Second-grade teacher Laura Treat wanted a master’s degree, but she didn’t want to take a break from inspiring her students at a Mequon, Wis., elementary school. By enrolling in the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Master of Science for Professional Educators program, she not only kept teaching, but also gained aptitude and confidence to create a school-wide reading program.
“I’ve found this master’s program to be extremely valuable,” she says.
Structured to be convenient and responsive to students’ needs and interests, the two-year program builds teaching and leadership skills while leading to a master of science in educational psychology. Courses are all online and taught by UW-Madison faculty. Students work individually, video conference with professors, and complete team projects.
New ideas benefit students and schools
Treat appreciated the practicality of the Master of Science for Professional Educators program, which centers on understanding current issues in education and applying what you learn.
The program integrates courses from three School of Education departments—Educational Psychology, Curriculum & Instruction, and Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis.
Curriculum includes technology integration, teaching diverse learners, supervision of school personnel, and proactive approaches to students’ social emotional needs, among other topics. All courses emphasize practical applications for K-12 teachers.
“I was able to apply what I was doing in the program directly to my school,” Treat says. “I actually implemented a program called One Book One School that I learned about during the master’s program. It was beneficial not only to me but to my students, the families, and the entire school.”
For more information on the Master of Science for Professional Educators program, see here.