Graceland University

An award winning School of Education bringing you online programs developed around the hottest topics in Education.

Graceland is a small, caring university with big programs that make a difference in both a teacher's and their student's lives. The reasons to attend Graceland are compelling to a teacher wanting the best in their education. First, Graceland University is a 2007 United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) Platinum Winner for best practices in online learning. Second, Graceland is in tune with the current hot topics in education such as Differentiated Instruction. Third, Graceland has the highest accreditations starting with NCATE and the Iowa DOE gave us this glowing praise by saying, "We came to review a program and we found a gem, a model of excellence." Fourth, and this is the icing on the cake, 97% of our graduates would recommend our program to a friend.

Graceland University was founded in 1895 and has created a national reputation for quality educational programs and outstanding student support. Our online platform is user friendly and our faculty will give you the personal attention necessary for your academic and professional success. But, for all that we offer, we also hold the notion of making education affordable near to our hearts. We understand the finances of teachers and our tuition reflects that. Plus, all of our programs are eligible for financial aid.

We offer the following M.Ed. programs:

Differentiated Instruction

We are proud to offer an online Master of Education in Differentiated Instruction based on the work of Dr. Carol Ann Tomlinson. Dr. Tomlinson, who appears as a video instructor in several of the program's courses, is a world-renowned expert in differentiated instruction and assessment strategies and techniques. Dr. Tomlinson is author of The Differentiated Classroom: Responding to the Needs of All Learners, How to Differentiate Instruction in Mixed-Ability Classrooms and Fulfilling the Promise of the Differentiated Classroom: Strategies and Tools for Responsive Teaching.

Differentiated instruction and assessment strategies covered in the master's program include: pre-assessment of learning styles and preferences, monitoring and managing student learning, modifying lessons based on student readiness, tiered instruction, flexible grouping and authentic assessment. The program is open to all certificated K – 12 teachers who are currently teaching. The program is video- and online-based and there are no residency requirements.

Mild/Moderate Special Education with Licensure

This master's degree program is designed to enhance the teaching skills of K-12 mild/moderate special education teachers or for teachers who have mild/moderate students within their non-special education classroom. It is a curricular and instructional methodologies based degree. A diagnostic testing section to administer and use results for individual and classroom instruction is included.

This program is aligned with the Council of Exceptional Children (CEC) content standards. Plus, it is based on the five core propositions of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Either a K-6 or 7-12 emphasis is available. This degree does lead to Iowa or Missouri licensure. Other states may also accept this for licensure.

Collaborative Learning and Teaching (Curriculum and Instruction)

This Master of Education is a curriculum and instruction based degree that is the only one of its kind to be designed around the 5 core propositions of the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards. If a teacher is considering gaining National Board Certification, this program is ideal. They will acquire valuable experience in completing NB Certification-like assignments and gain the understanding of what the NBPTS expects a quality teacher to know and do.

Even if a teacher does not plan to pursue certification, this degree takes their abilities to the next level of teaching excellence as it provides a rich variety of practical material that can be taken directly into their classroom. They will be exposed to teaching concepts which include Dr. Robert Marzano's Instructional Strategies, Dr. Carol Tomlinson's Differentiated Instruction, Dr. Grant Wiggins and Dr. Jay McTighe's Backward Design research and Dr. Eric Jensen's Brain research.

This degree was developed for K-12 teachers and provides a meaningful course of graduate study regardless of subject area certification.

Quality Schools

Graceland University is proud to offer a Master of Education that emphasizes Dr. William Glasser's quality school concepts and practices. Offered online, this program is the only one of its kind in the United States. Dr. Glasser is a world-renowned psychiatrist, educator and author of many books including Schools Without Failure, Choice Theory, The Quality School, and Every Student Can Succeed. Dr. Glasser believes that choice theory is the cornerstone of a quality education. With choice theory, the key to effective education is a strong student-teacher relationship built on trust and respect. Reduced discipline problems, increased parental support and improved test scores are results that are achieved consistently in Dr. Glasser's quality schools.

Technology Integration

This Master of Education emphasizes cutting edge technology that teachers can use to improve student learning in their classroom. Teachers will evaluate the tools they have available and create a plan for ongoing skills improvement for themselves and their students. They will learn to use the technology they have to actively engage students in learning, inherently manage student behavior and create dynamic curriculum by tapping into their students' natural motivations. Beyond elevating the student's performance, teachers will also learn to utilize technology to assist in collaborating and establishing interpersonal relationships with other professionals.

This program is aligned with the NETS-T Standards (National Education Technology Standards for Teachers) as well as the NBPTS standards (National Board for Professional Teaching Standards).

Learn More