There came a day early on in my teaching career when I was given the opportunity to work on revising curriculum in a subcommittee. I was so excited to have been chosen to contribute to the process of changing aspects of an ancient language arts curriculum in order to meet the needs of a variety of students in today’s 21^st-century climate.

However, upon arriving at the meeting, I realized that I had very little understanding of how to develop curriculum from scratch. I had strong knowledge of features of curriculum, and I knew how to interpret this information as a teacher and implement it for my students, but writing essential questions? Developing performance tasks to address content standards? What was Understanding by Design vs. Backwards Design anyway, and why were we using one particular framework over another?

These questions would be answered over the course of my two year program at the University of Saint Joseph while pursuing the curriculum and instruction program for my master’s degree. My professors indulged my endless questions as we explored not just frameworks of education, but also policies and practices that are applicable in the field today.

What Will You Learn in a Curriculum and Instruction Program?

Although the title of the degree suggests only two areas of learning, the program extends far beyond those parameters. Enrollment in the curriculum and instruction program means you will engage in disciplines relating to the historical development of education and understanding how the system has become what it is today, as well as changing your role to advocacy for what you believe education should be.

You will develop your skills as a researcher and analyze data relating to your field of expertise in order to interpret and apply new theories in practice. You will discuss what obstacles exist in today’s field, and what you can do to break barriers. You will dig deeper into understanding the needs of all students, including special populations such as English language learners and students with disabilities. You also have the opportunity to evaluate different teaching tools that are available to enhance curriculum utilizing technology.

Another course teaches you to design and evaluate several types of assessments in order to interpret results for informing instruction. One of my favorite courses included exploring Multiple Intelligence Theory and designing tasks around student interest and choice, recognizing that not all students want to engage in the same performance tasks to show their understanding and application of knowledge.

All of these courses were able to combine independent learning with partner/group projects to present findings and new understandings to the class. Learning about the process of developing curriculum with a group of peers really helped to bring different perspectives and analytical reasoning to the discipline of study.

Advantages of a Curriculum and Instruction Degree

Upon receipt of your degree in curriculum and instruction, the career opportunities available to you may take you outside of the four walls of your classroom. While the obvious field available includes curriculum development or design, you might consider pursuing consulting, coaching, or even advocacy.

Developing curriculum in the virtual setting is our reality at the moment, and while we are considering this temporary in the public sector, private companies are seizing the opportunity to expand their content offerings through new hires.

You may also consider pursuing a change from the K-12 classroom to teaching at the college level, preparing future young educators for the field that awaits them. Another opportunity that is available to you is designing professional development for educators in the public school systems. Businesses in the private sector may also consider hiring you as a corporate trainer or developer. Public or private, the opportunity you seek will be well prepared with the offerings available from the curriculum and instruction program at the University of Saint Joseph.

Why wait any longer to start the next step in your educational career? Explore our M.A. Curriculum and Instruction program and enroll today!

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Having a Master’s in Education with Multiple Intelligences Theory Concentration has given me perspective on how to make deeper connections with my students. If you choose this path of study, one of the first courses you will take delves into the theory and scientific research behind Howard Gardner’s philosophies. Multiple Intelligence Theory aided in understanding my own successes and failures in school as a student. This knowledge will help you to discover a multitude of ways to assess your students through a variety of intelligences. It may surprise you how much your students are learning when you can see their growth in modalities you had never considered.

In conjunction with theory and research courses, the program will also provide enriching experiences in each intelligence. There you may begin to discover which intelligences you have strong connections with and which you may shy away from. The program is designed to increase your comfortability with each area so that you can provide opportunities for your students to succeed even if it is not your strength.

This is where the remainder of the program guides you in a very unique way. Each course is designed to challenge you in all eight intelligences, sometimes covering one intelligence multiple times. Through each unit of study, you will be encouraged to implement your learning right away, whether it be in your own classroom or in front of your peers. You may also be surprised at the equal value your cohort will bring to your learning. Not enough can be said about the magic that comes from a group of students who are challenged in such a wide variety of intelligences. We did everything, including dance, acting, performing music, composing poetry, writing stories, giving speeches, reading, watching, listening, creating art, discovering museums, presenting through new technologies, and much more. Of course, we were all a little timid to try out tasks that were our weaknesses, but the momentum and positivity of the group quickly grew to eliminate this fear.

This program attracts people with many different experiences, which turned out to be wonderfully enriching all on its own. The people in my cohort stayed with me throughout the entire program, which meant that even though the professors changed every eight weeks, we had the continuity of our classroom culture. I connected with colleagues across the state through many different grade levels and disciplines. We had Pre-K through high school represented, music, art, special education, STEAM, math, English, general education, and more.

Our professors also came with a variety of experiences. They showed me how I could teach more through my own specific subject without compromising the integrity of my curriculum. What I learned from my peers and professors was an irreplaceable experience, and it would not have happened had it not been for the program and all of the positive challenges it presented.

