When Aquinas College introduced its Master in Education with Initial Certification (M.Ed.) program, it was the first of its kind in the Grand Rapids area. Through this program, college graduates earn initial teaching certification and a master’s degree simultaneously, while benefiting from Aquinas’ legacy of thorough preparation. We will take you beyond your textbooks and assignments to the core of education: learning. By focusing on such issues as assessment, language acquisition, research and home-community-school relations, you will discover new ways of thinking – and of leading.

At Aquinas, you will acquire and implement new ways of capturing students’ imaginations and become part of an action team of future teachers and administrators. You will spend much of your time interacting with Aquinas College faculty, professionals in the field and your fellow students. All of you will exchange ideas, work through stumbling blocks and build on the experience of others. Our philosophy is that the best education for teachers promotes their own thinking and observation skills. At Aquinas our aim is to help you discover your own individual styles of teaching, then strengthen them with effective techniques. We believe authenticity goes a long way with students, and we will teach you by example.

Having professors who are also experienced professionals in their own field certainly helps. Our Master in Education faculty are exemplary professors and professionals. They are selected not only for their academic preparation and theoretical knowledge, but also for their extensive practical experience as teachers, consultants, administrators, and researchers. At Aquinas, you will gain from both their expertise and their experience. Each faculty member possesses advanced degrees and has pursued additional study; many have published articles in their respective fields. Extensive classroom experience, both with K-12 and college students, has molded their ability to provide a dynamic mix of professional theories and practical approaches for teachers to use in the classroom. At Aquinas, we know the best teachers and administrators are those who have the ability to recognize a good idea - and know how to share it with others. Who better to teach you than those who have mastered the techniques themselves?

At Aquinas, we believe a life balanced among teaching, family and friends has greater stability than one centered solely on work and achievement. That is why we have designed our M.Ed. program to help you develop the knowledge, skills and perspectives that will serve you well both professionally and personally.

With the demands of family, jobs and other responsibilities, flexibility may not be possible in your schedule. We have made our schedule versatile to compensate. Aquinas offers evening and Saturday class times, late night and early morning library and computer lab hours. Regardless of the time you choose, our specially-trained advisors, experienced faculty and accommodating financial aid programs will help to make your transition to Aquinas as stress-free as possible.