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Online Master of Education in Teaching and Learning

The online Master of Education in Teaching and Learning is designed primarily for K-12 certified teachers who want to develop leadership skills that can impact students and influence peers.

Offered by the College of Education and Human Development, the Teaching and Learning master's program aims to strengthen your ability to design and apply curriculum that develops a vision toward students, families and communities while also promoting equity, advocacy and transformation. This program prioritizes your school-based contexts as the focal points of course discussions and assignments. Throughout the program you’ll learn how to advocate for curricular change via processes that can lead to transformation in education.

How Much Will I Pay?

Tuition & Aid    

Tuition rate does not include costs associated with a specific course or program, such as textbooks. Tuition and fees are subject to change at any time without prior notice

Highlights

  • Prepare to become a change agent in your school and develop a student-centered, culturally responsive and asset-driven curriculum that empowers your students’ voices.
  • Study and apply theories and classroom techniques that will help you build a successful career and empower your students and influence your peers.
  • Learn alongside world-class faculty experts with extensive teaching and research experience.
  • Complete your degree in within 2 years (as a full-time online student).
  • Customize your degree with concentrations, endorsements or certificate options.

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* Check state authorizations for requirements in your state.


100% ONLINE COURSES

Complete this degree on your own time through fully online coursework.

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30 CREDIT HOURS

The online master’s in teaching and learning is comprised of 10 courses.

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$593 PER CREDIT HOUR

UofL offers a special tuition rate for teachers enrolling in approved programs.

Online learning video - Online Master of Education in Teaching and Learning

Teachers give their best to their students and UofL gives its best to teachers!


UofL offers a 25% Tuition Reduction for Teachers enrolling in approved teacher education programs.


Read the Q&A with Betty Hampton, Director of Graduate Services in the College of Education and Human Development at UofL.

What will I learn as a Master of Education in Teaching and Learning student?

Today’s classrooms can present seemingly insurmountable challenges that may appear impossible to overcome. As a student in the MEd in Teaching and Learning program, you’ll uncover insights and discover instructional strategies that will help you attain a mastery level understanding of the challenges that present themselves daily in today’s schools. Expertise gained from the program can be tailored to your personal needs, as a variety of concentrations and specializations are offered.

 

What is the job outlook for someone with a MEd in Teaching and Learning?

Created in collaboration with school district specialists, school administrators, university faculty and P-12 classroom teachers, UofL’s teaching and learning program prepares Rank III certified Kentucky teachers and out-of-state teachers to pursue career tracks including:

  • Curriculum design specialist
  • Curriculum coordinator
  • Curriculum and instruction specialist
  • Instructional coach
  • Instructional assessment and evaluation specialist
  • Board certified behavior analyst
  • Autism spectrum disorder specialist
  • Department chair
  • Classroom reading specialist
  • English as a second language specialist
  • Elementary mathematics specialist
 

The 2019-2029 occupational outlook for high school, middle school, and elementary teachers is expected to grow 4% nationwide, which is as fast as the average national occupation growth rate (bls.gov). The median annual salary of a Rank II teacher in Kentucky (master’s level) is $55,890 and varies based on years of experience (education.ky.gov).

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Priority Application Deadline Term Start Date
August 1 Fall August
December 1 Spring January
April 1 Summer May/June

Note: Although admission is granted on a rolling basis throughout the year, applicants are encouraged to work on and submit their complete application well in advance of the preferred deadline, as obtaining transcripts, test scores and other materials may take more time. Applications submitted or completed after the preferred deadline will be considered on a case-by-case basis for the next available start/term.


Steps to Apply

  1. Complete graduate application
  2. Submit $65 non-refundable application fee
  3. Have official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work sent directly to UofL*
  4. Submit 2 letters of recommendation (please list email addresses for recommenders in the online application)
  5. Sign code of ethics/technology statement [PDF] and upload within online application
  6. Check for Scholarships

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Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree earned from an accredited institution*
  • Minimum preferred undergraduate GPA of 2.75 and graduate GPA (if applicable) of 3.0
    • If GPA is lower than 2.75, GRE scores are required; please email gedadm@louisville.edu regarding minimum score requirements
  • Valid Kentucky Teaching Certificate or statement of eligibility for candidates outside Kentucky (see section below).
  • Current resume
  • Two professional writing samples, uploaded within online application
    • Essay 1 – In what ways has your cultural heritage and background influenced the way you teach, and impacted your interactions with others who come from a different cultural background? Describe an example of an injustice or inequity that you witnessed, experienced, or became aware of during teaching - and your response at that time. Then, explain how you would respond if it occurred again. Finally, explain how you support respect for diversity in your classroom, and how you demonstrate a commitment to social justice and equity when teaching.
    • Essay 2 – Please review the Professional Dispositions Rubric [PDF] and consider how you would evaluate your areas of strength as well as those for potential growth in each of the categories. In your essay, please identify three categories that you would rate yourself as "target" or "exemplary" and explain why. Then, identify one area for professional growth, and explain how you envision this program supporting your growth in this area.
    • Please adhere to the following format for both essays:
      • Double-spaced
      • Times New Roman
      • 12-point font
      • No more than three pages

Send all materials to:
Graduate Admissions
University of Louisville
2211 S. Brook Street
Louisville, KY 40292
gradadm@louisville.edu

*See the Graduate School Transfer of Credit Policy for more information.


