A New Master's Degree Program for Decatur K-8 Teachers

WHO should apply?
K-8 teachers interested in enhancing their knowledge about mathematics and science instruction and earning a master’s degree. New teachers and experienced teachers are welcome! Applicants need to meet UIUC Graduate College requirements (minimum 3.0 during last 60 hours of undergraduate program).

WHEN do I apply?
Contact Barbara Hug or Jill Dressen for more information.

Application available here

WHEN is the program?
The program began August 2008 and conclude December 2010. Courses are offered evenings and/or weekends during the school year and intensive blocks in the summer. Course dates and times will be chosen in collaboration with program participants.

WHAT courses will I take?
The 32-credit program involves 8 credits of education foundations and 24 credits of courses blending science, mathematics, and education. Teachers will typically take 4 credits each semester during the school year and 5-8 credits during the summer.

Course titles/themes could include:

• Problem Solving in Mathematics
• Algebra and Statistics for K-8 Students
• Classroom Research for Teachers
• Science in the World Around You
• Teachers Exploring the Earth
• Helping all Students Succeed in Math and Science.

WHERE will courses be offered?
During the school year, UIUC faculty offers most courses in Decatur. Currently courses are meeting Thursday evenings and will possibly meet occasionally on weekends.

Some summer courses will be offered at the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign. Foundations courses may be offered online (or partially online).

Program Costs
$150 per credit, $4800 for 32 credits

Program participants need to pay $150 (including student fees) per credit hour throughout the program, with the grant subsidizing the remaining normal tuition costs.  Teachers will receive a refund of a substantial portion of the tuition costs following completion of the program if they:

• complete the program with a minimum 3.25 GPA.
• remain teaching in their current school district.
• complete all aspects of the program evaluation.

Costs are below the $12,000 the program would normally cost if there was no ISBE grant
subsidy (based on an estimated annual tuition/ fees increase of 10%.)