Graduate Education

Mission Statement

The mission of the Education Programs at Saint Michael’s College is to contribute to the advancement of culture through education, with an emphasis on creativity, curiosity, contemplation, collaboration, reflection and social justice. Our programs are united by this vision and the following program outcomes:

• Our graduates are passionate and curious scholars.

They skillfully use their research and analytical skills to investigate educational issues and identify the most promising developmentally based practices to support student learning. They aim to inspire similar levels of engagement, critical thinking, and curiosity in their students.

• Our graduates are creative and integrative educators.

They are adept at both discipline-based and interdisciplinary teaching methods, using emerging technologies, social interaction, and imagination to support students’ achievement of rigorous academic standards. Understanding the connection between intellectual and emotional-social growth, they help their students gain self-knowledge and assume responsibility for their own learning.

• Our graduates are reflective and contemplative practitioners.

They thoughtfully implement curriculum and assessments, drawing from a solid theoretical base to guide instruction and leadership decisions. They balance action with reflection to stay centered and purposeful in active environments, offering a role model for their students.

• Our graduates are change agents committed to social justice and sustainability.

They provide their students with personalized learning opportunities in an environment that promotes cultural responsiveness, critical consciousness, and equity for all. They facilitate projects that engage their students in finding solutions to community-based problems and global issues.

• Our graduates are collaborative and knowledgeable instructional leaders.

They are equipped with the understandings, skills, and dispositions needed to participate in and lead learning communities. They anticipate and navigate professional, cultural, and technological shifts, modeling for their students and colleagues what it means to be flexible life-long learners

History and Description

Graduate Programs in Education began in the summer session of 1940. This was the first program of graduate studies at Saint Michael’s College. Then, as now, professional courses of study for educators were viewed as an extension of the liberal arts tradition upon which the College was founded. Entrance requirements have always sought to identify candidates who were and are potential leaders and scholars in their disciplines. Throughout the years, the graduate education program has grown and diversified, but the connection to the liberal arts tradition remains.

The programs are designed for adults who already have a baccalaureate degree. Students may begin their program during any semester, although a specific sequence of courses may be recommended in some concentrations/programs. During the fall and spring semesters, classes meet evenings and on weekends. During the summer, classes meet both during the day and in the evening.

In planning a M.Ed. or C.A.G.S. program, students may choose one of the concentrations listed below, which are described in detail later in this catalogue:

Arts
Curriculum
Literacy
School Leadership
Special Education

Within Graduate Programs in Education, students may follow Vermont Agency of Education approved programs to obtain initial licensure as an elementary, middle level, or secondary educator, K-12 licensure in art, special education, and an English Language Learner License. Approved content areas for secondary teachers are: art, English, mathematics, modern and classical languages, science and social studies. Middle licensure includes the same content areas except for Modern and Classical Languages. A maximum of eighteen credits earned towards initial licensure can be applied towards a Masters of Education (M.Ed.). The licensure program is embedded in the M.Ed. Those students applying for licensure must also apply for a M.Ed. or C.A.G.S.

Teachers who are already licensed can earn an additional endorsement in areas such as English Language Learner, leadership (Principal, Director of Special Education, or Director of Curriculum), reading teacher, consulting teacher, and special educator. These programs are designed so that a student can complete an M.Ed. degree and the licensure endorsement area concurrently. However, requirements for the completion of the degree and the licensure are not exactly the same, and such, a program must be carefully planned with the appropriate academic advisor.

Initial Vermont Teacher Licensure Program

The initial teacher licensure program is comprised of Master’s level courses and is embedded in the Master’s program, with all students selecting a Master’s concentration and a licensure endorsement area. Students will have an advisor for each of these areas. All students applying to a licensure program must have previous experience with children, ideally within the K-12 schools at the level they want to teach. Students who complete the licensure program may apply eighteen of the licensure credits to their Master’s program with the exception of Practicum/Internship credits. The admissions process is a selective one. We do not admit all those candidates who meet our minimum requirements that are listed under each licensure description.

Students follow Vermont Agency of Education approved programs to obtain initial licensure as an Elementary, Middle, Secondary, Art, English Language Learner, and Special Education teacher. Approved content areas for Secondary Teachers are: Art, English, Mathematics, Modern and Classical Languages, Science, and Social Studies. Middle licensure includes the same content areas except for Modern and Classical Languages.

The teacher preparation courses address the program goals and encourage prospective teachers to consider and emphasize knowledge and skills directly related to the Common Core State Standards as well as other standards. Each licensure student must complete a Teacher Licensure Portfolio. Successful completion of required courses usually indicates readiness for student teaching. Occasionally, however, additional work may be necessary to be recommended for licensure. Students must have a B or better in each required licensure course.

A maximum of eighteen credits of the coursework towards teacher licensure may be applied to the requirements for the M.Ed. degree. Certain courses in the licensure programs (such as GED 550 and 555) cannot be applied towards the M.Ed. degree. Students should work closely with their academic advisor when planning their course of study towards teacher licensure and the M.Ed. degree.

Federal Title II

According to Federal Title II mandates, Saint Michael’s College must publish the percentage of those students who are recommended for licensure. To be recommended for licensure, students must successfully complete our programs by meeting all GPA, course, portfolio, and testing requirements. Based on these criteria, we have recommended 100 percent of our program completers for licensure.

Praxis Core and Praxis II Exams

Initial licensure students must pass PRAXIS Core (and PRAXIS II where applicable) prior to student teaching. It is the student’s responsibility to complete this testing by the appropriate deadline.