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
Department of C&I:: Undergraduate
Education (BA/BS) Elementary Emphasis (Grade EC-6)
Choose from ECE-6 Generalist, ECE-6 Bilingual Generalist, or ECE-6 Special Education
4 Years
Foreign Language Optional
123 to 126 Hours
No thesis required
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.
4 Years
Foreign Language Required for Bilingual Majors
120 Hours
No thesis required
Education (BA/BS) Elementary Special Education (Grade EC-6)
4 Years
No foreign language credits required
120 Hours
No thesis required
Education (BA/BS) Middle School Emphasis (Grade 4-8)
Our bachelor’s degree with middle school certification offers a number of specialties, allowing you to concentrate on specific interests. Learn to design engaging lessons, develop curriculum for diverse students and foster an inclusive learning environment.
4 to 4.5 Years
Foreign language Optional
120 to 132 Hours
No thesis required
Middle and High School Teacher (Grades 7-12 and All-Level)
4 Years
No foreign language credits required
120-135 Hours
No thesis required
Department of C&I:: Graduate
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.
1.5 to 2 years
No foreign language credits required
36 hours
MA option only
Curriculum and Instruction (MED/MS)
This degree involves 18 hours of study in the major and 18 hours of electives which allows students to take additional courses in the major, focus on an area of interest, or qualify to teach high school dual credit classes or at the community college level.
1.5 years
No foreign language credits required
30
No thesis required
Reading (MA/MED/MS)
The major in reading prepares graduates for careers in both public and private educational settings in which the primary focus is to address the needs of students in the context of reading
1.5 to 2 years
Yes for MA
36 hours
Thesis is optional for MA
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.
1.5 to 2 years
No foreign language credits required
36 hours
No thesis required
Supervision, Curriculum and Instruction (EDD)
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.
4 to 7 years
No foreign language credits required
72 hours
Yes, dissertation required
Bilingual Education/English as a Second Language (ESL) Minor
Become specialized in bilingual education. You’ll the foundation of bilingual/ESL education and how to assess, create and deliver specialized content for bilingual students. It is highly recommended for you to know Spanish.
1 to 1.5 Years
No Foreign Language Requirement
18 Hours
No thesis required
Department of C&I::Graduate Certificate
Gifted and Talented Supplemental Teacher Certification (All-level)
1 year
No foreign language credits required
12 hours
No thesis required
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.
1 year
No foreign language credits required
18 hours
No thesis required
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.
2 Years
No foreign language credits required
36 Hours
No thesis required
STEM Education Graduate Certificate
This certificate focus on helping you prepared to design, develop and evaluate STEM resources in or outside the classroom.
1 year
No foreign language credits required
15 hours
No thesis required
Instructional Coach Graduate Certificate
This certificate will prepare professionals to train and empower educator leaders to support and guide their colleagues in effective instruction within the classroom.
1 year
No foreign language credits required
15 hours
No thesis required
Welcome from the Department head
The Department of Curriculum and Instruction at A&M-Commerce offers knowledge of content and pedagogy while motivating our students for complex thinking in the classroom. We provide effective feedback and support student learning in forming relationships with families and communities.
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.
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.
STUDIO 360°
Early Childhood Education Living and Learning Community
- Live and learn in a community of future early childhood educators.
- Develop a lifelong network of supportive peers.
- Work with a professional mentor dedicated to helping you succeed throughout college and beyond.
- Gain deeper insight and specialized skills for teaching pre-K through third grade.
- Participate in signature courses available only to first-year students.
- Attend Texas Association for the Education of Young Children events.
- Create a personal website
to highlight your Studio 360° experience for potential employers. - Blog personal reflections on your growth as a future teacher.
Contact [email protected] for more information about Studio 360º or learn more about Living and Learning Communities.
Student Organizations
Our faculty are actively involved in several organizations you can participate in as a curriculum and instruction student.
Delta Kappa GammaBeta Lambda Commerce Collegiate Chapter
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.
Kappa Delta Pi
Please contact [email protected] for information about Kappa Delta Pi.
Phi Delta Kappa
Please contact [email protected] for information about Phi Delta Kappa.
Texas Association of Future Educators
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.