Due to the uniqueness of each cohort of peers, it is hard to say exactly what you will learn in the multiple intelligences theory concentration program outside of the defined curriculum, because each peer will bring their own perspectives. Your collaboration skills will increase, and you will certainly be pushed out of your comfort zone in an amazing way. I went in expecting to learn about many different intelligences but left learning many things I never thought would have been included. You will be challenged mentally and emotionally, from the time spent learning with the musician and inspirational speaker Samite to the times we discussed The Shame of the Nation by Jonathon Kozol.

Career Opportunities and Outcomes

Having this degree has opened up opportunities to collaborate with many different teachers in my own district, and it gave me a level of understanding of how the intelligences can be connected. If you are looking for a career after completing this program, education is the most logical path. Employers will favor your potential to teach beyond what your job description outlines and be an integral team player in any school system. The beauty of this program is that it can benefit any educator, of any level, of any subject. In fact, it would be ideal if every school’s faculty members had at least some exposure to the skills that can be gained in this program.

Other Advantages of an Education with Multiple Intelligences Theory Concentration Degree

Through my experience, I have shared ideas with my students and colleagues that have inspired them to consider the eight intelligences in their own practices. The unique perspective I can now provide enriches group discussions in preparations for curriculum, fundraisers, extra-curricular activities, concerts, community events, and more. Furthermore, earning your master’s degree often will put you on a higher salary step. In my own experience, it led me toward leadership opportunities. This may have been partially to the boost in confidence I gained from each of the courses, but also because of the creative ideas and views I had on pedagogy.

Since gaining my master’s degree, I have presented on my units of lessons in several different conferences and curriculum councils. Should you be looking to stand out with your ideas and be a beacon of creativity, the master’s in education with multiple intelligences theory concentration program at University of Saint Joseph is an excellent path to get you there.

Note: As of 2021, this program name has changed to M.A. in Education with an Arts Integration Concentration

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Why did you want to work in education? What inspired you?

I never would have thought I’d become an educator. After volunteering at an elementary school in Springfield, Massachusetts in my freshman year, that all changed. A group of refugees from Somalia had arrived, and although most were adjusting well, one kindergartner was not. He wouldn’t speak or follow directions. He would actually hide under a table or in a closet. I felt a calling to help him, and after a day of looking at picture books, we found a word we both knew: zebra. He smiled, repeated the word, and I knew he would be okay. That was the day I changed my major from physical therapy to education.

Why did you choose the University of Saint Joseph for your master’s degree in curriculum and instruction?

I put off my master’s degree for years, as I was adjusting to a new state and married life. I kept telling myself I’d get to it eventually. Then, I received an email from the University of Saint Joseph indicating they assisted educators with their master’s degree at a reduced rate. This was especially appealing as I was drowning in debt from my undergraduate degree. When I saw the programs available at the off-campus sites, I knew that curriculum and instruction would be my choice as I participated quite a bit at the district-level writing and modifying curriculum for ESL students. I felt it was a natural transition to go from implementing curriculum to writing culturally relevant curriculum.

What skills did you gain or sharpen through your program at the University of Saint Joseph, and how do you use them today?

While participating in the master’s program, I was able to practice my presentation skills within the classroom, as we would frequently share our findings with peers in formal PowerPoints or other platforms. We would also collaborate in teams for our projects, so it was important to be a leader, as well as a contributor and listener. We thought critically as we determined research topics that were relevant to our fields of expertise, as well as to our colleague’s interests. As well as I communicated prior to this experience, I feel my ability to communicate has improved greatly in a professional capacity.

How has your master’s degree impacted you in terms of your current position or a position you’d like to attain in the future?

Obtaining my master’s degree in curriculum and instruction has led me to use a different lens when planning lessons, as well as dissecting the purpose of assessment. I’ve become more critical of how I assess students, as well as how I use that data in my classroom. I have also changed my future goals to include writing curriculum at the district level and started to prepare for this by working with an online language acquisition company to write curriculum for their platform. Ultimately, I feel my opportunities are much more diverse now that I have this degree and experience from Saint Joseph.

What was a challenge you faced during your curriculum and instruction program, and who or what helped you overcome it?

I think the biggest challenge anyone faces while taking college courses and working a full-time job is time management. I also have two young children, and juggling their activities as well as my priorities for class and work was a struggle at times. However, I had an amazing support system in my husband, as well as meeting with fellow classmates outside of class in order to help each other focus and plan projects. There was an “eye on the prize” mentality when it came to completing this program, and having strong supporters both at home and class was essential to my achievement.

What was the biggest takeaway from your master’s program?

Upon completing the program, I feel the biggest takeaway was the relationships that were built within the classroom itself. Our cohort had a very special bond. We looked out for each other, especially when it came to success. There was no presence of competition, but rather a group mentality of pride and achievement. We held each other accountable for the work we were doing, and asked the hard questions to really think critically about what we were learning and its application to our careers and students. We trusted each other enough to ask for advice, to own up to our shortcomings, and to learn from one another’s experiences.

