Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE - The University of Wisconsin-Platteville has been preparing teachers since 1866, as it was the first normal school in the state of Wisconsin. Two years ago, in keeping with UWP's history of high educational standards, the university began a process of researching and developing new core courses within the Master of Science in Education (MSE) program.

UWP is meeting the needs of working students by offering delivery of classes in a flexible format through a combination of face-to-face and online-based activities. Sue Alborn-Yilek, the MSE program coordinator, believes this program will provide students with the opportunity to develop expertise in a teaching specialty that will greatly enhance the student's marketability.

"We know that K-12 teachers want and need professional development, but they want professional development that recognizes 'where they are' and 'where they are going.' Not everyone will do this by completing the same requirements. Teachers who enroll in the MSE program will appreciate the flexible, individualized approach by our faculty members and the hybrid delivery that will minimize their actual time spent on campus, all while promoting greater use of technology for learning," commented Alborn-Yilek.

The programs affected by the curriculum revisions are the emphases in teaching birth to 11, teaching ages 10 to 14, teaching ages 10 to 21 and teaching birth to 21. Also affected by the program revisions are the MSE combined with the licensure program in English language learner, cross-categorical special education, education administration, and reading.

The learning needs of today's master seeking students are distinctive due to career demands, family commitments, and life experiences. All of which affect how program participants are capable of learning. The University of Wisconsin-Platteville MSE program is collaborative as the students have the ability to direct and participate in their course development. The academic themes are an integration of professional concerns, teaching standards and course-developed curriculum.

The student outcomes of the MSE program are to become reflective practitioners, change agents and leaders; utilize their experiences and relevant research to enhance their future professional growth; apply relevant theory, philosophy, historical and social science perspectives, research and best practices to their profession; demonstrate growth and knowledge of content and developmentally-appropriate pedagogy; serve as a resource to, and collaborate with others, in the profession and community; and participate in the development and implementation of integrative curriculum based on cognitive theories.

Rotation of classes is a two-year cycle with the MSE being a 33-credit program. Students may begin in the spring, summer or fall semester.

Qualified students will have an undergraduate degree in teaching. To register for this program, contact the Graduate Office at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, (608) 342-1321, or visit http://www.uwplatt.edu/registrar/registration, then click registration guide to receive step-by-step instructions for registering.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is fully accredited by The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). For more information about the MSE program contact, Alborn-Yilek, Education Office of Special Programs at (608) 342-1276.

Contact: Michael Anderson, director, School of Education, (608) 342-1131, andersonmi@uwplatt.edu

Prepared by: Lisa D. McLean, UWP, (608) 342-1075, mcleanl@uwplatt.edu