Master of Arts (M.A.)
Curriculum & Instruction
Trauma & Resilience
Program Highlights & Benefits
Classes meet in an online format
2 year or less completion time, including holiday breaks
One course completed every 8 weeks
Transfer credits considered
For
The Department of Teaching, Learning & Diversity has created a MA Curriculum & Instruction program with a concentration in Trauma & Resilience. The program will allow students to take the traditional core courses in our MA Curriculum & Instruction as well as taking a suite of three electives focused on how best to support students experiencing trauma and how to cultivate school communities of resilience.
What You Learn
The Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction prepares master classroom teachers. This program will enable candidates to:
- Develop a knowledge base in curriculum theory and practice and develop a capacity to design, implement and evaluate instructional programs
- Become familiar with current research on and theory on instructional practices
- Understand the practical facets of conducting applied classroom research including the collection and assessment of data
- Develop an understanding of teacher leadership and effective teacher advocacy
- Develop an understanding of enduring ethical, philosophical and educational issues
- Engage in critical analysis of current educational issues and policies
- Explore how to address the needs of students experiencing trauma
How You Learn
This program is offered in a flexible online format. Online programs at Concordia University use Blackboard as a system for online coursework. There is a traditional syllabus that includes course expectations, objectives, assignment descriptions, and grading policies.
While Blackboard is the main platform in the online course, instructors may call, virtually meet, or occasionally, meet in person with local students to further discuss the course objectives, assignments and expectations. There are also occasions for students to participate in group projects with other students. They collaborate using Google docs, Skype, and phone calls.
Career Outcomes
- Awareness of the causes, effects and implications for the classroom related to students who have been affected by trauma.
- Skills to adapt one’s teaching to address collective trauma for a school community and the community at large.
- Skills to implement trauma-informed practices (curriculum, instruction and assessment) in the classroom.
- Skills to lead the development of a trauma-sensitive school and classroom culture.
- Knowing how to effectively use school systems like MTSS (multi-tiered system of supports) *Act as a teacher leader to support other teachers as they develop their capacity to effectively use a trauma-informed lens in their practice, such as PLCs or grade-level teams.
- Effectively collaborate with other school figures like the guidance counselor, school psychologist, deans, etc. to support students who have experienced trauma.
- Have the language and knowledge to talk about trauma with other education professionals and know what one’s role in the team as a classroom educator: responsibilities, limits, ethics.
- Know how to support oneself and colleagues who are experiencing vicarious trauma.
- Know where to go for resources or information to continue learning about trauma and education.
Areas of Study
| Hours | Title | |
| 3 | Foundations in Curriculum & Instruction | |
| 3 | Curriculum Construction | |
| 3 | Assessment, Evaluation, and Data-Driven Decision Making | |
| 3 | Teacher as Practitioner | |
| 3 | Teacher as Leader | |
| 3 | Social Emotional Learning & Resilience | |
| 3 | Trauma-Informed Pedagogy | |
| 3 | Creating a Trauma-Sensitive Environment | |
| 3 | Teacher as Researcher | |
| 3 | Seminar in Reflective Practice | |
| Total Credit Hours: | 30 |
Please Note:
*International students pursuing a Master’s degree at Concordia University Chicago are required to take the Seminar in Higher Education in addition to the courses required for their degree program. The Seminar is a 3-credit course taken during the student’s first semester as an enrolled student. This course will serve as an introduction to the U.S. based higher education learning environment. Students will work to develop academic language, graduate level study skills and gain essential support with cultural & institutional acclimatization.
Master's Capstone Experience
The capstone experience for the MA in CITR is embedded in the final two courses of the program; Teacher as Researcher and Seminar in Reflective Practice. Candidates will be required to develop and implement a research proposal related to the MA specialization. Successful completion of both courses fulfills the capstone requirement.
