Master of Arts in Teaching

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.