Teaching Writing, Master of Arts

MA in Teaching Writing

The Master of Arts in Teaching Writing program helps teachers at all levels—from kindergarten to university—in all disciplines, learn to become master teachers of writing, acquiring new and innovative ways to teach writing to their students, studying theories and best practices on the teaching of writing that they can share with their colleagues, and pursuing their own writing in an exciting and supportive online community of teachers and writers. The Teaching Writing program allows participants to address individual situations, needs, and interests while learning within a diverse community. By offering flexible, interactive, and customized learning, the program provides a model for teaching writing and a forum where all teachers can learn and grow together as teachers of writing, and as writers too.

The program is built around five core principles:

1. The best teachers of writing also write. Every course devotes some time and attention to having teachers explore their own writing, in whatever form or forms that course is built around.
2. Teachers can learn from studying theories and best practices in the teaching of writing. Some readings and discussions about both accepted practices and the theories behind those practices are included in every course.
3. Teachers can learn from and share with each other. Participants in the program will have experience and expertise in teaching and writing. Every course provides opportunities for participants to share that knowledge with their classmates, and to learn from each other.
4. Teachers must have the freedom and encouragement to apply what they learn to meet their own specific needs and situations. The makeup of every class includes teachers teaching at different grade levels and in different disciplines. Every course encourages teachers to reflect on what they are learning and adapt that material to suit their individual needs.
5. Teachers learn best in an interactive classroom (even a virtual one). Every course seeks to establish a sense of community.

Please note that this entry is for currently enrolled students only. The MA in Teaching Writing program is no longer admitting new students. 

Admissions Criteria for All Advanced Academic Programs

PROGRAM-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

Please note that this entry is for currently enrolled students only. The MA in Teaching Writing program is no longer admitting new students.

Program Requirements

Students in the MA in Teaching Writing program must complete nine courses:

• Three required core courses
• Two customizable core courses
• Four electives

Please note that this entry is for currently enrolled students only. The MA in Teaching Writing program is no longer admitting new students.

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Core Courses - Required:		12
AS.492.612	Teaching Writing
AS.492.690	Residency: Best Practices in the Teaching of Writing
AS.492.700	Thesis in Teaching Writing
Core Courses - Customizable
Select one of the following:		4
AS.492.630	The Power of Story: Teaching and Writing Narrative
AS.492.632	Teaching Creative Writing
AS.492.640	Teaching Argument
AS.492.635	Teaching and Writing Nonfiction
Select one of the following:		4
AS.492.651	Special Topics in Reading: Multicultural Texts
AS.492.652	Writing in Literature
AS.492.650	Reading Like a Writer
Electives:		16
AS.492.660	Writing for Young Readers
AS.492.661	Teaching Composition in College and Community College
AS.492.662	Teaching Reluctant Writers
AS.492.663	Writing Across the Curriculum
AS.492.667	Peer Response and Writing Centers: Theories and Practice
AS.492.668	Teaching Writing Online
AS.492.669	Digital Writing and Multimodal Composing
AS.492.682	Neuroscience, Creativity, and Writing
AS.492.800	Independent Study in Teaching Writing
Total Credits		36