Teacher Education
Addressing the challenges of a diverse world with degree programs and continuing education for future and current teachers from the SMU Simmons School.
This is a carousel with auto-rotating slides. Activate any of the buttons to disable rotation. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate
Without the Simmons school, I would not have been able to make the leap from a public school teacher to an administrative position in a university.
Emily Waneck
Assistant Director and Certification Officer, University of North Texas
Earning a Masters in Education has boosted my confidence. I can apply what I learned at SMU to assure my students, parents, and administrators that I am a good source for educational pedagogy.
Marco Rodriguez
Language Arts Educator/ Electives Coordinator/ Summer Camp Director Ann and Nate Levine Academy
If you are thinking about the Teaching and Learning programs and want to impact positive change in the lives of others, you will find the support and knowledge to do that at SMU.
Dee Ann Rath
Dyslexia Interventionist, Eladio R. Martinez Learning Center
I would tell anyone considering the program to “GO FOR IT!” The whole department is so open and knowledgeable!
Dominique Lyons
Dyslexia Specialist, Dallas ISD
The Language Therapy program and my core T&L courses taught me how to use evidence-based instruction and has made me a better educator and advocate for my students and parents.
Margaret Pyffer
Research Associate, SMU
I chose Early Literacy Scholars program to learn how to teach reading. When kids approach me agitated: “Ms. Ringhauser, I can read this book now!”, it gives me the best feeling ever because I know the journey it takes each of them to get there.
Angie Ringhauser
Dual Language 2nd Grade Teacher, Dallas ISD
Earning a Master's in Education from SMU set me on a path towards creating real change... I would recommend the program to anyone who is interested in improving their craft and learning how to best reach students with a variety of support needs.
Charlotte Gregor
CALT, Certified Reading Specialist, M.Ed., Ph.D. Student & Research Assistant, SMU
Our students are already making many positive changes in their communities. They are educators who challenge ideas and expand minds. Our small class sizes and individual attention allow our students to create lasting relationships with our faculty. Our community outreach programs foster connections between our students and the community. Our emphasis on theory and on research-based practices provides our students with the tools they need to make a difference in the world. Are you ready to join us? Welcome.
While our master’s degree programs incorporate various areas of interest, we also offer non-degree and certification-preparation programs that are designed to satisfy the State Board for Educator Certification requirements for teachers who promote scholarship and best practices in particular educational areas or serve discrete audiences such as gifted children or children for whom English is not the native language. The additional training prepares teachers for the respective certification exams; all SBEC certifications require that a candidate pass a state test. These advanced credentials are attached to the standard teaching certificate, so as a prerequisite to earning a graduate certification, a candidate must hold a bachelor's degree and the initial teaching certificate.
What jobs are available to MEd and MBE graduates?
- Educator (Elementary thru Univ. level)
- Content-Area Lead Instructor
- Grade-Level Lead Instructor
- Curriculum Specialist
- Instructional Coach
- Educational Consultant
- District Administrator
- Regional Education Director
What programs are available?
Master of Education (M.Ed.)
Prospective Students
Practicing educators who wish to broaden their academic preparation and classroom skills. Students may take courses in any 1 or 2 of the following areas: bilingual education, ESL, urban education, mathematics, literacy, STEM, special education, and learning therapy.
Career and Personal Benefits
Mastery of the content and skills should enable the graduate to be more effective and efficient in his/her job. Additionally, the knowledge and skills acquired around different areas of interest may allow the educator to pursue new career opportunities.
Master of Education (M.Ed.) with Certification Preparation
Prospective Students
The individual who would like to teach and already has a bachelor's degree but who does not have the appropriate teaching certification credentials to teach. This program allows students to pursue a graduate degree and teaching credentials simultaneously.
Career and Personal Benefits
Graduates often find that they have better presentation and organization skills, but more important, they have a Master’s degree and a new career opportunity.
Master of Bilingual Education (M.B.E.)
Prospective Students
Ideal for pre-service and in-service Spanish/English bilingual educators who have a near-native or native command of Spanish and English. MBE courses integrate the language and culture of students in the Spanish-speaking world, particularly students of Hispanic heritage living in the United States.
Career and Personal Benefits
Successful graduates are prepared to work as expert bilingual teachers, bilingual coaches, or leaders of bilingual programs in their schools or districts.
Master of the Learning Sciences (M.S.)
Prospective Students
This program is designed to address the needs of learning professionals across a broad spectrum from business HR, learning and professional development to government, university, and non-profit learning organizations. This multidisciplinary program will prepare you to design, assess, and create systematic approaches to improve teaching and learning in formal and informal settings.
Career and Personal Benefits
Graduates of this program are equipped to lead and innovate in a diverse array of educational and corporate environments. With a comprehensive understanding of how people learn and the technological tools to enhance educational experiences, alumni are prepared to tackle challenges in instructional design, data analysis, and the creation of engaging learning materials.
Educational Studies Undergraduate Major
Prospective Students
Undergraduates who wish to become teachers.
Career and Personal Benefits
Successful graduates are recommended to take the Texas State Board for Educator Certification exams, passing scores on which enable them to pursue credentials for teaching careers in the private and public sectors, graduate work in the social sciences, and informal education paths in non-profit organizations.
