There are some basic education graduate-level courses you're likely to see in any program.
Nearly every state in the US requires that licensed teachers continue their education. Since a teacher must take additional courses past her bachelor's degree, she may choose to go ahead and work on her master's degree or higher. Whether your decision is to work on a degree or simply take enough courses to renew your license, there are some general courses you're likely to see during your studies. Other courses relate to specific tracks for a master's in education, such as studying English as a second language (ESL), leadership or counseling.
Methods of Teaching
Methods of teaching include an in-depth study of different teaching models that can be applied to a teacher's own classroom. For example, teachers might study a learning-by-teacher method such as those popular in Germany and develop group mentors from students in their classroom. The methods are tested and applied until the teacher finds a good match for her personal teaching style. Most graduate-level education courses require that the teacher write a short paper on what she has learned in this course.
Testing in the Classroom
Another popular graduate-level education course studies standardized testing and more casual methods of testing to see what is most beneficial to the students. Although state standards might require that teachers train students to take a specific test, such instruction may not be conducive to learning. This course typically also looks at balance the demands of programs like No Child Left Behind with the needs of the students.
Legal Issues
This course tends to take a look at legal issues in the classroom. Graduate students learn offer students with disabilities the help they need, maintain student privacy and avoid sexual harassment allegations. Another topic that is sometimes studied is freedom of speech and what falls under this amendment within the context of a school.
Community Relations
Sometimes called Politics and Advocacy, this course looks at the politics of education. Learn about local policy development at a school district level and how you can have an impact without jeopardizing your career. You'll also study how state and federal laws impact the classroom. Critique recent reforms in education and discuss with other students what needs to be changed and what a teacher at the classroom level can do to make an impact.
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