The Master of Education Program

The Master of Education program at Elon University is designed to enhance the professional competence of experienced classroom teachers. Candidates may select a program of study in elementary education, gifted education or special education. The M.Ed. program is structured to foster inquiry, reflection and knowledge generation, and to contribute to the realization of teacher education’s conceptual framework from an advanced perspective.

Research, curriculum and leadership are the features that distinguish the Elon graduate experience. In the M.Ed. program, inquiry becomes the driving force behind action research, curriculum development and leadership preparation. As candidates conduct their graduate research and reflect on their findings, they grow in their knowledge and make a genuine contribution to the practitioner knowledge base. Their engagement in curriculum development deepens their understanding of the nature of learning and teaching, and their leadership project suggests ways of translating their knowledge into action that strengthens the profession.

Throughout this program candidates broaden and deepen their understanding of a respectful learning environment. Such an environment is one that values diversity and extends beyond the school environment to include families and communities. A respectful learning environment is inclusive, collaborative and global in perspective. In such an environment, high expectations are held for all students, and graduate candidates expand their repertoire of skills in differentiating curriculum and instruction for students with special strengths and needs. Graduate candidates understand that this is necessary if today’s students are to remain engaged and appropriately challenged.