Board of Regents Approves MGA’s Master of Education In Curriculum & Instruction With Literacy Focus

Author: Sheron Smith
Posted: Tuesday, February 13, 2024 12:00 AM
Categories: Faculty/Staff | Pressroom | School of Education and Behavioral Sciences

Macon, GA

Middle Georgia State University (MGA) plans to launch a Master of Education and Instruction with a literacy focus this fall. The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia approved the program at its Tuesday, February 13, meeting. 

The new degree, which will be fully online and housed in MGA’s School of Education & Behavioral Sciences, will give certified teachers the opportunity to take advanced coursework related to literacy education. They will learn content and strategies to teach literacy skills to students who may have learning challenges or live in difficult home or community environments that affect their ability to gain literacy skills. MGA will launch the degree pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

“This degree will offer students the opportunity to deepen their knowledge, skill, and vision as teachers and educational leaders,” said Dr. Rhonda Amerson, chair of MGA’s teacher education department. “The program is built for existing certified teachers to upgrade their knowledge and skills and will provide an upgrade to the level of their teaching certification. This will qualify them for a higher salary. Every course in the program has a focus on literacy instruction. 

“Another unique feature is the program’s emphasis on the entire range of K-12 grades,” she said, “putting literacy front and center for middle and high school teachers as well as the more traditional emphasis in the elementary classroom.” 

Upon completion of the degree and successfully passing the GACE assessment in curriculum and instruction, graduates could advance in their schools as academic coaches or instructional support specialists. 

Students can pursue the degree on a full- or part-time basis, and Amerson said interest is strong. 

“MGA has over 500 alumni teachers, and many of them have expressed interest in a program like this,” she said. “There are thousands of certified teachers within MGA’s service region who could be eligible to enroll.”  

The new degree program consists of 10 courses, or 30 credit hours. Amerson said MGA will be able to support the program without hiring additional education faculty or additional funding.  

Prospective students can email Dr. William Gary Cole at william.cole@mga.edu for more information.