Master of Arts in the Teaching of Social Studies (INSTEP)
Become a leader in your field through this three-year, summer M.A. degree for experienced social studies teachers. This program can be used for New York State Professional Certification for those individuals who hold Initial Certification in New York and have the necessary credentials. The INSTEP program is designed for teachers from both public and private schools.
To meet the needs of in-service teachers, classes are held for two weeks over three consecutive summers with continuing online work during the year, and focus on content and pedagogy in social studies education. During the interim semesters, students take courses online and conduct research that emerges from their pedagogical interests. In addition, students take courses in social studies content and in other programs at Teachers College to fill the gaps in students’ previous content coverage, as well as general pedagogical knowledge. The summer session is a two-week session during the summer B term. Lastly, during the interim semesters, students are expected to check their emails regularly.
Admissions Information
Displaying requirements for the Spring 2024, Summer 2024, and Fall 2024 terms.
Master of Arts
- Points/Credits: 32
- Entry Terms: Summer Only
Certification
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- NY State Professional: Social Studies 7-12
Application Deadlines
- Spring: N/A
- Summer/Fall (Priority): January 15
- Summer/Fall (Final): April 1
* The final deadline for this program has been extended to May 1, 2024*
Supplemental Application Requirements/Comments
- Online Degree Application, including Statement of Purpose and Resume
- Transcripts and/or Course-by-Course Evaluations for all Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework Completed
- Results from an accepted English Proficiency Exam (if applicable)
- $75 Application Fee
- Two (2) Letters of Recommendation
- In-person Interview
- Must hold Initial Certification
- Contact program coordinator for information (socialstudies@tc.edu)
Requirements from the TC Catalog (AY 2023-2024)
Displaying catalog information for the Fall 2023, Spring 2024 and Summer 2024 terms.
This program is designed for teachers from both public and private schools seeking further education. Most of the 32 points are taken during three-week intensive summer programs over three years. During the intensive residency each summer, students are embedded in integrated courses in teaching and social studies that take advantage of NYC and the diverse experiences of students. During the academic years, most students take 2-3 additional courses and work on their integrative project to complete their degree.
Please note that all students must take a minimum of 12 points in content/pedagogy and three out-of-program courses in professional development for a minimum of 2 credits each.
Typical curriculum for INSTEP includes:
Summer #1:
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Advanced methods of social studies curriculum (A&HW 5037)
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Social Studies Content w/Pedagogy Course
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Guided Investigations (A&HW 5931)
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Out-of-Program Course
Summer #2:
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Curriculum development, research, and supervision (A&HW 6530) or Out-of-Program Course
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Social Studies Content w/Pedagogy Course
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Guided Investigations (A&HW 5931)
January Weekend Between Summers #2 and #3:
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Action Research Mid-Year Seminar (A&HW 5232)
Summer #3:
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Diversity and Social Studies Curriculum (A&HW 5030)
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Out-of-Program Course
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Guided Investigations (A&HW 5931)
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Social Studies Content w/Pedagogy Course
Graduation Requirement:
Master’s Project in Action Research