EdM in Elementary Education

Initial Licensure in Elementary Education (Grades 1–6) and Special Education (Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities, PreK–8)

Elementary teachers are responsible for educating students with a wide range of abilities, including students with moderate disabilities. This two-year program allows candidates to hone their skill and knowledge base by earning a master’s degree in elementary education and two initial licenses: an Initial License in Elementary Education (Grades 1–6) and an Initial License as a Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (PreK–8).

Central to our program are the pedagogical courses and classroom experience designed to induct candidates into the current research and best practices of each subject area in the elementary curriculum and special education. Integral to this preparation is the time spent in classrooms in both urban and suburban schools. Candidates participate in various field experiences every term. This program offers full-time and part-time opportunities.

Prior to the first term of practicum, candidates complete a minimum of 120 hours in the field, planning and teaching lessons across the curriculum as well as completing other field-related assignments.

Learning Outcomes

• Curriculum, Planning, and Assessment: Promotes the learning and growth of all students by providing high-quality and coherent instruction, designing and administering authentic and meaningful student assessments, analyzing student performance and growth data, using this data to improve instruction, providing students with constructive feedback on an ongoing basis, and continuously refining learning objectives (Well-Structured Lessons; Adjustments to Practice; Reflective Practice).
• Teaching All Students: Promotes the learning and growth of all students through instructional practices that establish high expectations, create a safe and effective classroom environment, and demonstrate cultural proficiency (High Expectations; Meeting Diverse Needs; Safe Learning Environment).
• Family and Community Engagement: Promotes the learning and growth of all students through effective partnerships with families, caregivers, community members, and organizations.
• Professional Culture: Promotes the learning and growth of all students through ethical, culturally proficient, skilled, and collaborative practice (Meeting Diverse Needs).
• Demonstrates Subject Matter Knowledge.

EdM Curriculum

Required Courses (54 units)

• WED CH 515 Curriculum Methods (1–6) (10 units)
• WED ED 502/503 Professional Teaching Seminar: Analyzing Foundations of Teaching (2 units)
• WED LR 551 Reading Development, Assessment, and Instruction (4 units)
• WED LS 560 Language Acquisition (4 units)
• WED ME 503 Mathematical Reasoning in the Elementary Grades: Number Systems (4 units)
• WED ME 504 Mathematical Reasoning in the Elementary Grades: Algebra, Geometry, and Statistics (4 units)
• WED RS 600 Introduction to Research (4 units)
• WED SE 534 Classroom and Behavior Management (2 units)
• WED SE 580 Methods and Materials in Special Education (4 units)
• WED SE 613 Field Work in Special Education: Moderate Disabilities (2 units)
• WED SE 706 Introduction to Special Education (4 units)
• WED SE 751 Assessment in Special Education (4 units)
• WED SE 760 Cognition, Learning, and Behavior (2 units)
• WED TL 520 Teaching English Language Learners (4 units)

Field Experiences (16 units)

Students participate in four field placements. Boston University enjoys long-standing relationships with many urban and suburban school systems in greater Boston that offer our students rewarding field experiences under the guidance of expert teachers and faculty.

• WED CH 655 Student Teaching Practicum Grades 1–6 (8 units)
• WED SE 593 Practicum: Moderate Disabilities PreK–8 (8 units)