MACON—Starting Aug. 18, teachers, health educators and family specialists will have the opportunity to earn a master’s degree in education at both Mercer University’s Macon campus and its Regional Academic Center in Eastman.
The innovative Holistic Child program, offered by Mercer’s Tift College of Education, allows professionals to earn an advanced degree that is designed to equip them with the tools needed for working with young people of all backgrounds and abilities. The program places an emphasis on learning skills of empowerment and developing the ability to build partnerships. By creating professionals who understand themselves, Mercer’s Holistic Educator program aims to produce individuals who can teach in the most effective method to reach every type of student.
“The Holistic Educator provides a pathway for professionals seeking advanced knowledge and growth,” said Associate Professor Margaret Morris of the Tift College of Education. “Teachers today, whether they be certified public school teachers or health educators, need the skills to differentiate instruction, effectively manage diversity among students and understand best practices in teaching pedagogy.”
Because the program is geared toward professionals working with children or families, candidates for the program may come from a wide range of careers. They will learn to address the needs within their own professions. Participants in the two-year, 36-credit-hour program will study in cohort groups and take two courses per semester. The program will include a range of on-the-job preparatory exercises that enable participants to maximize their skills on both the personal and professional levels.
“The Holistic Educator will be able to recognize the importance of schools or related agencies meeting the educational, psychological and social needs of students and families in a well-planned holistic manner,” said Dr. Morris. “It’s not just teachers who will benefit from this advanced degree; it’s individuals in various professional settings.”
Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree in a related field, a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 2.75 and a score of at least 800 on the GRE or 41 on the Miller’s Analogy Test. For more information on the program or the application process, contact Dr. Morris of Tift College of Education at (478) 301-2580 or at morris_m@mercer.edu.
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