News Spotlights
Three A&M-Commerce Students Receive Beginning Teacher Scholarship
The Texas Retired Teachers Foundation recently granted its Beginning Teacher Scholarship to three aspiring educators attending A&M-Commerce. The students received the awards at a May 9 ceremony at the university’s Alumni Center. Grace Parsons (left), Angelica Basile (right) and Elizabeth Anne King (not in attendance) will each receive $750 intended to assist with certification exam […]
Lewisville ISD Taps A&M-Commerce Alum as New Elementary Principal
Lewisville Independent School District has appointed A&M-Commerce alum Jennifer Driver as the new principal at its Indian Creek Elementary School campus. With 24 years in education, Driver brings with her more than 10 years of principal experience at the elementary and middle school levels. Driver earned her bachelor’s degree in English at A&M-Commerce in 1998, […]
Three A&M-Commerce Undergrads Earn Aspiring Educator Grants
The Alpha State Texas Educational Foundation (ASTEF) awarded three A&M-Commerce undergraduate students with individual $1,000 grants for the 2023-2024 school year. ASTEF is the Texas State Organization of Delta Kappa Gamma, the international society for key women educators. Intended to encourage prospective women educators in Texas, the Aspiring Educator Grant provides funds toward completing a […]
A&M-Commerce Alum Earns Second Teacher of the Year Award
Cedar Hill ISD (CHISD) recently named A&M-Commerce alum Kellie Burchfield the 2022-2023 Collegiate Academy Teacher of the Year. Burchfield also earned the Collegiate Prep Elementary Teacher of the Year award in 2020-2021. She is only the second CHISD educator to earn teacher of the year awards at both the elementary and secondary levels. Burchfield earned […]
A&M-Commerce Future Educators Attend State Conference
The A&M-Commerce chapter of Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE) attended the TAFE Teach Tomorrow Summit in Round Rock, Texas, March 2-4. TAFE is a statewide co-curricular career and technical student organization allowing future educators to explore the teaching profession. The conference allowed TAFE members to meet others from around the state who share similar […]
Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers Dubs TAMUC Faculty Member as VP-Elect
Dr. Juan Araujo, associate professor and assistant dean for the College of Education and Human Services at A&M-Commerce, will serve as vice president-elect for the Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers (ALER), beginning in November. ALER supports the professional growth of professors, teachers, reading specialists and students at all educational levels. Araujo serves as an […]
A&M-Commerce Alum Named Next Superintendent at Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD
A&M-Commerce alum Dr. Wendy Eldredge is the sole finalist to become the next superintendent at Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, following a unanimous decision by the district’s board of trustees. Eldredge earned her doctorate in supervision, curriculum and instruction at A&M-Commerce in 2008 and returned for her superintendent certification. She has more than 30 years of experience […]
A&M-Commerce Alum Wins Two Dissertation Awards
The American Educational Research Association (AERA) named A&M-Commerce graduate Dr. Meghan Gowin winner of the 2023 Selma Greenberg Outstanding Dissertation Award for her Research on Women and Education special interest group dissertation. The dissertation, titled “Sister outsider: Lived experiences of black women early childhood educators who employ culturally relevant pedagogy,” also received a dissertation award […]
A&M-Commerce Professor Featured on Early Childhood Podcast
Dr. Josh Thompson, professor of early childhood education in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at A&M-Commerce, is featured on an episode of the That Early Childhood Nerd podcast hosted by Heather Bernt-Santy. Thompson and fellow guest Dr. Vivien Geneser discussed the new book “Scholarly Snapshots: The Importance of Child Play as a Human Right.” […]
A&M-Commerce Faculty Member Co-Authors Article Detailing Frequency of Teacher Misbehavior
A&M-Commerce faculty member Dr. Sarah Guthery is co-author—along with Dr. Meredith P. Richards of Southern Methodist University—of an article detailing a new study investigating why Texas teachers are sanctioned for misbehavior. According to the article published at TheConversation.com, frequent news stories detailing various violations create the impression that teacher misbehavior is widespread. Guthery and Richards’ […]
Meet our Department
-
Becky Adams, M.Ed. Instructor/Coordinator
-
Michele Anderson, M.A. Clinical Instructor
-
Juan Araujo, Ph.D. Assistant Dean and Associate Professor
-
David Brown, Ph.D. Professor
-
Ana Castillo, M.Ed. Clinical Instructor
-
Kamshia Childs, Ed.D. Assistant Professor
-
Sherri Colby, Ph.D. Professor
-
Amy Corp, Ed.D. Associate Professor
-
Jennifer Dyer, Ph.D. Professor and Interim Assistant Dean of the Graduate School
-
Melanie Fields, Ph.D. Associate Professor and Secondary Center Coordinator
-
Sarah Guthery, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
-
Kay Hong-Nam, Ph.D. Professor/Coordinator of Global Frontier
-
Laura Isbell, Ph.D. Director of Collin County Partnerships and Associate Professor
-
Janet Kimbriel, M.Ed. Clinical Instructor
-
Melanie Loewenstein, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Masters Reading Program Co-Coordinator
-
Shannon Manley, Ed.D. Clinical Instructor and East Texas Center Coordinator
-
Donna McCrary, Ph.D. Professor
-
Joyce E. Miller, Ph.D. Professor and Program Coordinator
-
Karyn Miller, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Doctoral Co-Coordinator
-
Julie Mills, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
-
Lindsay Morgan, Ed.D. Clinical Instructor
-
Tami Morton, Ph.D. Associate Professor
-
Gilbert “Gil” Naizer, Ph.D. Professor, Doctoral Co-Coordinator
-
Julia Persky, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
-
Carol Revelle, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Master's Reading Program Co-Coordinator and Director of National Writing Project of Northeast Texas
-
April Sanders, Ph.D. Assistant Dean, College of Innovation and Design, and Associate Professor of Curriculum and Instruction
-
Becky Sinclair, Ph.D. Professor
-
Laura Slay, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
-
Clay Stanfield, MAT, M.S. LeoTeach STEM Advisor and Learning Assistants Program Manager
-
Bonnie Still, Ed.D. Assistant Professional Track
-
Josh Thompson, Ph.D. Professor of Early Childhood Education
-
Susan Williams, Ed.D. Senior Administrative Coordinator I
Contact Us
- Department of Curriculum and Instruction
- 903.886.5537
- 903.886.5581
- Curriculum&[email protected]
- P.O. Box 3011
- Commerce, TX 75429-3011