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Master of Arts (M.A.)
A Concentration In
Teaching and Learning
A 30-credit concentration within the M.A. in Education — for teachers pursuing classroom certification or advanced classroom credentials. Two emphases available: Elementary or Secondary Education.
Two Emphases Available
Elementary Education or Secondary Education
Directed Student Teaching
9-credit capstone — full student teaching placement
Teacher Certification Pathway
Optional certification courses (including HIS 212) available
The Teaching and Learning concentration is for educators pursuing classroom teacher certification or advanced classroom credentials at the master’s level. Combined with the MAEd’s 6-credit core (EDU 500 Tests and Measurements + EDU 517 Curriculum and Instruction), the concentration adds 30 credits of teaching-focused coursework and one of two emphases that shape the program toward elementary or secondary classroom work.
The concentration’s 6-credit core covers Introduction to the Exceptional Child (EDU 514) and Classroom Management (EDU 615) — the foundational preparation any teacher needs regardless of grade level. From there, choose one of two 24-credit emphases:
Elementary Education Emphasis (24 cr): Language Arts in the Elementary School (EED 513), Science and Social Studies in the Elementary School (EED 514), Science of Reading 1 and 2 (EED 515 and 516), Mathematics in the Elementary School (EED 617), and Directed Student Teaching: Elementary Education/Capstone (EED 610, 9 cr). Optional certification courses include HIS 212 US and Arizona Government and SEI 490/690 Structured English Immersion.
Secondary Education Emphasis (24 cr): Teaching Diverse Student Populations (EDU 521), Leading with Brain-Based Learning (EDU 620), Integrated Literacy (SED 601), Directed Student Teaching: Secondary Education/Capstone (SED 610, 9 cr), and Structured English Immersion (SEI 690). Plus 3 credits of advisor-approved electives — typical options include MCT 500, MCT 600, or MFT 551. Optional certification course: HIS 212.
Apply Tests and Measurements
Build the assessment literacy advanced classroom teaching requires through EDU 500.
Engage Curriculum and Instruction at the Graduate Level
Work through EDU 517 — the gateway course for the concentration and the graduate equivalent of ACU's undergraduate EDU 317.
Recognize and Respond to Diverse Learners
Build the foundational knowledge of working with students of diverse abilities and backgrounds through EDU 514.
Manage a Real Classroom
Work through Classroom Management (EDU 615) at the graduate level — focused on the actual craft of leading a classroom day-to-day.
Complete Directed Student Teaching
Finish the concentration with a 9-credit Directed Student Teaching capstone (EED 610 for elementary, SED 610 for secondary) — full classroom placement under supervision.
Specialize By Grade Level
Choose Elementary or Secondary emphasis based on where you'll teach — each emphasis builds the specific content and methods that grade range requires.
The Teaching and Learning concentration treats classroom teaching as formative work — meaning teachers shape students far beyond academic content delivered.
Students as Image-Bearers
Every student — the engaged learner, the struggling student, the student with significant special learning needs, the student working through difficult things at home — carries the dignity of being made in God's image. The Teaching and Learning concentration takes that conviction as the working assumption rather than the conclusion.
Grounds your classroom practice in respect for every student you'll teach.
Teaching as Formative Work
Classroom teaching shapes students far beyond the academic content delivered — what teachers model, how they communicate care, and how they handle students who struggle all matter beyond test scores. A Biblical Worldview takes that formative dimension seriously as central to teaching, not as a side effect."
Equips you to teach with the conviction that students' formation is the broader work.
Excellence in the Craft
Teaching well takes patience and ongoing skill development — the same kind of craft formation any meaningful vocation requires. The concentration treats classroom skill as worth pursuing carefully, not as something teachers either have or don't have.
Anchors your professional development in patient craft formation.
Teaching and Learning is built for educators pursuing classroom certification or advanced classroom credentials — opening doors across elementary, secondary, and Christian-school teaching.
K–6 Elementary Classroom Teacher
Step into elementary teaching with master's-level preparation and (optionally) state certification pathway via the Elementary Emphasis.
6–12 Secondary Subject-Area Teacher
Teach in your content area at the middle or high school level via the Secondary Emphasis, with master's-level credentials and (optionally) certification pathway.
Christian School Teacher
Christian schools often value master's-level teachers and accept the MAEd as full credential — the concentration is especially strong for Christian-school teaching pathways.
Career Switcher to Classroom Teaching
For professionals from other fields entering teaching, the concentration's certification-pathway optional courses provide the foundation needed for state certification.
Advanced Classroom Roles
Move into mentor teacher, master teacher, or grade-level lead roles where a master's degree is increasingly expected.
Christian School Curriculum Development
Apply graduate-level coursework to curriculum development, instructional materials work, or content-area leadership in Christian schools.
The Teaching and Learning concentration is built for educators serious about classroom work — with grade-level specialization and an actual Directed Student Teaching capstone built in.
Two Distinct Grade-Level Emphases
Elementary Education for K-6 teaching; Secondary Education for 6-12 subject-area teaching. Pick where you'll actually teach.
Directed Student Teaching Capstone
The 9-credit Directed Student Teaching course (EED 610 or SED 610) provides a full classroom placement under supervision — the same kind of capstone ACU's undergraduate Education programs require.
Certification Pathway Available
Optional certification courses (including HIS 212 US and Arizona Government and SEI 490/690 Structured English Immersion) prepare students for Arizona teacher licensure pathways.
Classroom Management in the Core
EDU 615 Classroom Management is required, not optional — the craft most new teachers feel least prepared for.
Science of Reading Built In (Elementary)
The Elementary Emphasis includes both Science of Reading courses (EED 515 and 516) — current best-practice reading instruction at the foundation level.
The Teaching and Learning concentration is built for educators pursuing classroom credentials. Here’s how students start.
Apply to the MAEd
Submit your graduate application to ACU's School of Graduate Studies and indicate Teaching and Learning as your intended concentration.
Start Your ApplicationChoose Your Emphasis
Decide between Elementary Education (K-6 teaching) or Secondary Education (6-12 subject-area teaching) based on where you'll teach.
Get Your IVP Fingerprint Card
Arizona requires an IVP card before EDU 517 (Curriculum and Instruction) and every classroom-placement course. Plan for this in your first semester.
Plan the Directed Student Teaching Carefully
EED 610 (elementary) or SED 610 (secondary) is a full 9-credit placement requiring IVP card and advisor approval. Schedule it for your final semester.
The Teaching and Learning concentration is built for educators pursuing classroom certification or advanced classroom credentials — with two grade-level emphases and a real Directed Student Teaching capstone. Apply or reach out today.
