“American students consistently lag behind their international peers academically, particularly in math and science. Educators with a focus on improving teacher instruction and student achievement can work toward reversing that trend,” according to U.S. News & World Report.
Earning a math-focused Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction (MEDCI) positions educators to be part of the process of improving teacher instruction and student achievement in math. Southeastern Oklahoma State University (SOSU) has an online program for a Master of Education in C&I with an emphasis in math.
SOSU’s MEDCI Program
Students can complete the online Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction with an emphasis in Math in as few as 12 months. It consists of 10 courses focused on curriculum development that emphasize technology, manipulatives and problem-solving. In addition to 18 credit hours of core coursework, the program includes 12 credit hours of math curriculum and instruction specialty courses.
Core Courses
The Curriculum & Instruction core courses include education research, history and philosophy of education, teaching strategies, learning in culturally responsive learning environments, public school law, and design and strategies development of learning technologies.
Math Specialty Courses
The Curriculum & Instruction math specialty courses include the teaching of algebra and functions, the teaching of numbers and operations, the teaching of geometry and measurement, mathematical problem-solving for teaching, and teaching of data analysis, statistics and probability.
The fully online program allows working educators the flexibility to pursue their advanced degree while still working. SOSU offers multiple start dates throughout the year, making it convenient to begin the program at your convenience.
Career Options for Graduates
Graduates of the MEDCI-Math online program will learn to implement instructional strategies and support innovative learning environments. In addition to pursuing career advancement in the classroom, graduates can move into positions such as curriculum specialist or instructional coordinator.
A curriculum specialist typically assesses educational programs, selects textbooks, trains teachers, and advises schools and school districts on curriculum content.
In a recent interview, Glenn Wiebe, a middle school teacher who moved into a position as a curriculum specialist, shared, “… the best part of what I do is collaborating and spending time with classroom teachers. I love sitting with a bunch of middle school history teachers and chatting about what works best to improve learning.” He had this advice to offer current teachers who may be looking to make a career change to outside of the classroom: “Expand your skill set. Be willing to go back to ‘school’ — that might mean a formal face to face or online college setting.”
An instructional coordinator plays an important role in shaping the minds of students and providing the best possible education for them.
According to MyCareerTools.com, the majority of employers require that instructional coordinators hold master’s degrees in curriculum development and instruction. Some hold degrees in their specialized field, like history or math. Responsible for developing and overseeing teaching standards and school curricula, instruction coordinators help develop instructional material and resources and work with instructors and principals to implement them. In addition, they observe, study and evaluate to assess the effectiveness of their solutions.
Being a content expert in classroom mathematics positions you to be part of the solution by improving math education and student achievement in math.
Learn more about SOSU’s online Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction program with an emphasis in Math.
Sources:
U.S. News & World Report: Online Curriculum and Instruction Master’s Degrees
Teach.com: From Teacher to Curriculum Specialist: 8 Questions with Glenn Wiebe
MyCareerTools: What Is an Instructional Coordinator