What would you tell (or what advice would you give) prospective students considering the curriculum and instruction M.A. program at the University of Saint Joseph?

Students who are considering pursuing the curriculum and instruction M.A. program at the University of Saint Joseph should understand that although the workload will be intense, they are not alone. Between the supportive staff who were available throughout the week and your classmates, a question never went unanswered. The University did a fantastic job devising a curriculum for this degree that focused on teamwork, because in the educational setting we hardly ever work alone. Creating a curriculum takes a team of people and voices, and that’s exactly what you’ll learn to incorporate while enrolled in this program.

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I attended a seminar and dragged my feet a little bit. I reviewed my contract at work and noticed there was a sizeable difference in salary if I earned a master’s degree. I thought that the sooner I started it, the sooner I could start making more money and the process would soon be over. At the time (2016), the master’s program was $16,000. It sounded like a large number, but not compared to what my children’s tuition would be once they started college.

I discussed the expense versus the new income and our upcoming expenses with my family. We discussed the payment options and what we could afford. We agreed that the sooner I earned my master’s degree, the sooner we could reap the benefits.

Our family has made some good financial decisions along the way not getting heavily into debt and not trying to impress anyone else, just meeting the needs of our family. We bought an affordable home and took out a 15-year mortgage. I started my master’s program as our mortgage was ending. With the mortgage eliminated, we had some flexibility.

Quickly, the $16,000 price tag looked more manageable with the “pay as you go” option. Each eight-week class was $1,600, or $800 every four weeks. We decided to take this route. We paid every four weeks, and when we had breaks from class over the summer and winter break, we were able to direct that money to other expenses. It was very manageable. Having the breaks from the classes was beneficial for my mindset and for our financial purposes.

I submitted my transcript to my employer when I completed my master’s degree, and my increase in pay took effect immediately. The program was affordable, and the investment has returned its value and will continue for the rest of my career.

*Tuition subject to change.

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The program at Saint Joseph had a dedicated location, weekday and time for each class. This allowed our family to plan our schedules for the next two years. As dates and plans developed, neither my wife nor my children had to ask when I was available. They coordinated coverage and transportation in advance. A lot of stress and uncertainty was eliminated based on the dedicated schedule.

I was concerned that once I signed up for classes, future classes may have a different schedule and would interfere with my goal to finish within two years. The cohort model proved invaluable. I was offered two locations within 30 minutes of my school. The process of enrolling in classes was efficient. As each class ended, the cohort enrolled in the next courses with the same time and location. This eliminated the process of selecting, enrolling or fitting a new schedule. The courses had healthy winter and summer breaks.

Once a week, our sessions started at 4:45 p.m. This allowed enough time to complete my daily duties as a teacher. I attended brief meetings after school without having to rush to my evening class.

On the first night of each course, each professor handed out a comprehensive syllabus with detailed information about the course and the work progression over each week. The details in the syllabus allowed me to plan and complete work at my convenience. Many of the textbooks had electronic copies, which allowed me to access information from different locations without the need to haul around paper versions. Each class used blackboard software, and I was able to monitor, plan, communicate, submit and collaborate with my peers. It was a perfect balance of in-class experience and online convenience.

The cohort model and structure of the classes made the process clear and simple.  I felt that the Saint Joseph master’s program became a part of my plan. It was an excellent experience from the time I considered enrolling through to when I walked at graduation in front of my children.

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I attended team building seminars and activities before, but none compared to the team building experience at the University of Saint Joseph.  Most teacher development sessions and training seminars were with colleagues from the same department or school, working under the same administration.  Many teaching strategies were in place for years with little or no variety or willingness to evolve.  The University of Saint Joseph program offered much more diversity.  My cohort included teaching professionals from different districts with a range of experiences.  The diversity of our experiences drove our discussions and our program bubbled over with creative ideas.

I teach 7th through 12th grade.  In my district, I interact with professionals of different subjects but with the same administration.  During our projects at USJ, I worked teachers of different subjects and student ages, including from childbirth to age three.  These teachers shared experiences and helped to develop my understanding of teaching at a deeper level.  I learned about the educational experience of my students before they got to my classroom.

The wide range of experience was intriguing.  Many of the strategies and experiences had surprising parallels.  I enjoyed looking at my experience from my students’ perspective, with their questions and conversations.  It was a genuinely collaborative experience.  I marveled at their persistence, patience and resolve.  Their reactions to my experience revitalized my purpose for teaching.

The master’s program at the University of Saint Joseph was valuable and important because of the professionals their program attracts.  Throughout the program, I was able to modify and implement the strategies we discussed the night before.  The students in my classroom were bemused when I would introduce a new style of engagement based on a discussion I had at my master’s class.  I enjoyed my experience because I did not feel as though I were working for a certificate or a degree, but rather I was working to refine my craft through an exchange of ideas.  To this day, I use some of the strategies I learned from elementary teachers in my high school classroom.  Even high school students like a good round of “Simon Says!”

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