Core Courses

As the first course in the MAT program, Teacher as Leader establishes foundational knowledge and introduces participants to current research related to teacher leadership. A growing body of evidence seems to show that teacher leaders can initiate positive school reform and actually sustain it. This course focuses on these teacher leaders and examines the specific characteristics of successful teachers. Participants become reflective practitioners as they study the current state of education and many of the leading reform efforts. They learn leadership strategies and then apply them in their classrooms, schools and communities. Participants set personal goals outlining ways they can strengthen their commitment to student learning and achievement. 

Because today’s educational climate demands attention to national, state and district standards, high-stakes testing is part of the educational landscape that all teachers must learn to navigate. This course grounds teachers in effective ways to assess their students and illustrates how to use this information to modify their instructional practices. Beginning with understanding the many types of assessment methods, participants examine the specific purposes of each and how best to use different assessments in their classrooms. Participants learn how to design effective assessments to meet the particular needs of their students and teaching situations. Techniques to involve students in their own assessment are also included.