Master of Arts in Teaching

Students will be admitted into Johnson University working toward admission into the Master of Arts in Teaching program upon meeting the following requirements:

• An appropriate bachelor’s degree in a non-education field from a regionally-accredited university with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0
• An interview with the Teacher Education Graduate Committee

Initial Admissions Requirements:

• Online graduation application
• Three references
• Official transcripts
• Photo ID
• Admissions essay
• Standard resume
• Essay questions
• PRAXIS I & PRAXIS II test scores (may substitute ACT score of 22+ or SAT score of 1590+ in place of core academic skills/PRAXIS I)

Application deadline is March 1. The program begins in the summer.

Students will be admitted into the Master of Arts in Teaching program upon completion of the following:

• The successful completion of 12 hours of the program with a 3.0 average and a B- or above in each of the first four courses
• Earned the required ACT/SAT exemption or the required scores on the PRAXIS Core Academic Skills for Educators (Core) Test (Reading 5713, Writing 5723, Mathematics 5733) and Praxis II Content tests and any other examinations required by the state of Tennessee
• Acceptance into the master’s program and the student teaching or internship experience by the Teacher Education Graduate Committee

Earning a Master of Arts in Teaching requires meeting several student teaching and licensure requirements. To earn a teaching license in the state of Tennessee, graduates must:

• Earn the minimum score set by the state of Tennessee on each part of the PRAXIS II test
• Earn the minimum score of a 42 on their edTPA Portfolio
• Successfully complete a 6-credit student teaching placement in a Partnership School approved by Johnson University, earning a minimum grade of B-
• Receive a satisfactory evaluation by a Partnership School mentor
• Be recommended for licensure by the Templar School of Education
• Satisfy any other licensure requirements mandated by the state of Tennessee. Requirements frequently change and candidates must meet requirements in effect at the time of their graduation. These requirements may be different from those in effect at the time they entered Johnson University or those detailed in the academic catalog. Students should check with the Templar School of Education regarding current licensure requirements.

Ministry of the Master (Required for students who have not completed 9 or more undergraduate or 3 or more graduate credits in Biblical Studies and/or Theology from an accredited institution approved by Johnson University. Students may meet this requirement prior to entering the program or concurrently while completing the other coursework.)

A graduate-level study of the ministry of Jesus as depicted in Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and various other biblical witnesses. The aim of the course is to acquire knowledge of Jesus in his historical setting and to make contemporary applications of his ministry for the Christian.

Classroom Management
This course explores two areas of significant and potential difficulty for the beginning teacher: effective classroom management and successful organization of the inclusive classroom. In this course, students will study management theory and teacher style and will study a variety of strategies for developing a plan for classroom management based on Christian principles. They will also seek to understand the special needs of the mainstreamed child and ways to meet these needs within an effective inclusive setting.

Mathematics & Science Methods
This course provides an overview of teaching methods and strategies for mathematics and science education in elementary and middle school classrooms. Students investigate trends, learning theories, instructional activities, and manipulative materials applicable to mathematics education with a focus on ways to improve the teaching of mathematics. Specific emphasis is given to the developmental approach to mathematics learning, teaching, and assessment. In the Science portion of the course, students learn and apply skills needed to use inquiry-based, open-ended, and materials-based investigations in the classroom. Students come to know, understand, and use strategies and pedagogy to enhance children’s learning of life science, earth and space science, and physical science based on the best practices for teaching science outlined in the National Science Education Standards and the Common Core State Standards.

Introduction to Education II
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.

Diversity & Special Education
This course continues the study of holistic education with special emphasis on diversity and special education in schools today.

Introduction to Elementary Education
This course introduces students to various aspects of teacher education, including teaching and learning, history and philosophy of education, educational psychology, and classroom management.

Integrated Methods I: Language Arts & Social Studies
This course focuses on best practices and strategies employed by teachers that are effective in motivating elementary school-age students to acquire information, skills, and modes of reasoning. Students plan, author, and present lesson plans and instruction demonstrating use of various methods, techniques, and materials as they expand their understanding of the fields of social studies and language arts.

