Master's in Elementary Education

The Elementary Education M.Ed. program consists of a comprehensive and innovative series of experiences designed to develop the knowledge, skills and qualities essential for initial teaching effectiveness. The mission of the program, grounded in the Graduate School of Education and Human Development's bridging concepts—Research and Scholarship, Reflective Practice, Community Service, and Educational Leadership, is to prepare teachers who are knowledgeable in the research and scholarship of curriculum and methods of instruction; who are reflective practitioners in the integration of theory and practice; who are actively dedicated to teaching and learning in a pluralistic democracy; and who, as leaders, are eager to contribute to the national conversation about the reform of American schools and society.

The program's mission is further grounded in a conceptual framework that consists of an integrated set of three themes: knowledge, individuality, and social responsibility. These three themes provide a cohesive conceptual framework for the entire program and are reflected in all aspects of program coursework as well as in related clinical experiences. The relationship of the conceptual framework's three themes is interactive.

This master's program is approved by the office of the State Superintendent - Standards and Credentialing of the District of Columbia and is part of the GSEHD unit accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

Dr. Beck was one of six GW graduates honored in 2015 with the GW Alumni Association’s highest annual award for service.

For more information about the unique features of this program, its conceptual framework, and curriculum please view, download, or print: Elementary Education. Program Plans for the 1 and 2 year options can be found here.

Read the Elementary Education Annual Newsletter.

Knowledge

Good teachers know the subject matter they teach; and understand the process of its construction and the impact of its use in real world settings. This extended view of knowledge establishes a base for meaningful classroom instruction in content areas.

Individuality

Today’s youngsters come from a rich array of cultural and experiential backgrounds. They bring to schools a diverse set of personal, social, and academic expectations. Good teachers are attentive to students as individuals; they are also sensitive to the broader cultural context that gives shape to diversity.

Social Responsibility

Teaching is a socially significant profession that calls for a wider, moral vision extending beyond the narrowness of personal gain and private intellectual development. The education of today’s youth is connected to many crucial issues confronting the larger social order.