University officials are working to recruit a cohort of 20 individuals who will move together through five semesters of study and earn a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. The program is slated to begin in the fall of 2011.

“This is ideal for anyone who wants to change career directions or who loves working with children and would like to become a licensed teacher,” said Dr. Dovie Kimmins, professor of mathematical sciences at MTSU. “What a fine opportunity for a housewife or youth counselor—someone who enjoys working with that age group but doesn’t possess the credentials to be in the classroom. This is a path to gaining licensure and a graduate degree.”

“Individuals who have a love for children and an inclination toward mathematics should consider this degree,” added Dr. Jeremy Winters, assistant professor in the MTSU’s Department of Elementary and Special Education. “Several people in the current K-6 program have had previous experience working with children such as coaching or working in after-school programs and have decided that a teaching career is for them. I believe the new 4-8 program will interest individuals of a similar disposition.”

Winters is referring to the current Initial Licensure Program (ILP) Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in grades K-6, which is already successful.

“The mathematics courses have been designed with consideration of what someone needs to know and how they need to know it to effectively teach middle-school mathematics,” Kimmins noted.

Classes will be offered in the evenings, on weekends and online in order to accommodate working adults—about one-third of the classes through each venue, Kimmins and Winters affirmed.

A candidate must have a bachelor’s degree in any field and a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0. Some graduate assistantships may be available.

Partial financial support for this program was made possible by a Teachers Now Phase II grant through the U.S. Department of Education.

Interested individuals will need to apply for graduate school and should contact Winters immediately for more information at 615-494-7729.