Out-of-state Applicants

Certified teachers outside Kentucky should be advised that we cannot guarantee the program will meet licensure, salary, advancement or other requirements in their state. As part of the admission process, we require a written statement confirming their interest in the program for personal development and that they understand the program is designed to meet Kentucky certification requirements only. For more information, please contact our academic advisor at betty.hampton@louisville.edu.

If you live outside of the United States, be sure to view special requirements for international students.


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Application Form: Which Program to Select?

When you reach the "Program Choice" page of your application, select one of the four Teaching and Learning programs. See the screenshot below for reference.


For more information on the admission and application process, please contact our Online Learning Enrollment Counselors at 800.871.8635 or by email at online@louisville.edu.


The online master’s in teaching and learning is a 30-credit hour program available as a general teaching and learning degree or with a focus in special education.


Master of Education in Teaching and Learning Course List


  Credit Hours
Level I - Teaching Expertise  
EDAP 637 Using Assessment to Improve Student Achievement 3
EDAP 638 Instructional Strategies for Diverse Learners 3
EDAP 639 Educational Research in P-12 Setting 3
Level II - Specialized Expertise [choose one]  
English as a Second Language, online endorsement 12
Classroom Reading P-12, online endorsement 15
Social Justice Education 12
Level III- Beyond the Classroom  
EDAP 677 Developing Collaborative Groups: Facilitating, Coaching and Mentoring 3
EDAP 681 Teacher Leadership in Practice 3
TOTAL Credit Hours in the Program 30

To meet graduation requirements, students in the Master of Education in Teaching and Learning program must complete a total of 30 credit hours. Additional electives may be required. Graduate students will work with their advisor to design an appropriate program to meet their professional needs.


Master of Education in Teaching and Learning – Special Education Course List


Level I – Teaching Expertise Credit Hours
EDSP 639 Education Research in the P-12 Setting 3
EDSP 644 Applied Behavior Analysis 3
EDSP 669 Single Subject Research Designs 3
Level II - Specialized Expertise - Courses for Level II will vary by concentration (15 hours)
Specialization Options Autism concentration courses OR 15
Enhanced Content Courses 15
Level III –Teacher Leadership
EDSP 652 Academic and Behavior Response to Intervention 3
EDSP 653
OR 687
Practicum in Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis OR Specialized Practicum 3
TOTAL Credit Hours in the Program 30

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Sample Course Descriptions

The online Master of Education in Teaching and Learning is designed to meet your needs and career goals, and help you excel as a leader at your institution. You can further customize your degree by choosing an endorsement or a concentration in special education. Once admitted, you will meet with a faculty advisor selected based on the concentration area identified on your application. During this meeting, either online or in-person, you will collaboratively design your master’s program to address your professional growth plan.


Specialization options include:

  • Social Justice Education

    UofL's Social Justice Education concentration positions teachers to enact culturally sustaining practices in the classroom and advocate locally and beyond for social justice policies. Graduates of the program will possess a skillset geared towards designing and implementing an asset-oriented curriculum along with the capacity to conduct social justice research in education. Coursework will illuminate how education in the U.S. got to this point of vast opportunity disparities across sociocultural groups in education by providing a deep understanding of the foundations of progressive education, curriculum theory and how educational policies influence practice. Coursework will also provide a practical approach to teaching with various sociocultural identities in mind and provide insights related to conduct justice-focused research in education.

    Graduates will pursue answers to essential questions such as:

    • How can I identify which contextual factors continue to impact my school, my students, and myself?
    • How do structural systems within my school district prevent certain students from achieving their full potential? 
    • What is worth teaching, who decides, and why does it matter whose curriculum I am teaching?
    • How can I create newly invigorated instruction in my classroom that counteracts deficit ideologies about students, families, and communities?
    • How can I collaborate with multiple stakeholders to act on and advocate for social justice in education? 
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder and Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration

    Course Delivery

    Courses are taught 100% online, with some courses accessed via webcam in interactive, synchronous sessions beginning at 4:30 p.m. ET or later, on specific weekdays.

    Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Applied Behavior Analysis concentration available within the Master of Education in Teaching and Learning – Special Education is designed for teachers who want to advanced their knowledge and further their expertise in providing support for persons with ASD.