Integrated Methods II: Reading
This course is an in-depth study of methods of teaching reading in the classroom. Students come to know, understand, and use appropriate practices for promoting and developing beginning literacy skills for integrating reading instruction across all subject areas.

Teaching in the Christian School
This course focuses on historical and philosophical foundations for the Christian school. During the course, three main components are addressed: historical perspectives and contributions to Christian Education, theology and philosophy of Christian Education, and biblical integration in Christian Education.

Student Teaching: Elementary Education
Students complete a term of student teaching in Elementary Education grades K-5.

Observation Practicum
This practical field experience is designed to acquaint students with a variety of schools and classrooms in the Knoxville area. Students examine various aspects of the classroom environment, management, and teaching methods in the classrooms they visit. Candidates will spend four full days in four different schools.

Ministry of the Master (Required for students who have not completed 9 or more undergraduate or 3 or more graduate credits in Biblical Studies and/or Theology from an accredited institution approved by Johnson University. Students may meet this requirement prior to entering the program or concurrently while completing the other coursework.)

A graduate-level study of the ministry of Jesus as depicted in Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and various other biblical witnesses. The aim of the course is to acquire knowledge of Jesus in his historical setting and to make contemporary applications of his ministry for the Christian.

Introduction to Education II
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.

Topics & Trends in Secondary Education
This course focuses on the most recent topics in education for students going into a middle and/or high school classroom. These topics include, but are not limited to, technology, school policy, and ethics. Emphasis will also be placed on child development for students in grades 6-12.

Diversity & Special Education
This course continues the study of holistic education with special emphasis on diversity and special education in schools today.

Introduction to Secondary Education
This course is an introduction to education for students in grades 6-12. It includes an introduction to educational philosophy, student development, learning styles, and methodology.

Reading in the Content Area
This course focuses on reading and critical thinking in secondary education content areas. Specific strategies are explored that enhance comprehension, concept development, and vocabulary knowledge. Effects of text organization and the relationship between reading and writing are examined for all content areas.

Teaching in the Christian School
This course focuses on historical and philosophical foundations for the Christian school. During the course, three main components are addressed: historical perspectives and contributions to Christian education, theology and philosophy of Christian education, and biblical integration in Christian education.

Classroom Management
This course explores two areas of significant and potential difficulty for the beginning teacher: effective classroom management and successful organization of the inclusive classroom. In this course, students will study management theory and teacher style and will study a variety of strategies for developing a plan for classroom management based on Christian principles. They will also seek to understand the special needs of the mainstreamed child and ways to meet these needs within an effective inclusive setting.

Observation Practicum
This practical field experience is designed to acquaint students with a variety of schools and classrooms in the Knoxville area. Students examine various aspects of the classroom environment, management, and teaching methods in the classrooms they visit. Candidates will spend four full days in four different schools.

Student Teaching: Secondary Education
This course involves a term of student teaching in secondary grades in the prepared discipline area of preferred licensure.

Elective: Choose one of the following:

Teaching English
Teaching History
Teaching Biology
Teaching Mathematics
Teaching Business

To be admitted to this program, students should have previously earned a bachelor’s degree in Sport and Fitness Leadership from a regionally accredited university with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0. This degree is specifically designed for graduates of the Johnson University Sport and Fitness Leadership program.

Ministry of the Master (Required for students who have not completed 9 or more undergraduate or 3 or more graduate credits in Biblical Studies and/or Theology from an accredited institution approved by Johnson University. Students may meet this requirement prior to entering the program or concurrently while completing the other coursework.)

A graduate-level study of the ministry of Jesus as depicted in Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and various other biblical witnesses. The aim of the course is to acquire knowledge of Jesus in his historical setting and to make contemporary applications of his ministry for the Christian.

Introduction to Education
This course introduces the students to the various aspects of teacher education including teaching and learning, history and philosophy of education, educational psychology, and classroom management.

Diversity & Special Education
This course continues the study of holistic education with special emphasis on diversity and special education in schools today.

