WilmU Bundles - COE Graduate Program

WilmU Proposal in “Bundling” Certificates for a New Degree Program WilmU 15-credit certificates allow candidates to concentrate on a bundle of 5 courses that are most closely applicable to the area in which they are working or that interests them. The 15-credit certificate is designed for teachers to advance their teaching abilities and cover a range of educational and leadership topics. Candidates can choose any bundle of courses to earn a certificate, or combine two certificate bundles to earn a Master of Arts: Interdisciplinary Studies in Education.

These certificates, like other nationally recognized teacher certifications, allow teachers to distinguish themselves as accomplished, effective educators who have met the most robust standards in the profession. They allow teachers to pursue further study in a specialized field. These “areas of distinction” would serve as professional credentials designed to build in-demand skills. Personalizing the learning experience for each learner is a hallmark of Wilmington’s focus and will lead to more effective teaching practices in the field.

These certificates will require teachers to actively engage in applying new skills and knowledge, sometimes within their own classroom settings while earning the area of distinction. They are not measured by passing an exam (PLA). Rather, these certificates with areas of distinction are granted based on evidence of practice and how that is assessed against a defined rubric. They can include personalized, individual evidence by linking to learner created artifacts (such as e-portfolio, website, etc.).

Master of Arts: Interdisciplinary Studies in Education These certificates house multiple courses with areas of distinction. Candidates may 1.

2.

complete a single certificate bundle, or combine two bundles to earn an interdisciplinary master’s degree.

Digital Age Teaching and Learning

(formerly Applied Technology in Education)

Teacher of Reading Learning Practices and Approaches (Jobs for DE Grads Approved)

Instructional Coaching

WilmU Certificates – Areas of Distinction ESOL Literacy*

STEM Education

E-Learning Design and Technology*

Special Education: Autism/Severe Intellectual Disabilities*

Special Education: Early Childhood Exceptional Children*

Special Education: K-12 Teachers of Students with Disabilities*

Diversity and Inclusion

Trauma Informed Care

Teaching and Learning

Early Learning Pedagogy

Adult Learning

Digital Certifications

*Covered by Financial Aid (Check with Lyndsay Rice for those on the docket for summer approval by Feds.)

Considerations (conversation with Linnea Bradshaw 02/05/2021, Al Di Eemdio and Michele Brewer) 1. Can these certificates work within the existing system of educator salary advancement in Delaware? Do the courses need state approval in order for teachers to advance on the salary scale? Yes. They can lead to salary increases of plus 15 if we submit them to DOE as a course of study. This is still on the books at DOE. 2. Should this be packaged as Professional Development? DOE is currently working on something called an “area of distinction” for teachers and leaders. Suggestion: we should bundle these and use the language “distinction” in our naming of the bundle. Michele: Many courses exist already that we could package and market as an “area of distinction/micro-credential.”

3. Can teachers “bundle” different certificates to earn a master’s degree which could be state approved? NOTE: Rob Grey indicated on 12/15/2020 in an email that we do not need stateapproval if these do not lead to licensure. We will need to check about the Special Ed. certificates (already approved by DE DOE) as part of the degree.

4. Plus 15 will need to be detailed for potential candidates, especially with advisors.

NOTE: Conversation with Rob Grey, Educator Effectiveness DOE 02/08/2021. Notification of new courses of study can be done through an email for state approval. No form needed.