Present Action Research | 3 |
| Total Credits | 19 | |
In addition to the courses listed above, 3+2 Teacher Leadership candidates must take 3 credits of 600-level education electives.
*EDUC 697 may only be taken upon instructor approval. Students interested in EDUC 697 must consult with the graduate advisor prior to enrolling in this course.Master of Arts in Education with Endorsement in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLD) teaching is defined as the work of an individual (a CLD Interventionist or CLD Teacher Leader) who serves as a liaison between various constituents accountable for meeting the needs of CLD learners in the school and community settings. This individual is aware of state, national, and local cultural norms, legalities, and policies that impact student learning and the acquisition of English language proficiency. The CLD teacher has the ability to guide and support stakeholders associated with serving CLD learners to sustain high levels of productivity, collaboration, and achievement.
To earn the 3+2 MA in Education with an endorsement in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education, the candidate must successfully complete 43 graduate credits of education coursework in conjunction with in-classroom/school practical experience. The candidate must be a licensed teacher and will be eligible to add a CLD endorsement at the conclusion of the following sequence of MA coursework.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC 616 | Language Acquisition for Linguistically Diverse Students | 3 |
| EDUC 617 | Linguistically Diverse Student Literacies | 3 |
| EDUC 618 | Linguistically Diverse Student Teaching | 3 |
| EDUC 680 | Action Research for Educational Leaders | 4 |
| EDUC 693 | Conduct, Reflect, and Present Action Research | 3 |
| Total Credits | 16 | |
In addition to the courses listed above, 3+2 candidates must take 6 credits of 600-level education electives.
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| EDUC 000 | Education Gateway Course | 0 |
| HWTR 100 | First Year Seminar | 1 |
| MATH 140 | College Algebra (GT-MA1) | 3 |
| SCI 110 | Habitable Planet (with laboratory) | 4 |
| EDUC 102 | Learning & Teaching (GT-SS3) | 3 |
| ENG 102 | Writing and Rhetoric I (GT-CO1) | 3 |
| Gen Ed | Social Sciences | 3 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| Gen Ed | Social Sciences | 3 |
| SCI 120 | Living Planet (with laboratory) | 4 |
| Gen Ed | Social Sciences | 3 |
| ENG 103 | Writing and Rhetoric II (GT-CO2) | 3 |
| Gen Ed | Arts & Humanities | 3 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| MATH 221 | Foundations of Mathematics for Teaching I | 3 |
| Elective | Specialization Elective | 3 |
| Gen Ed | Social Sciences | 3 |
| EDUC 202 | Education and Schooling in the U.S. (GT-SS3) | 3 |
| Elective | ENG Elective | 3 |
| SCI 111 | Nature of Science | 1 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| MATH 222 | Foundations of Mathematics for Teaching II | 3 |
| SCI 210 | Dynamic Planet (with laboratory) | 4 |
| Elective | Specialization Elective | 3 |
| EDUC 210 | Science Teaching Methods | 3 |
| Gen Ed | Social Sciences | 3 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Year Three | ||
| Fall | ||
| Gen Ed | Arts & Humanities | 6 |
| MATH 323 | Foundations of Mathematics for Teaching III | 3 |
| Elective | Specialization Elective | 3 |
| Elective | Specialization Elective | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Elective | Specialization Elective | 3 |
| EDUC 326 | Equity, Diversity and Social Justice in Education | 3 |
| Elective | ENG Elective | 3 |
| EDUC 340 | Application of Pedagogy and Practice | 3 |
| Elective | Specialization Elective (upper divisional) | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Year Four | ||
| Fall | ||
| EDUC 405 | Data-driven Instructional Practices | 3 |
| EDUC 613 | Methods and Strategies of Effective Mathematics Instruction | 3 |
| EDUC 600 | Foundations of Literacy Development | 3 |
| EDUC 604 | Learning Environments | 3 |
| EDUC 619 | Elementary Student Teaching | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| EDUC 601 | Methods and Strategies of Effective Reading Instruction | 3 |
| EDUC 628 | Pedagogies for English Learners | 3 |
| EDUC 408 | Teaching Writing with the Brain in Mind | 3 |
| EDUC 619 | Elementary Student Teaching | 3 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 122 | |
Year 5
K-12 Online Teacher Leadership
| Year Five | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| EDUC 621 | Creating Effective Online & Blended Learning Environments | 3 |
| EDUC 622 | Using Data to Plan for Online & Blended Learning and Targeted Interventions | 3 |
| EDUC 680 | Action Research for Educational Leaders | 4 |
| Credits | 10 | |
| Spring | ||
| EDUC 623 | Designing and Delivering Effective Online & Blended Instruction | 3 |
| EDUC 693 | Conduct, Reflect, and Present Action Research | 3 |
| EDUC | 6XX Elective | 6 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 22 | |
Reading Leadership
| Year Five | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| EDUC 602 | Literacy Assessment Informed Instruction | 3 |
| EDUC 680 | Action Research for Educational Leaders | 4 |
| EDUC 685 | Assessing, Evaluating, and Instructing At-risk and Struggling Readers | 3 |
| Credits | 10 | |
| Spring | ||
| EDUC 686 | Student-Focused Coaching and Mentoring | 3 |
| EDUC 687 | School-Wide Comprehensive Literacy Program Development | 3 |
| EDUC 689 | Reading Specialist Internship | 3 |
| EDUC 693 | Conduct, Reflect, and Present Action Research | 3 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 22 | |
Teacher Leadership
| Year Five | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| EDUC 680 | Action Research for Educational Leaders | 4 |
| EDUC 681 | Instructional Program Evaluation | 3 |
| EDUC 682 | Shaping School Culture | 3 |
| Credits | 10 | |
| Spring | ||
| EDUC 632 | Overview of Special Services | 3 |
| EDUC 669 | Formal and Informal Methods of Assessment | 3 |
| EDUC 693 | Conduct, Reflect, and Present Action Research | 3 |
| EDUC | 6XX Elective | 3 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 22 | |