Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study

You already hold a master's degree, so you know that graduate school can spur you to become a better teacher. You know the level of focus that graduate school requires and the boundless learning that takes place. Now, in a post-master's environment, you are looking to hone the skills you have to make you an excellent educator in the arts.

We seek post-master's educators and prospective educators who want to expand their creative boundaries and keep arts alive in our schools. Here is where you will develop and practice innovative methods for teaching with an interdisciplinary approach.

Our partnerships with the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, the Integrated Arts Academy at H.O. Wheeler Elementary School, and other community resources have enriched all our Arts in Education programs. The opportunities from these partnerships bring real-life experience and energy to our post-master’s experience.

If you need help with planning your course selection, contact:

Dr. Jonathan Silverman
Assistant Professor of Education
jsilverman@smcvt.edu 
802.654.2306

You have attained a master's degree, but you are now thinking about focusing on understanding what it takes to develop and evaluate school curricula. The word "curriculum" comprises many areas: orientation, philosophy, design, development, implementation, assessment, and evaluation. As a post-master's student, you will be given the opportunity to delve into each of these areas and progress as leaders in your field.

While the primary focus is on the K-12 public school setting, you will find that the concentration in curriculum is applicable to all levels as well as a variety of contexts in which curriculum is developed and utilized.

If you need help with planning your course selection, contact

Dr. Aostre Johnson
Professor of Education
ajohnson@smcvt.edu
802.654.2436

You’re a passionate learner and a bookworm. Your love of reading is instilled in the children you teach. You have a master’s degree but are not ready to consider a doctoral program. The CAGS in Reading is a perfect way to become a more effective teacher of reading and language arts. Courses in reading methodology and diagnosis, complemented with clinical and classroom experiences, provide the framework for our CAGS students to become literacy leaders.

Our program presents a balanced and comprehensive view of literacy development, instruction, and assessment. Our students obtain knowledge that is deeply rooted in theory, research, and hands-on experience. Armed with this knowledge, our graduates set off to really change their students’ lives through the power of language.

If you need help with planning your course selection, contact:

Dr. Kristin Gehsmann
Assistant Professor of Education
kgehsmann@smcvt.edu
802.654.2412

Strong school leaders, from principals to administrative staff, are the driving force behind outstanding schools. Such leaders are centered on children, clear in their moral purpose, and collaborative in their relationships. Together with their staffs, they are able to create and sustain a school structure that is effective, and a learning environment that is conducive to student and adult growth.

Throughout our School Leadership concentration, graduate students have opportunities to work individually and with colleagues, both in the classroom and in the field, to explore concepts while acquiring and applying their skills. Our program offers a blend of required and elective courses, giving each student a meaningful and lasting educational experience upon which s/he can draw when actively engaged in the science and art of leading a school.

In addition, our students have the opportunity to obtain the Vermont School Principal Endorsement through our program.

If you need help with planning your course selection, contact:

Dr. Brian O'Regan
boregan@smcvt.edu
802.654.2362

You may be a licensed special educator with a Master's who wants to further your education through the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies program.  You could also use this program to obtain an initial license or additional endorsement as a special educator if you already have a Master's degree.  Please see more information in our Graduate Catalog, under Licensure: Special Educator.

Graduate students in our CAGS Program in Special Education acquire the broad and varied knowledge that is critical for working with individuals with special needs. Students learn to build and maintain collaborative relationships with families, students, colleagues, and leaders - relationships that are critical to becoming effective special educators.

Start building relationships now

We encourage you to contact the Special Education program advisor, Karen Donovan. There are several options within the Special Education concentration, and it is highly recommended you work with your advisor to plan your course of study.

Karen Donovan
kdonovan@smcvt.edu
802.654.2826