WKU News

Advanced degree will provide access to highest quality professional development in region

WKU today announced the redesign of its Masters of Education in Advanced Teacher Education degree. The reimagined program will help current teachers advance their Rank, hone their pedagogical practices, and secure additional teaching licensures, while reflecting and focusing on the needs of their specific communities. Through district informed curriculum, educators can look forward to earning course credits and participating in rank advancement all while teaching from their own classrooms.

“Our Masters of Advanced Teacher Education is arguably the strongest and most cost-conscious choice a teacher can make to advance their career. Led by our high-quality WKU faculty, and informed by on-going district collaborations, we are equipping our teachers with the pedagogical practices necessary to serve as advanced practitioners and leaders in their schools,” Corinne Murphy, Dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, said. “Thanks in large part to district partnerships, institutional scholarships, and available financial aid, it is certainly the most economically-minded professional development available to teachers. The long-term impact of an earned master’s degree, and the transferability of graduate course credits from accredited universities, afford students peace of mind that their work, and the evidence of their work, will support the full lifespan of their professional careers.”

The highly-competitive WKU Educator Discount keeps graduate tuition at $350 per credit hour for licensed teachers. Additionally, there are several opportunities to earn course credit and course fee waivers through existing WKU programs. Teachers in participating school districts may earn six credit hours of professional education through district partnerships with WKU including the Fall 2021 WKU New Teacher Academy. Teachers eligible to host student teachers can earn a course fee waiver which may be applied toward the cost of the program. Starting in 2021, newly licensed WKU alumni teachers will be enrolled in Classroom Management for First Year Teachers (EDU 502) at no cost, earning an additional three credit hours of professional education. With these cost-saving opportunities, students could pay as little as 12 to 24 credit hours of the 30-hour program.     

The program affords teachers the opportunity to earn Rank change providing advanced employment and leadership opportunities within their districts. Teachers who complete an approved master’s degree, National Board Certification, or 30 semester hours of continuing education can advance to Kentucky Educator Ranks II and I.

This new program speaks to WKU’s commitment to transform the lives of students in our Commonwealth through excellence and ongoing community partnerships. The program directly supports professional growth and district goals, helping to ensure our community’s long-term success by providing educators the tools to serve as advanced professionals in their districts.

The MAE in Advanced Teacher Education Program is now accepting applications for the 2021 year. Those seeking more information can visit the new MAE in Advanced Teacher Education website at https://www.wku.edu/ste/advanced_teacher_education.php. Please apply to the WKU Graduate School for program consideration.

Contact: Lauren Weitlauf, (270) 745-4030