As I reviewed my opportunities to further my education as a Christian school teacher, the best course of action seemed to take courses that would lead toward a Master of Education degree. I have chosen to travel to Cedarville, Ohio to pursue a graduate level degree, in spite of the fact that there are several good schools here in South Carolina. Because I have chosen to be certified through ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International), it was essential that ACSI be able to accept the credits and degree for my Professional certification.

Upon reviewing the graduate school curriculum for Cedarville University, I found that this school offers an excellent program for teachers desiring ACSI, as well as state, certification. Because I taught full-time during the regular school year, it was essential to have a program that I could complete during the summers, and Cedarville offers that option to all who desire it.

At that point, I applied to, was accepted at, and started my first of three summers toward the M.Ed. degree at Cedarville University. The classes that I took during my first summer are indicated by a completion date in 2003.

In June 2004, I attended my second of the three summer program, and the classes that I took during my second summer are indicated by a completion date in 2004.

In June and July 2005, I attended my third summer and completed the remaining Cedarville University classes for my M.Ed. The classes that I took during my third summer are indicated by a completion date in 2005. Although I've completed 2 Distance Learning classes from Columbia International University that will transfer into my M.Ed. program, as well as all requirements from Cedarville University for the degree coursework, I still desire to complete my M.Ed. degree, with a goal of becoming a professor with Covington Theological Seminary at the satellite extension at my home church, Town Creek Baptist Church. I also want my thesis to be directed toward the religious education of the youth in whatever church where the Lord places me. To that end, I am seeking the Lord's will concerning a place of ministry.

Here is the summary of Cedarville University's program, as well as what I have completed thus far.

The Teacher Leader Program
Leading to a Master of Education (M.Ed.)

Designed to help educators increase their professional effectiveness, this dynamic program will also prepare them to assume leadership roles in their schools and the education profession. Flexibility characterizes the curriculum. Because many course requirements also satisfy requirements for principalship licensure and CIPD requirements, those who start the program can adjust their concentration to achieve either of these goals. The practical focus of the courses also serves those not interested in earning an advanced degree but who seek helpful courses for recertification or licensure. Teachers with ACSI or state certification can use course work to upgrade from an initial provisional license to a professional license. The course schedule is also configured so that class times complement the schedules of active teaching professionals. Approval for this program has been granted by the Ohio Board of Regents; approval by the North Central Association is pending.

Degree Summary - 32 semester credits including:

• 9 credits of required core courses to be taken at Cedarville.
• 13 credits of common core courses, of which up to 11 credits may be transferred or substituted with approval.
• 4-6 credits of research courses, which includes a 2 credit research design course, and a 2-4 credit applied research project or thesis.
• 4-6 credits of electives, which may be selected to form an approved concentration of 6 or more credits.
• Students may transfer up to 1/3 (11) of the total number of credits required for the degree from regionally accredited and/or approved institutions.
• 6 credits of Bible courses are required unless the student has completed a Bible major or minor as an undergraduate.

Course Requirements
Required Core - 19 Credits:

• **EDU 6100: History and Philosophy of Education (2)
  Completed Summer 2004
• **EDU 6150: Diversity and Social Issues in Education (2)
  Completed Summer 2005
• **EDU 6200: Models of Teaching (2)
  Completed Summer 2003
• EDU 6000: Learning Theory (2)
  Completed Summer 2005 through Columbia International University
• EDU 6050: Applied Learning Theory (2)
  Completed Summer 2003
• EDU 6250: Statistical Reasoning in Education (3)
  Completed Summer 2004
• EDU 6300: Program and Outcomes Assessment (2)
  Completed Summer 2003
• EDU 6400: Intervention Strategies and Techniques (2)
  Completed Summer 2004
• EDU 6700: Advanced Media and Technology (2)
  Completed Summer 2003

• **BEGS 6250: Bible Survey for Educators (3)
  Completed Summer 2005
• BEGS 7150 Foundations of Biblical Theology (3)

Research - 4 to 6 credits:

• EDU 7200: Research Design for Education (required for all M.Ed. candidates) (2)
  Completed Summer 2005

Teacher Leader Candidates:

• EDU 7300: Applied Research Thesis in Education (2-4)
• EDU 7600 Applied Research Project in Education (2-4)

• EDA 7300 Applied Research Thesis in Educational Administration (2-4) or
• EDA 7600 Applied Project in Educational Administration (2-4)

• ECS 7300 Applied Research Thesis in Curriculum and Instructional Development (2-4) or
• ECS 7600 Applied Research Project in Curriculum and Instructional Development (2-4)

General Electives:

• EDU 7000 School Improvement (2)
• BEGS 7150 Foundations of Biblical Theology (3)
• MIN 5149: Leadership and Administration (3)
  Completed Winter 2005 through Columbia International University

• ECS 6550: Abstinence Education (2)
  Completed Summer 2004
• ECS 7000 Curriculum Theory: Analysis and Design (2)
• ECS 7100 Curriculum Theory: Implementation and Evaluation (2)

• EDA 6550 Special Topics in Educational Administration (1-4)
• EDA 6600 The Principalship: Early Childhood to Young Adolescence (2) or
• EDA 6700 The Principalship: Adolescence to Young Adult (2)
• EDA 6900 Assessing Classroom Performance (2)
• EDA 7100 School Finance (2)
• EDA 7150 School Law (2)
• EDA 7200 Staff and Pupil Personnel Services (2)

• ECS 6550 Special Topics in Curriculum (1-4)
• ECS 7000 Curriculum Theory: Analysis and Design (2)
• ECS 7100 Curriculum Theory: Implementation and Evaluation (2)

• EDU 6550: Current Issues in Education (2)
  Completed Summer 2003
• EDU 7400 Instructional Leadership for Early Childhood and Pre-Adolescence (2)
• EDU 7500 Instructional Leadership for Adolescents and Young Adults (2)
• EDU 7900 Building Collaborative Schools (2)