Graduate Catalog
Degree Programs

Master of Education
Teaching, Learning, and Leadership

Dr. Rebecca Shopfner
Associate Professor
Center for Leadership & Learning
227 SR 333 South, Room 103
(479) 968-0207
rshopfner@atu.edu

The Master of Education, Teaching, Learning and Leadership (MTLL) will facilitate individuals in engaging, ongoing dialogue and study based on the integration of research, theory, and best practices. In addition to promoting the professionalization of teaching and improved professional practice, the completion of this degree will prepare teachers to be teacher leaders in the classroom, as an instructional facilitator or a curriculum administrator. Additionally, a unique NTLL Non-Traditional Licensure (NTL) option is available for individuals seeking an initial teacher license.

A graduate student enrolled in the MTLL degree program of study may select a program emphasis from two options:

  1. Curriculum Administrator / Master Teacher Leader
    (an individual who is a career teacher and wants to improve classroom teaching and learning or desires to become a curriculum leader)
  2. Non-Traditional Teacher
    (NTL - individual with a baccalaureate degree who seeks an alternative route to secure a standard teachers license)

A licensure endorsement may be added to an existing standard license by fulfilling the program of study requirements (18 hours) for the Instructional Facilitator.

Curriculum Administrator / Master Teacher Leader Option:
Graduate students who select the Curriculum Administrator / Master Teacher Leader option will study the knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary to be effective curriculum leaders and mentors for new teacher inductees, colleagues, as well as marginal teachers. Additionally, these degree options will fulfill the program of study requirements for Arkansas Curriculum / Program Administrator Licensure and Instructional Facilitator endorsement upon completion of the required state assessments.

Non-Traditional Teacher (NTL) Option:
The Non-Traditional Teacher (NTL) option is intended for the individual who holds a baccalaureate degree and desires to teach in Arkansas public schools (this option is not available for P-4 teaching levels). This program of study option is designed to immerse the MTLL-NTL graduate student in an in-depth study of basic and advanced pedagogical skills for quality teaching, learning and classroom practice.

Unconditional Admission

Students are eligible to apply for unconditional admission to the Master of Education degree program in Teaching, Learning, and Leadership if they meet the following requirements:

Curriculum Administrator / Master Teacher Leader Option

For unconditional admission applicant must:

  1. Meet the admission requirements for Graduate College.
  2. Have at least two years teaching experience.
  3. Approval from the Program Director.

*Or with approval of the CLL Director.

Non-Traditional Teacher (NTL) Option

For unconditional admission applicant must:

  1. Meet the admission requirements for Graduate College.
  2. Submit original Praxis I and II scores in content specialty field.
  3. Approval from the Program Director.

*Or with approval of the CLL Director.

Degree Requirements

  1. A minimum of 38 semester hours (all at the 6000 level) must be completed, including the completion of the following courses:

    Common Core Courses (27 hours)

    MTLL 6202 Professionalization of Teaching for the Master Teacher
    MTLL 6003 School Organization and Leadership for Teacher Leaders
    MTLL 6113 Action Research and Data Analysis for School and Classroom Use
    MTLL 6223 Teaching and Learning for the Master Teacher
    MTLL 6262 Action Research Practicum for the Master Teacher
    MTLL 6271 Resource Acquisition for the Master Teacher
    MTLL 6242 Cognitive Coaching and Mentoring for the Master Teacher
    MTLL 6123 Instructional Leadership for the Master Teacher
    MTLL 6133 Basic Elements of Curriculum
    MTLL 6143 Organizational Change and the Role of the Master Teacher
    MTLL 6152 Professional Portfolio for the Master Teacher

    Select one option for program of study emphasis from the following:

    Curriculum Administrator / Master Teacher Leader (MTLL) Option

    MTLL 6253 Advanced Curriculum Design Practicum for the Master Teacher
    EDLD 6402 Working with the Marginal Performer
    EDLD 6002 Administrative Law
    EDLD 6552 1-4 Administrative Internship

    Non-Traditional Teacher Leader (MTLL-NTL) Option

    MTLL 6233 Advanced Teaching and Learning for the Master Teacher
    MTLL 6252 Communication, Advocacy & Policy Development
    MTLL 6292 Evaluation of Classroom Learning for the Master Teacher
    MTLL 6551 Internship Practicum Required 4 Semesters (4 hours total)

  2. Prior to degree completion, a culminating portfolio must be successfully completed and approved by a portfolio review committee for both program of study options.

    *For the Non-Traditional Leader (NTL) option the MTLL-NTL graduate student must complete the appropriate state assessments for teacher licensure prior to graduation.

    Instructional Facilitator Endorsement and Curriculum Program Administrator Licensure

    An 18 semester hour MTLL program of study satisfies course requirements for the Instructional Facilitator Endorsement to be added to an individual's Standard Teaching License. This program of study prepares teachers to be teacher leaders who have the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to work with new teacher inductees and colleagues to improve teaching and learning.

    Courses Required for Instructional Facilitator Endorsement (18 hours)

    MTLL 6202 Professionalization of Teaching for the Master Teacher
    MTLL 6242 Cognitive Coaching and Mentoring for the Master Teacher
    MTLL 6223 Teaching and Learning for the Master Teacher
    MTLL 6253 Advanced Curriculum Design
    MTLL 6143 Organizational Change and the Role of the Master Teacher
    MTLL 6123 Instructional Leadership for the Master Teacher
    EDLD 6551/4 Administrative Internship (2 hours total)

    Additionally, the teacher may choose to complete the remaining MTLL identified course hours to complete the Teaching, Learning and Leadership Master of Education degree, which fulfills the program of study requirements for Arkansas Curriculum/Program Administrator Licensure.