by Rebecca Sneed
番茄社区 University鈥檚 Master of Science in Education (MSE) degree offers a teaching certification program that can be completed online in two years or less.
Despite a nationwide teacher shortage, 鈥淥ur program is really helping local schools get certified teachers.鈥� said Dr. Jill Arnold, director of graduate and online programs.
鈥淭he online MSE Program at 番茄社区 University and its initial certification program allowed me to leave a job I tolerated for a career I love,鈥� said Zach Short, now a language arts teacher at Knox County R-1 in Edina, MO. 鈥淭he classes are structured to make learning accessible to any person wanting to experience the joy of being an educator, regardless of their work and life schedule.鈥�
鈥淭he program is a wonderful way for people with a bachelor鈥檚 degree to become certified to teach in a very short amount of time. Since the program is entirely online,鈥� Dr. Arnold explained, 鈥渟tudents can be anywhere while receiving their certification to teach.鈥�
鈥淭he online program is convenient, the faculty is beyond helpful, and despite the lack of a classroom element, you still develop relationships with your classmates through collaborative work,鈥� said Matt Weber, a recent graduate of the MSE certification program who now teaches at Atlanta C-3 in Atlanta, MO. 鈥淚 am so thankful and grateful to have gone through this program, and because of it, I am a better educator today!鈥�
The teaching and learning track with initial certification in the Master of Science in Education Program at HLGU, emphasizes elements of effective curriculum development and evaluation to enhance student learning for the beginning teacher.
鈥淚n 18 months I completely changed my career and life path thanks to HLGU,鈥� said Short. 鈥淲hile teacher numbers may be dropping, students are still showing up in search of people willing to make an impact on their lives. HLGU has the ability to put caring individuals in a position to change the future by teaching and inspiring the next generation of learners.鈥�
To meet teacher certification requirements in their area of study, each student鈥檚 plans of study will be developed on a case by case basis.
For more information about HLGU鈥檚 MSE Program and the teaching and learning track with initial certification, contact Dr. Arnold at 573-629-3103, or via email at jarnold@hlg.edu.