MASTER OF EDUCATION-PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Learning Community Program

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

INTRODUCTIONS Patricia A. Markos, Ph.D., CRC

Director, ME-PD Learning Community (LC) Margie Hylkema, ME-PD LC

Assistant to the Director, Administrative Specialist Sarah Dixen, Ed.S.

Facilitator Development & Support Specialist Jackson Jantzen

Learning Community Coordinator

WHAT IS A LEARNING COMMUNITY? A group of 10-25 graduate students who enroll

together and become a learning community while completing a master’s degree.

The 30 credit (four semester) curriculum is both scaffolded and spiraled throughout the two years* that the students spend together.

The curriculum is based on the principles of constructivism, and the delivery is based on the theory of adult learning, which allows adult students to control their learning.

* online delivery is 18 months

ABOUT THE PROGRAM . . .

The ME-PD Learning Community Program

-Provides a two-year* (30 credit) graduate experience

-Is for teachers and other individuals in education

-Allows students to engage in study about their professional practice in a

collaborative and learner directed environment

* Online is 18 months

INSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL STUDIES IN EDUCATION (IPSE)ACADEMIC PROGRAM MODEL – FALL 2012 FORWARD

PLC (Professional Learning Community) emphasis for all Learning Communities

Content Area Emphasis choices: English Language Arts (based on Common Core Standards)

Math (based on Common Core Standards)

Global and Cultural Competency Core ME-PD program (focuses in-depth on teaching

pedagogy and educational leadership)

WHO ARE OUR STUDENTS?

Educators from all areas of PK-16 education Other professionals from other fields

DARE officersNursesOTs/PTsRehabilitation professionalsTechnical college instructors

PROGRAM FACTS

The ME-PD Learning Community Program has:• Been in existence since 1997• Graduated over 3,000 educators with their ME-

PD degree • Reached out to graduate students in 100 sites

throughout the State of Wisconsin.

PROGRAM FACTSThe ME-PD Learning Community Program is:

A fully accredited master of education program that is designed for practicing educators.

A non-certification program. Individually structured so that educators across a

broad spectrum of fields find the curriculum applicable.

CURRICULUM(30 CREDITS TOTAL)

Learning in Community (4 credits) Educational Research (6 credits) Best Practice Pedagogy (4 credits) Curriculum Development & Assessment (4 credits) Diversity, Democracy and Social Justice (4 credits) Technology in Education (4 credits) Teacher Leadership (4 credits)

SAMPLE WEEKEND

New teaching concepts, technology tools, classroom practices, assessment strategies, classroom management strategies, etc

Take learning from weekend and APPLY it into your work place!!

Encourages reflection on practice so that educators think about not only what they are doing, but why.

Specialized breakouts and speakers based on choosen emphasis area.

BEYOND HOMEWORK – TWO CULMINATING PROJECTS

Professional Portfolio – After writing a Professional Development Plan

during the first and second semesters, each Learning Community student prepares a Professional Portfolio which demonstrates growth in the WI Teaching Standards, the National Board Professional Teaching Standards, the seven strands of the curriculum for the Learning Community program and content emphasis standards.

ACTION RESEARCH CYCLES

Students will engage in mini-action research cycles that align with their workplace or district goals throughout the program.

Students will write a full Professional Seminar Paper based on a topic of their choice. This paper is submitted to UW-L for an external review.

Students will present on their area of expertise to a professional audience.

ASSESSMENT IN ME-PD PROGRAM

Evidence-based assessment vs. traditional assessment

3-pronged ProcessSelf + Peer + Faculty

Advisory Group Job-alike Group Benchmarks

WHEN AND WHERE DO STUDENTS MEET?

Traditional Face -to-Face ProgramOne weekend/month for two yearsSaturday 8 am-4:30 pm & Sunday 8 am-3:30

pmDo not meet face-to-face in June or JulyAll weekends held at designated locations

EXCEPT your November weekend. November Conference held at UW-La Crosse

WHEN AND WHERE DO STUDENTS MEET?

Hybrid (Face-to-Face + Online)Two face-to-face weekends a semester for two

yearsFace-to-face - Saturday 8 am-4:30 pm &

Sunday 8 am-3:30 pmDo not meet face-to-face in June or JulyAll learners attend the annual November

Conference in La Crosse

WHERE AND WHEN DO STUDENTS MEET?

OnlineThree semesters fully online and 2 one-week

summer institutes. Graduation in 18 months.Typically summer institutes are at UW-La

Crosse, but could be customized for a learning community with a base in a different geographical area.

FALL 2012 SITES

Face-to-Faceo Baraboo; Onalaska; Madison; Milwaukee

Hybrido Sheboygan; Shawano; Beloit; Menomonie

Online

Summer Institute July 23-27, 2012; July 22-26, 2013

FAQ’S

Do you have to be a teacher or currently teaching? No. Although most learners in the ME-PD LC program are current

teachers, it is not required. There have been numerous DARE police officers, technical school instructors, physical therapists, school nurses and others that have benefited from earning a master’s degree. Many assignments can be customized to meet your needs. A ME-PD degree does not grant teacher licensure.

How much work outside the weekends? The work load varies and much of it is directly related to your workplace. Most

of the work involves readings, reflections, and applying theory to your practice.

FAQ’S

When do I receive my credits? Credits are earned each semester.

Do I need a computer or Internet access? Yes! You do not need to bring a computer to class though.

Who are the Graduate Faculty Facilitators? Our Graduate Faculty Facilitators are ideally a combination of a master teacher that exhibits

excellent teacher leadership skills and knowledge of current issues and a UW-L faculty with content and pedagogical expertise.

APPLYING TO GRAD SCHOOL

Complete online Graduate Application Formhttp://www.uwlax.edu/mepd/lc/

$56 application fee Request any/all transcripts – OFFICIAL only Congratulations – you are enrolled!!

TUITION & FEES

Fall 2012 Tuition RatesFace to Face: $439/creditOnline and Hybrid: $474.75/credit

Book Costs$100-$200/Semester

Special Course Fee - November Conference$50 every Fall Semester for Face to Face and

Hybrid

FINANCIAL AID

Generous Financial Aid available Graduate PLUS Loans For all available financial aid options, visit:

www.uwlax.edu/finaid

QUESTIONS?

For more information, request an Informational Packet:lc@uwlax.edu1-866-895-9233 (toll-free)

To register: http://www.masterteacherscommunity.org/apply-now

www.masterteacherscommunity.org

Thank you!