A student with two professors speaking about course material

Department of Curriculum and Instruction

Where Teachers Come to Learn

Whether you are just starting out, or looking to advance your career in education, you will develop the tools you need to feel confident in the classroom.

The Department of Curriculum and Instruction offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate teacher certification programs. Our undergraduate programs encompass elementary grades EC-6, middle school grades 4-8, bilingual and special education. Secondary education (grades 7-12) is a collaboration between our department and the department of your chosen content area. Our fully online MED/MA/MS programs in curriculum and instruction, early childhood education, reading, or secondary education help to prepare you to teach in your content area. We also offer a doctorate in supervision, curriculum and instruction with a multitude of concentrations to help focus your passion.

Explore Our Programs

UNDERGRADUATE GRADUATE Graduate Certificates

Education (BA/BS) Bilingual or ESL Emphasis (Grade EC-6)

Develop in-depth understanding of multicultural learning environments and learn to meet the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse students with our interdisciplinary studies bachelor's degree program. If you seek to become a bilingual teacher, who provides instruction in both Spanish and English, this program requires Spanish literacy. If you seek to become an ESL teacher, who provides instruction in English, you do not need foreign language literacy.

Visit The Education (BA/BS) Bilingual or ESL Emphasis (Grade EC-6) Page

Early Childhood Education (MED/MS)

The major in early childhood education prepares graduates for careers in both public and private educational settings in which the primary focus is young children. A graduate with a major in early childhood education should possess competencies in the knowledge of physiological and psychological development of children birth through fourth grade, curriculum theory and development, effective instructional strategies for young children, and the administration and management of classrooms and facilities for young children.

Visit The Early Childhood Education (MED/MS) Page

Secondary Education (MED/MS)

Students who are interested in developing depth and breadth of expertise in curriculum and instructional leadership at the secondary school level should choose the major in secondary education.   The secondary education curriculum will equip graduates with proficiency in designing and conducting action research to improve classroom and school practices, the design, implementation and evaluation of secondary school curriculum, the selection of teaching models to address the learning and achievement of secondary school students and the selection and design of curriculum and instruction reflecting philosophical systems in the middle school and high school environments.

Visit The Secondary Education (MED/MS) Page

Supervision, Curriculum and Instruction (Ed.D.)

This degree prepares graduate students for careers in K-12 public and private schools, regional educational training facilities, college and university settings, and research and development centers.  A graduate with the Doctor of Education degree should possess competencies in research methods, statistics, curriculum, instructional design, learning, instructional strategies and effective teaching.

Visit The Supervision, Curriculum and Instruction (Ed.D.) Page

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Graduate Certificate

This certificate is ideal for students who either already hold a completed graduate degree or are actively in the process of earning a graduate degree and wish to earn this certificate in conjunction with their degree. In addition to the enhanced professional status that the Certificate in the Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) brings, this Certificate will enable the holder to meet the 18-hour SACS requirement to teach at the College level.

Visit The Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Graduate Certificate Page

Reading Specialist Certification

Reading specialists work alongside K-12 educators and often provide one-on-one instruction for students struggling with reading and writing comprehension. You'll develop individualized plans for addressing students’ reading difficulties. Offered as part of the master's in reading program, you can earn your certification in no time.

Visit The Reading Specialist Certification Page
Dr. Melanie Fields, A&M-Commerce

Welcome from the Department head

I am pleased to serve as the Interim Department Head for Curriculum and Instruction. In Curriculum & Instruction we strive to empower new teachers, inspire current teachers, and promote teacher leadership through our variety of wonderful programs. From field-based preservice teacher preparation to obtaining your EdD in education, we can help you achieve your dreams for your chosen path in education.

Our faculty is comprised of outstanding educators who have earned their credentials from universities all throughout the US and have an abundance of practical experience teaching in K-12 classrooms. We invite you to explore our exceptional education and research opportunities.

Melanie Fields, Ph.D.
Interim Head and Associate Professor

We’re Here For You

Our faculty and staff are honored and excited to invest in your success as a future educator. We’re here for you each step of the way and encourage you to let us know how we can help you grow as a peer in education. Our advisors are available to help with any questions you have on your academic journey.

Community

We strive to create a community where you feel empowered to learn and grow. Explore personal development opportunities outside of the classroom.

Student Organizations

Our faculty are actively involved in several organizations you can participate in as a curriculum and instruction student.

Delta Kappa Gamma (DKG) strives to promote professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education. This includes informing future educators of current economic, social, political and educational issues so that they may participate effectively in a world society.

The Beta Lambda Commerce Collegiate Chapter is part of Beta Lambda, the local chapter of DKG. Our collegiate chapter is made up of college students who are in their junior or senior year and are working toward an education degree. The chapter participates in the activities of Beta Lambda and holds special collegiate events. Members are eligible for scholarships at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Membership enables students to network and receive mentoring from local educators who are currently working in local schools or who are retired.

Contact [email protected] for more information.

Please contact [email protected] for information about Kappa Delta Pi.

Please contact [email protected] for information about Phi Delta Kappa.

As a member of the Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE), you will learn the importance of service, leadership, and strong character, which will assist you in becoming an effective future educator.

Please contact [email protected] for more information about TAFE.

SCHOLARSHIPS

As a curriculum and instruction studies student, you have access to a wide range of scholarships specific to your degree.

Find Available Scholarships

News Spotlights

Meet our Department

Contact Us

  • P.O. Box 3011
  • Commerce, TX 75429-3011
Navigate This Page