Curriculum

This course empowers educators to strategically integrate Google tools into their teaching by focusing on both foundational and emerging technologies. Core Google applications, such as Google Classroom, Docs, Slides, Sheets, and Forms, will be used to solve real-world classroom challenges while enhancing pedagogy and content delivery. Participants will explore how Google's evolving AI tools can be leveraged to support innovative teaching practices, from personalized learning to creative problem-solving. With preparation for Google Educator Level 1 Certification and an emphasis on media literacy, educators will gain the skills to responsibly consume and create digital content. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped to use Google's platform in transformative ways to prepare students for a dynamic, technology-driven world.

This course will present the value of incorporating the servant leadership model into one’s repertoire as an educational leader today. Students will identify key characteristics and strategies that will enhance their legacy as a leader who galvanizes positive changes in the lives of students, colleagues, parents, and the overall school culture.

Meeting and exceeding the needs of all learners is central to the role of a powerful educator. This course will examine best practices for designing learning environments that expand access, differentiate instruction, and provide interventions for diverse or underrepresented learners. As part of the course, students will explore topics such as differentiated instruction in live/online settings, Universal Design for Learning, adaptive technology as a subset of educational technology, and a Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning.

This course explores the impactful role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, equipping educators with the knowledge and skills to integrate AI effectively into teaching and learning environments. Students will examine foundational AI concepts, ethical considerations, and the implications of AI technologies on pedagogy, curriculum design, digital citizenship, and student engagement. Through a blend of theoretical analysis and hands-on application, the course will cover personalized learning, data-informed decision-making, and the development of AI literacy for educators and students. By the end of the course, participants will have a comprehensive understanding of AI’s potential to foster innovation while also addressing its challenges within educational settings.

This course reimagines online teaching by integrating human-centered design principles, media literacy, digital citizenship, and AI integration. It reframes empathy—commonly linked to product design—as essential for creating effective, student-focused learning experiences. Media literacy is emphasized to help students critically evaluate and consume digital content in media-rich environments. At the same time, AI tools are highlighted for their role in enhancing teacher efficiency and shaping student interactions with content and creative skill development. By uniting these elements, educators will design innovative, adaptive online learning experiences aligned with the demands of a digital-first world.

This course is designed to provide experienced teachers with the latest research in brain-based learning and instructional theory and its practical applications to the classroom. Topics will include the structures and functions of the brain, how the brain processes information, lateralization specialization, memory, retention and transfer theory, and the role of emotion in learning. The purpose of this course is to equip educators with an understanding of research-based body/brain/mind principles and how they are applied in teaching and learning.

Powerful learning and instruction emerge not only from sound, authentic pedagogical design, but from intentional reflection and analysis of one’s own teaching practice. This course will provide strategies and examples for integrating the art of critical reflection into the teaching vocation. As part of this course, teachers will investigate the intersection of technology, pedagogy, and content in their own practice, and explore methods for sharing their work with colleagues within and beyond their teaching community.

This course equips teachers to be knowledgeable about educational technology and current tools available to further student engagement. Course activities are heavily influenced and directed by the standards of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE).

This course will provide students with an introduction to educational research by exploring problems or issues in education, qualitative research methods, and analyzing research articles. Students will learn the essentials needed to carry out the research process and begin their capstone project, which will be completed in 605.

During this course, students work to finalize their capstone project. Students will triangulate data using critical self-reflections, credible literature, and observations as a method to respond to an educational problem. Upon completion of the written project, students will orally present their capstone in class. Graduation Application Fee: $185. Prerequisite: EDR 580 (concurrent enrollment allowed; must be taken in different parts of term).