The faculty for the Master of Education online degree program are not only accomplished teachers and scholars committed to academic excellence, but they are also engaged in improving practices in a broad range of fields and interests. Our graduates consistently indicate that ready access to supportive faculty is one of the things they value the most about their educational experience.
Online education teaching and learning pedagogy and best practices, education administration and leadership, qualitative research methods, psychology and spirit- inclusive classroom & work environments.
Strong academic reputation for providing high quality education. As the director of the program, I teach to stay connected with faculty colleagues and students. Teaching in the MEd Online program allows me to gain the faculty experience and continuously improve our online program beyond the administration perspective.
Online education can be intimidating if you have never participated in an online course or program. Online learning is not easier or harder than in-person classes. The difference is that this type of learning requires more discipline.
“Heaven On Earth State of Mind!” – I wrote a book called “Why Choose Hell When You Can Have Heaven On Earth” – Available on Amazon.com.
Learn More About the ProgramCultural Diversity, Proficiency, Family-School and Community Engagement, Internationalization
Provides the opportunity to engage with teachers nationally and internationally!
Plan life and work accordingly as it is a rigorous program and process!
“When one plans patiently the results will come/happen!”
Learn More About the ProgramJoi Spencer is focusing on mathematics education, teacher education and educational equity in urban and minority communities. Her research has examined mathematics learning opportunities in the poorest middle schools in Los Angeles, as well as the impact of video-based mathematics professional development on student learning and teacher development. Dr. Spencer was a member of the National Science Foundation’s Diversity in Mathematics Education Center for Learning and Teaching, and a research associate for the LessonLab Research Institute, which conducted the TIMSS (Third International Mathematics and Science Study) Video study. She received an AERA dissertation year fellowship for her thesis, “Balancing the Equation: African American Students’ Opportunities to Learn Mathematics with Understanding in Two Central City Middle Schools.” In 2011, Dr. Spencer was selected as the Greater San Diego Mathematics Council’s Outstanding Post Secondary Mathematics Teacher of the Year. Most recently she led a team of graduate students from SOLES to Ghana, West Africa to conduct academic needs assessments and to provide teacher professional development in affordable private schools. Her latest publication, “Views from the Black of the Mathematics Classroom” appears in Dissent Magazine.
Learn More About the ProgramTeacher Preparation, Science Education, Secondary schooling, International Education
USD’s online teacher education graduate program is unique because it is situated in a traditional university. The online program goals were constructed to align with the department of Learning and Teaching’s commitment to access and equity, urban education, research-guided practice, and professional development. These boundary crossings between campus-based and online teaching provides a synergy that helps faculty use best practices in teacher education to become better face-to-face instructors and better online teachers.
“The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short, but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark.” – Michelangelo
I am a quilter.
Learn More About the ProgramSTEAM, Educational Psychology, Project-based learning, Evidence-based Instruction, Social-Emotional Learning, Creativity, Digital Learning
I consider myself, first a learner, then a teacher. When online learning first became available, I was tentative as I so thoroughly enjoyed the relationship-building of face-to-face instruction. However, I soon learned that the online format also has the capacity to build community. When one person shares their thoughts via the discussion post, others begin to see spaces of contact and will feel comfortable in sharing their own academic and personal learning reflections. And, in the end, everyone is enriched!
I have found that everyone finds a place of entry and acceptance into the learning community and thereby grows both as a teacher and as a learner.
The teacher as talent scout metaphor is appealing to me as we are honored with the opportunity to celebrate the unique talents of every single student under our care.
Culturally responsive inclusive practices, postsecondary transition, special education, literacy, collaboration, positive behavior supports, teacher professional development, global education
Although many universities claim social justice within their mission, the implementation of the work within the teacher education programs often falls short. This is not true at USD. Some connect the teacher shortage with the need to move preservice teachers through programs and into the classroom quickly as a reason not to dive deeper into the critical topics. My experience and research support the need of educators to learn and apply critical reflection into their development as educator. This includes examining biases; challenging assessment, curriculum, and instruction; and implementing culturally responsive practices within all aspects of teaching.
Take things one day at a time and ask for help, your professors are there to support you!
I have visited 69 countries.
Learn More About the ProgramCultural and linguistic diversity, international inclusive education, qualitative research, international special education, India.
UIt gives me an opportunity to meet students from all over the country and the world.
Our online program is perfect for busy education professionals who want to continue to learn. You can learn on your own time, meet other professionals in your courses, and build relationships with your peers and your instructors.
“Ancora Imparo” (Yet, I am learning) – Michelangelo
Learn More About the Program1.) Teaching English as an international and transnational language where socioculturally salient pedagogical practice is explored;
2.) Supporting the needs of marginalized populations of students including immigrants, migrants, refugees, international students and the rural poor from a responsible, critical and ethical space;
3.) Teacher development through responsive mediation, drawing on constructive-developmental and sociocultural lenses;
4.) Mediating teacher learning through classroom research with a focus on improving instructional practice and evolving identities as practitioner-researchers; and
5.) Contemplative, mindful, and conscious education, blending the work from eastern and western wisdom traditions and contemporary research on positive psychology.
I wanted the opportunity to mentor teachers from around the country and the world on teacher research grounded within their respective classroom contexts and student needs.
Earning a master’s degree shifts your identity from that of a practitioner to that of a practitioner-researcher. This deepens the level of work and commitment to your profession, particularly as you seek to improve your own practice and that of your school to ultimately improve the learning experiences for your students. It is an opportunity to professionalize our work through systematic and meaningful inquiry and practice grounded in cutting-edge research.
“Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Learn More About the ProgramOnline instruction, curriculum design, school culture, inclusive education, and disability studies.
USD has a social justice focus which aligns with my purpose as an educator. The Online MEd program gives me the opportunity to work with teachers who work all over the world who share the goal of improving learning environments for students with disabilities.
Fully engage with instructors and fellow students online. They bring a variety of perspectives that will enrich your experience.
While visiting Seoul last summer, I met for the first time in person a former online MEd graduate who teaches in Korea.
Cultural diversity, inclusive education, creativity, online instruction, interdisciplinary studies.
Born and raised in South San Diego, I grew up knowing USD has always been a respected university that provides quality education. It’s an honor to teach for a program that addresses the growth of the whole student – professionally and personally. With this flexible online format, those who partake in this program get to learn from other educators all over the world.
Set up a schedule as soon as you get the course syllabus so that you can adequately give attention to the material, produce complete assignments and provide quality peer interaction while still being able to balance work, relationships, and “me” time.
“The most important thing is to not stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” – Albert Einstein
I love being a lifelong learner and traveler.
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