FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 8, 2008
Contact: Pat Walsh, The Ulum Group, 434-7021; 513-1236 (cell)
Janine Allen, Dean, School of Education and Counseling, 684-7255
NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN COLLEGE TO ADD MASTER OF EDUCATION PROGRAM
EUGENE, Ore.----Northwest Christian College’s (NCC) School of Education and Counseling is kicking off a new era in fall 2008 with the introduction of its master of education (M.Ed.) program. The new program has received the approval of the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), NCC’s accrediting body.
This master’s program has long been in the planning stages, and its time has finally come,” says Janine Allen, dean of education. Allen adds that the new program will fill an educational niche in our community.
Students in the M.Ed. program may concentrate their studies in one of two areas: Curriculum and Instruction or Instructional Technology. The Curriculum and Instruction concentration is designed for currently licensed teachers who wish to further their education. The program comes at an opportune time, since state requirements for teacher licensure recently changed. New teachers must now renew their license every three years, and may only do so twice. By the end of this renewal cycle, individuals must have completed a graduate program and will then continue taking courses over the life of their careers by earning professional development units to keep their license current.
The Oregon Department of Education recently passed more stringent high school diploma conditions, requiring high school students to complete more credit hours of core subjects such as math, social studies and language arts. According to Allen, the M.Ed. program will equip teachers to think ahead to plan their curricula for these new requirements.
The master’s degree in education with an emphasis in Instructional Technology is designed to train professionals to improve learning and instruction through the coordinated use of instructional materials, human resources and technology. Participants need not be licensed teachers, nor will they be gaining licensure in this program. Allen encourages any person in a professional capacity who would benefit from this curriculum to apply.
According to Allen, “We live in an age of technological diversity, with the younger generation being far more savvy with current digital technology than those in previous generations. With the disparity in technological knowledge base and comfort level, the newer generation can be described as “digital natives,” whereas their parents’ generation is more akin to “digital immigrants.”
For current teachers who pursue the master’s degree in education with an emphasis in Instructional Technology, the benefit is two-fold. The older generation of teachers gaining digital knowledge will not only help these teachers in their lesson planning and implementation, but will also free up younger, recently graduated and more technologically minded instructors who are being pulled from their own classrooms to assist those with fewer digital skills.
Both M.Ed. curricula are 18-month programs, and are offered in a hybrid model that includes in-class and online instruction one night a week for eight weeks, plus a Saturday class one term. Core classes focus on common educational issues and theories with an emphasis on classroom application.
NCC requires a base of at least 15 students to begin the M.Ed. program. Allen says that she is hoping that many of the 22 NCC students graduating with their bachelor’s degrees in education this spring will continue at NCC for their master’s degree. She adds that the school is waiving the application fee for those who do. The largest pool of possible applicants are former NCC graduates, and Allen confirmed that these alumni are being informed of the new program. “We’re making certain our previous grads know that they must earn 30 graduate credits at the master’s level to renew their initial teaching license in the state of Oregon. We are also making certain that they realize the diverse job opportunities this new degree will provide,” says Allen.
Northwest Christian College’s School of Education and Counseling is striving to keep abreast of the needs of its students, the community and changing technology. NCC’s Web site states that one of its goals is to equip new teachers to “...utilize 21st century skills within the learning environment in becoming leaders demonstrating best-practice implementation of instructional technology.” Allen adds, “The M.Ed. will allow graduates to serve in many different capacities beyond the classroom and will promote leadership skill development in the communities they are currently serving. As Christ’s followers, we are called to lead with a heart of service and ethical disposition. The M.Ed. provides the reflection and learning experiences to build these dispositional characteristics.”
Last fall, Northwest Christian also received approval from the NWCCU to offer new majors and minors in mathematics, history and English. The math major has been offered since fall 2007 and the history and English degree programs will be offered beginning in the fall of 2008.
About Northwest Christian College
In July 2008, Northwest Christian College will be renamed Northwest Christian University. Northwest Christian is a liberal arts college dedicated to developing competent, ethical leaders for service in the workplace, community, Church, and world. The College was founded in 1895 and is affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the Christian Churches/Churches of Christ. Northwest Christian College offers 18 undergraduate degree programs, four master's degree programs, and a professional studies program for working adults. More information about the College is available at http://www.nwcc.edu.
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