Topics and Trends in Secondary Education
This course focuses on the most recent topics in education for students going into a middle and/or high school classroom. These topics include, but are not limited to, technology, school policy, and ethics. Emphasis will also be placed on child development for students in grades 6-12.

Classroom Management
This course explores two areas of significant and potential difficulty for the beginning teacher: effective classroom management and successful organization of the inclusive classroom. In this course, students will study management theory and teacher style and will study a variety of strategies for developing a plan for classroom management based on Christian principles. They will also seek to understand the special needs of the mainstreamed child and ways to meet these needs within an effective inclusive setting.

Observation Practicum
This practical field experience is designed to acquaint students with a variety of schools and classrooms in the Knoxville area. Students examine various aspects of the classroom environment, management, and teaching methods in the classrooms they visit. Candidates will spend four full days in four different schools.

Introduction to Education II
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.

Physical Education Methods
Students develop professional competencies for planning and implementing physical education programs in K-12 schools with an emphasis on reaching all ability groups. They learn a wide variety of exercise techniques, recreational games, and group and individual sports that promote health and personal fitness.

Reading in the Content Area
This course focuses on reading and critical thinking in secondary education content areas. Specific strategies are explored that enhance comprehension, concept development, and vocabulary knowledge. Effects of text organization and the relationship between reading and writing are examined for all content areas.

Student Teaching
Students complete a term of student teaching Physical Education Grades K-12.

Teaching in the Christian School
This course focuses on historical and philosophical foundations for the Christian school. During the course, three main components are addressed: historical perspectives and contributions to Christian Education, theology and philosophy of Christian Education, and biblical integration in Christian Education.

Ministry of the Master (Required for students who have not completed 9 or more undergraduate or 3 or more graduate credits in Biblical Studies and/or Theology from an accredited institution approved by Johnson University. Students may meet this requirement prior to entering the program or concurrently while completing the other coursework.)

A graduate-level study of the ministry of Jesus as depicted in Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and various other biblical witnesses. The aim of the course is to acquire knowledge of Jesus in his historical setting and to make contemporary applications of his ministry for the Christian.

Introduction to Education I
This course introduces students to the various aspects of teacher education including teaching and learning, history and philosophy of education, educational psychology, and classroom management.

Diversity & Special Education
This course continues the study of holistic education with special emphasis on diversity and special education in schools today.

Instruction and Assessment for English Learners
This course provides candidates with an understanding of the instructional needs of English learners. Candidates explore effective instruction and develop English Language Development (ELD) lesson plans that integrate listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Candidates will select and use formal and informal methods of assessment to make informed decisions about instruction.

Classroom Management
This course explores two areas of significant and potential difficulty for the beginning teacher: effective classroom management and successful organization of the inclusive classroom. In this course, students will study management theory and teacher style and will study a variety of strategies for developing a plan for classroom management based on Christian principles. They will also seek to understand the special needs of the mainstreamed child and ways to meet these needs within an effective inclusive setting.

Introduction to Education II
As a continuation of Introduction to Teaching, 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.

Integrated Methods II Reading
This course is an in-depth study of methods of teaching reading in the classroom. Students come to know, understand, and use appropriate practices for promoting and developing beginning literacy skills for integrating reading instruction across all subject areas.

Topics and Trends
This course provides candidates with the skills needed to acquire a deeper understanding of the social and academic needs of English learners. Specific educational policies, legal requirements, professional responsibilities, and collaboration among stakeholders will be explored. Candidates will analyze student diversity and current trends related to the education of English learners.

Observation Practicum
This practical field experience is designed to acquaint students with a variety of schools and classrooms in the Knoxville area. Students examine various aspects of the classroom environment, management, and teaching methods in the classrooms they visit. Candidates will spend four full days in four different schools.

Student Teaching: English as a Second Language
This course involves a term of student teaching in secondary grades in the prepared discipline area of preferred licensure.

Teaching in the Christian School
This course focuses on historical and philosophical foundations for the Christian school. During the course, three main components are addressed: historical perspectives and contributions to Christian education, theology and philosophy of Christian education, and biblical integration in Christian education.