Master of Arts in Holistic Education

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Program Overview

The 13-month Master of Arts in Holistic Education degree provides a “fifth year” of advanced study leading to licensure for those who have completed a bachelor’s degree from the Templar School of Education. This degree is designed as final step for Johnson University undergraduate teaching students–it is not a master’s degree in teaching for those outside that program. For the Master of Arts in Teaching, click here!

Students choose from nine concentrations:

Integrated Early Childhood Education with Grades PreK-3 Licensure
Early Childhood Education with Grades PreK-3 Licensure*
Early Childhood Education & English as a Second Language Education Grades PreK-3 Licensure and Grades PreK-12 ESL Licensure
Elementary Education Concentration with Grades K-5 Licensure*
Elementary Education & English as a Second Language Education with Grades K-5 Licensure and Grades PreK-12 ESL Licensure
English as a Second Language PreK-12
Music Education (Vocal/General) with Grades K-12 Licensure
Physical Education Concentration with Grades K-12 Licensure
Special Education Interventionist Concentration with Grades K-8 Licensure

*Options are only available with the Dean’s permission.

Core Classes

Analyzing and Interpreting Educational Research

This course provides educators with the tools and skills to critically examine, analyze, and interpret educational research. Participants will explore key concepts in research design, data collection methods, and statistical analysis, with a focus on understanding the implications of research findings in the educational context. Educators will learn to read and evaluate research articles, including the ability to interpret statistical data and assess research methodologies. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to apply research insights to improve educational practices and make informed decisions in their classrooms or educational institutions.

Introduction to Education II

As a continuation of EDUC 2013 Introduction to Teaching: Elementary Education, EDUC 5012 Introduction to Education, ELED 5114 Introduction to Elementary Education, or SCED 5012 Introduction to Secondary Education, this course moves students from a broader view of teaching an introductory lesson plan to an in-depth look at a Learning Segment. Emphasis is placed on analyzing and reflecting upon lesson plans, instruction, and assessments as well as incorporating research-based learning theories into each of those areas. Additional focus is put on academic vocabulary, learning environments, and academic feedback.

Trauma-Informed/Inclusive Practices

This course addresses state licensure requirements for teachers regarding trauma-informed principles and practices. Participants will develop an understanding of 1) identifying and understanding impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACES), 2) strategies to respond in ways that not only prevent re-traumatization but also help youth feel safe, build healthy relationships, self-regulate, and learn, 3) strategies to support students’ and educators’ resiliency. Participants will also develop skills to support the emotional/social and academic needs of students with disabilities. Management strategies, social skill development, and academic modifications will be developed to assist in making the general education classroom more inclusive for all students.

Literacy III

This course is an in-depth study of the methods of teaching reading and writing in early childhood and elementary classrooms. Participants will explore each of the writing traits—ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, conventions, and presentation—and learn how to incorporate them into their classroom instruction. Emphasis will be placed on strategies for writing development, text analysis, and tailored feedback to enhance student writing outcomes. The course will also address critical considerations for students who show signs of dyslexia or other literacy challenges. Through the analysis of student writing samples, educators will learn how to assess writing and reading performance, identify potential signs of dyslexia, and apply effective intervention strategies. This course will include 8 hours with students in a summer learning camp.

Curriculum & Diversity

Tools for Teachers

Students consider digital cameras, digital photo editing, the use of PDAs in the classroom, Web 2.0, and incorporating sound from Audacity from royalty free music as they explore technology ideas for the classroom. Students develop learning activities that leverage game-based learning to techniques, deploy Google Apps to support Common Core State standards, and access copyright issues. Special Considerations: This course is limited to students in the Holistic Education program.

Integrated Early Childhood Education with Grades PreK-3 Licensure

Integrated Early Childhood Internship I
Students complete the first term of a full-year internship in Early Childhood Education grades PreK–3. Prerequisite: Students must have passing PRAXIS II scores. Special Considerations: This course is for students who have graduated with a B.A./B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies from
Johnson University with a focus on Integrated Early Childhood Education PreK–3.

Integrated Early Childhood Internship II
Students complete the second term of a full-year internship in Early Childhood Education grades PreK–3. Prerequisite: Students must have passing PRAXIS II scores. Special Considerations: This course is for students who have graduated with a B.A./B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Johnson University with a focus on Integrated Early Childhood Education PreK–3.

Early Childhood Education Concentration with Grades PreK-3 Licensure (12 credits)

Early Childhood Education Internship I
This course represents the first term of a full-year internship in Early Childhood Education grades PreK–3. More information about this course appears in the Internship Handbook. Prerequisite as of AY 2017: Students must have passing PRAXIS II scores. Special Considerations: This course is for students who have graduated with a B.A./B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Johnson University with a focus on Early Childhood Education.

Early Childhood Education Internship II
This course represents the second term of a full year internship in Early Childhood Education grades PreK–3. More information about this course appears in the Internship Handbook. Prerequisite as of AY 2017: Students must have passing PRAXIS II scores. Special Considerations: This course is for students who have graduated with a B.A./B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Johnson University with a focus on Early Childhood Education.