    This concentration places strong emphasis on the application of assessment and intervention procedures rooted in the principles of applied behavior analysis. Kentucky teachers will complete 30 credit hours of graduate course work in this program, and will satisfy the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board requirement for Rank II.

    Note: this concentration does not lead to teacher certification. Teachers interested in adding a certification must pursue a Master of Education in Special Education – Moderate to Severe Disabilities (MSD) online or a Master of Education in Special Education – Learning and Behavior Disorders (LBD) on campus.

    View the credit requirements for this concentration and for the Master of Education in Teaching and Learning – Special Education online program.

  • Enhanced Content Emphasis

    Course Delivery

    Courses are taught 100% online, with some courses accessed via webcam in interactive, synchronous sessions beginning at 4:30 p.m. ET or later, on specific weekdays.

    The Enhanced Content Emphasis concentration (36 credit hours) within the Master of Education in Teaching and Learning - Special Education at the University of Louisville is designed for teachers looking to grow their expertise in various self-selected areas of emphasis. Students in this program can select courses across different special education content areas to address needs specific to their career goals or interests.

    This program does not lead to additional certifications or licensures, but does meet Kentucky’s Educational Professional Standard Boards (EPSB) requirement for maintaining certification.


For additional endorsements or specialization options available on campus within the Master of Education in Teaching and Learning, contact our academic advisor at betty.hampton@louisville.edu.

Endorsements available include:

The teaching endorsements are programs designed to broaden the expertise and knowledge-base of all educators at various levels, while adding valuable credentials through certifications to a teaching license if situated in Kentucky.




    The set of questions and answers outlined below can help you learn more about our program, delivery method, application and admission process, financial aid options and how to succeed as an online student at UofL. 


    • Are classes available to complete the master's degree entirely online?

      Yes! You can complete the entire program 100% online, but you also have the option of taking courses in person if you are local to Louisville.

    • May I transfer credits from another institution or program into my master's program?

      Once you are admitted to the program, you may request to transfer up to 6 credit hours if your UofL advisor approves the request. Transfer requests are then submitted to the School of Interdisciplinary and Graduate Studies.

    • How long does it take to complete this program?

      The Teaching and Learning program can be completed in as few as two years or as many as six.

    • What should I write about in my Personal Statement?

      The personal statement is the applicant's opportunity to demonstrate their writing ability as well as provide a personal introduction to the admissions screening committee. The personal statement should be no more than 500 words, and should be double spaced and word-processed. Applicants are encouraged to proofread their writing and to submit the best work possible. The attached rubric (Ideas to Action Holistic Construct Rubric [PDF]) is provided to help applicants understand how their writing will be evaluated. In developing the personal statement, applicants are encouraged to identify and describe personal characteristics, abilities, beliefs and goals as well as diverse experiences with children and adolescents, which will contribute to their success as an outstanding educator. Applicants should also review the College of Education and Human Development’s Conceptual Framework, reflecting on the concepts of inquiry, action, and advocacy. Applicants should consider the following questions:

      • How do you demonstrate intellectual curiosity?
      • How do you develop positive relationships and work collaboratively with peers, teachers, and others?
      • How do you demonstrate the interpersonal skills necessary to do the daily work of teaching?
      • What would demonstrate your commitment to diversity, equity and social justice? (give examples of how you exhibit this commitment)
      • What are the characteristics critical to successful teaching, such as dependability, initiative, organization? (give examples of how you exhibit those traits)
    • What degrees or endorsements do I receive if I complete the Master of Education in Teaching and Learning Program at UofL?

      Successful candidates will graduate with a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Teaching and Learning, including Classroom Reading, English as a Second Language, or Instructional Technology and receive a Teaching and Learning Endorsement (with possibility of other endorsements within the Specialization, including Classroom Reading, English as a Second Language, or Instructional Technology). If you already have a master’s degree and seek only the Teacher Leadership Endorsement, you will complete Levels I and III of the master’s program.

    • Will the Master of Education in Teaching and Learning Endorsement help me prepare for National Board Certification?

      Most courses in the Master of Education in Teaching and Learning program are designed to align with at least one of the NBPTS Core Propositions, as well as the Kentucky Teacher Standards (Advanced Level), Kentucky Education Reform Act (KERA) initiatives, and Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) themes. Each course in the program includes a description of its relationship to NBPTS Core Propositions. The UofL Master of Education in Teaching and Learning is designed so that candidates practice types of entries required in the National Board Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) portfolio. The NBPTS portfolio is a Rank I option in Kentucky.

    • Will this program lead to principal certification?

      No, but the University of Louisville does offer a school principal certification program.

    • Do I earn the same degree that on-campus students earn? Does the diploma say “online”?

      Your degree—just like the quality of your courses—will be identical to those received by on campus students. It will not contain the method of course delivery (i.e. “online”).