International Baccalaureate Concentration

With our International Baccalaureate concentration, you'll deepen your knowledge of the curriculum, pedagogy, assessment, and implementation of IB programs at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.

Total credits

33

Finish in as few as

18 months (plus thesis)

Courses

• Curriculum Processes (EDUC771)

  Exploration of the International Baccalaureate’s (IB) origin, mission, and philosophy. Analysis of the teaching and learning approaches in curriculum design that are used as a construct for the four programmes of the IB. Application of the pedagogical frameworks established in IB.

  3 credits

• Assessment and Learning (EDUC772)

  Design and implementation of inclusive assessments including tasks and rubrics that support the needs of Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP), and Career-related Programme (CP) for the IB teacher. Consideration of one’s personal beliefs and their potential impact on assessments in IB.

  3 credits

• Teaching and Learning (EDUC773)

  Design and application of teaching and learning activities, based on analysis of learning theories and teaching strategies, that meet the needs of all students in achievement of the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP), and Career-related Programme (CP). Evaluation of personal beliefs that support the International Baccalaureate mission and philosophy.

  3 credits

• Teacher as Leader (TEAC606)

  Analyzes the critical impact of teachers in education and examines formal and informal ways teachers lead. Provides a framework for engaging with the evolving role and challenges of teacher leadership. Develops reflective practices and sets goals for leadership and professional growth.

  3 credits

• Content Research in Practice (TEAC610)

  Use of evidence based research to inform instructional practice is a critical skill for practicing teachers. The ability to locate, curate, analyze and apply educational research will be mastered. Creation of unique applications of research from specific k-12 content is the primary focus of this course.

  2 credits

• Improving Instruction (TEAC616)

  Examines theories, approaches, and instructional strategies that build on practicing teachers’ experience. Explores 21st-century skills and model schools known for innovative practices grounded in theory. Renews teachers’ knowledge base, craft of teaching, and understanding of new models for effective schooling.

  3 credits

• Applied Classroom Assessment (TEAC635)

  Examination of the core principles of how assessment can accelerate student learning when applied systematically. Development of thinking habits that lead to consistent and purposeful implementation of practices that motivate, inspire, and empower students to take ownership of their learning.

  3 credits

• Introduction to Differentiation and Responsive Teaching (TEAC730)

  Overviews the theory and research of differentiated instruction to address varying student needs in K-12 classrooms. Focuses on instructional strategies and the practical application of differentiation. Emphasizes strategies to support students with disabilities while developing content, processing ideas, and creating products that enhance learning for all students.

  3 credits

• Responsive Pedagogy for English Language Learners (TEAC731)

  Overviews second language acquisition theories to understand how learners acquire a new language. Focuses on differentiating instruction for language proficiency and prior schooling while maintaining grade-level rigor. Applies strategies for academic language teaching across content areas. Addresses factors influencing language acquisition, including linguistic and cultural identity negotiation.

  3 credits

• Culturally Responsive Instruction (TEAC732)

  Examination of multicultural research, theory and practice as a foundation to cultural understanding in the classroom. Exploration of their role as teacher in a culturally changing learning environment as they develop instructional strategies based on research‑based best practice to continually improve as culturally responsive practitioners.

  3 credits

• Preparing to Write the Thesis/Collaborative Research Project (TEAC756)

  Preparation for the process of designing and writing a master's level thesis or collaborative research project. Exploration of the selection and refinement of a research topic; the nature and scope of master's thesis; APA style; and preparation for the oral examination process.

  1 credits

• International Baccalaureate Programme Development (TEAC773)

  Design and implementation of an IB unit of study including application of the pedagogical frameworks established in IB. Final analysis of students' worldview with IB philosophy.

  2 credits

• Thesis Writing Studio (TEAC790)

  Explores a significant educational issue through an independent or collaborative, step-by-step process to develop a thesis or project. Works with a thesis advisor to ensure adherence to guidelines and requirements. Defends the thesis or project upon completion, integrating feedback and demonstrating mastery of scholarly practice.

  3 credits