Early Childhood Education (PreK-3) & English as a Second Language Education (PreK-12) Concentration

Early Childhood Education and ESL Internship I
This course represents the first term of a full- year internship in Early Childhood Education grades PreK–3 and ESL PreK–12. More information about this course appears in the Internship Handbook. Prerequisite as of AY 2017: Students must have passing PRAXIS II scores.
Special Considerations: This course is for students who have graduated with a B.A./B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Johnson University with a focus on Early Childhood Education and ESL dual.

Early Childhood Education and ESL Internship II
This course represents the second term of a full year internship in Early Childhood Education grades PreK–3 and ESL PreK–12. More information about this course appears in the Internship Handbook. Prerequisite as of AY 2017: Students must have passing PRAXIS II “scores. Special Considerations: This course is for students who have graduated with a B.A./B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Johnson University with a focus on Early Childhood Education and ESL dual.

Elementary Education Concentration with Grades K-5 Licensure

Elementary Education Internship I
Students complete the first term of a full-year internship in Elementary Education grades K–5. Prerequisite: Students must have passing PRAXIS II scores. Special Considerations: This course is for students who have graduated with a B.A./B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Johnson University with a focus on Elementary Education.

Elementary Education Internship II
Students complete the second term of a full-year internship in Elementary Education grades K–5. Prerequisite: Students must have passing PRAXIS II scores. Special
Considerations: This course is for students who have graduated with a B.A./B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Johnson University with a focus on Elementary Education.

Elementary Education (K-5) & English as a Second Language Education (PreK-12) Concentration with Grades K-5 Licensure & Grades PreK-12 ESL Licensure (12 credits)

Elementary Ed & ESL Education Internship I
This course is the first term of a full-year internship in Elementary Education K–5 and ESL K–12. Prerequisite: Students must have passing PRAXIS II scores. Special Considerations: This course is for students who have graduated with a B.A./B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Johnson University with a focus on Elementary Education and ESL K–12.

Elementary Ed & ESL Education Internship II
This course is the second term of a full-year internship in Elementary Education K–5 and ESL K–12. Prerequisite: Students must have passing PRAXIS II scores. Special Considerations: This course is for students who have graduated with a B.A./B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Johnson University with a focus on Elementary Education and ESL K–12.

English as a Second Language Education Concentration with Grades PreK-12 ESL Licensure (12 credits)

English as a Second Language Internship I
This course is the first term of a full-year internship in English as a Second Language education. Prerequisite: Students must have passed the PRAXIS 2 tests and been accepted into the M.A. in Holistic Education. This course is for students who have graduated with a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies (English as a Second Language Education Grades PreK–12) from Johnson University.

English as a Second Language Internship II
This course is the second term of a full-year internship in English as a Second Language education. Prerequisite: Students must have passed the PRAXIS 2 tests and been accepted into the M.A. in Holistic Education. This course is for students who have graduated with a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies (English as a Second Language Education Grades PreK–12) from Johnson University.

Music Education (Vocal/General) Concentration with Grades K-12 Licensure (12 credits)

Music Education (Vocal/General) Internship I
The Music Internship is designed to provide practical experience in the areas of music and music education. The internship must be a minimum of five weeks in length and take place in a school setting or any approved music institution. It must be supervised by a full-time music educator, teaching supervisor or director, who holds at least a four-year degree in music. Prerequisite: Students must have passing PRAXIS II scores. Special Considerations: This course is for students who have graduated with a Bachelor in Music Education from Johnson University.

Music Education (Vocal/General) Internship II
The Music Internship is designed to provide practical experience in the areas of music and music education. The internship must be a minimum of ten weeks in length and take place in a school setting or any approved music institution. It must be supervised by a full-time music educator, teaching supervisor or director, who holds at least a four-year degree in music. Prerequisite: Students must have passing PRAXIS II scores. Special Considerations: This course is for students who have graduated with a Bachelor in Music Education from Johnson University.

Physical Education Concentration with Grades K-12 Licensure (12 credits)

Physical Education Internship I
This course is the first term of a full-year internship in Physical Education Grades K-12. Prerequisite: Students must have passed the PRAXIS 2 tests and been accepted into the
M.A. in Holistic Education. This course is for students who have graduated with a B.A./B.S. in Sport & Fitness Leadership (Physical Education Grades K–12) from Johnson University.

Physical Education Internship II
This course is the second term of a full-year internship in Physical Education Grades K–12. Prerequisite: Students must have passed the PRAXIS 2 tests and been accepted into the M.A. in Holistic Education. This course is for students who have graduated with a B.A./B.S. in Sport &
Fitness Leadership (Physical Education Grades K–12) from Johnson University.

Special Education Interventionist Concentration with Grades K-8 Licensure (12 credits)

Practicum: Internship I
This course is the first term of a full year internship in Special Education Interventionist K–8 education. Prerequisite: Students must have passed the PRAXIS 2 tests and been accepted into the M.A. in Holistic Education. This course is for students who have graduated with a B.S. in Special Education from Johnson University.

Practicum: Internship II
This course is the second term of a full year internship in Special Education Interventionist K–8 education. Prerequisite: Students must have passed the PRAXIS 2 tests and been accepted into the M.A. in Holistic Education. This course is for students who have graduated with a B.S. in Special Education from Johnson University.