MEd for Experienced Educators, Place-Based Education
A student’s impact on the world begins with their connection to and participation in the local community.
The aim of place-based education is to increase local learning in the natural, built, and cultural environment. Place-based education increases motivation, improves student achievement, and empowers students and teachers to care for their surroundings. You can transform schools into centers of learning and action that utilize the local community as a context for developing essential skills and understandings. Regardless of where or who you teach, the principles of place-based education can be an integrating theme of your teaching and learning. Our program gives educators the tools to guide students to better understand and positively influence their world.
This degree is offered by Antioch University’s New England Campus.
Program Overview
Through a mix of classroom, field-based, and online experiences, you have a chance to collaborate with educators from around the country and the globe who are making place-based education the focal point of their teaching and professional practice. This MEd concentration focuses on the process of using the local community and environment as starting points to integrate language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, art, music, and technology. The MEd is built on David Sobel’s pioneering program development and writing that sparked a nationwide and international movement to design and implement place-based learning. As educators, we have the opportunity to inspire students to develop strong ties to their community, increase appreciation for the natural world, and participate as active, contributing citizens. Community vitality and environmental quality are improved through the active engagement of local citizens, community organizations, and environmental resources in the life of the school. Make place an integrating context inside and outside of your classroom. Whether you teach 1st grade or middle school math or work in a public or independent school, this program guides you to develop the skills and understandings to be a place-based teacher and leader.
Related Centers and Institutes
Additional Information
This program can be completed in 5-7 semesters with fully online and low residency options available. Students can begin in any semester and typically take 3-6 credits per term. Optional summer classes are available face-to-face in Keene, NH.
If you choose to come to a summer residency instead of doing your program fully online, you can expect one or two weeks of a retreat-like experience in beautiful Keene, NH. Small classes offer lots of hands-on activities, community-based learning opportunities, and a socially engaging week of meeting with your online classmates and AUNE faculty. In most concentrations, you can choose whether to attend face-to-face classes for either one or two weeks in the summer, and you don’t have to decide in advance. You can consult with your adviser and see what fits your schedule and learning style best.
Summer Residency Courses are held the first two full weeks of July following the week of the Fourth of July holiday- typically the first and second or second and third weeks of the month. Depending on your program, you can attend for the first or second week or come for both weeks.
Graduates of the Place-based Education concentration have the capacity to:
- Understand citizenship and meaningful student participation in communities.
- Incorporate place-based themes into teaching and classroom practice.
- Implement place-based learning for educational equity.
- Develop place-based integrated curricula designed to increase student achievement.
- Integrate place-based curricula with existing state and national curriculum standards.
- Help develop place-based teaching and learning in their schools.
- Foster application of place-based principles with partnering organizations.
- Help others understand place-based learning across a variety of contexts.
- Connect professionally to national and international place-based educators.
Not ready to commit to a full Master’s Degree program?
Consider beginning with a certificate in any of our concentration areas.
Connect with Us
Paul Bocko, Ph.D.
Director, Antioch Center for School Renewal
Concentration Director, Experienced Educator Program- Educating for Sustainability | Place-based Education | Climate Change & Sustainability
Faculty Spotlights
Paul Bocko, Ph.D.
Director
Susan Dreyer Leon
Core Faculty
Laura Thomas, MEd
Core Faculty
Ellen Doris
Core Faculty
Admission
Education Programs at Antioch University New England value colleagueship and strong learning communities. We offer a 10% discount for 3 or more students from the same school or school district who attend any of our AUNE Education MEd or Certificate programs at the same time. Specific limitations and conditions apply. You can find more information here.
How to Apply
- Complete the online admissions application, including:
- Essay questions, admissions, and program-specific
- Resume/curriculum vitae (CV)
- Non-refundable $50 application fee
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities where you earned a degree or certificate.
- Email transcripts to [email protected] or
- Mail to Office of Admissions Antioch University New England 40 Avon Street Keene NH 03431-3516
- Two letters of recommendation are required from people who are in a position to evaluate your professional or academic work. The person making the recommendation may not be related to you.
- There are additional requirements for International applicants and applicants without a Bachelor’s degree.
- Interview with a faculty member of the department to which you seek entry if selected. This can be in person, by phone, or via Skype.
- Master’s and Certificate Programs do not require the GRE or any other standardized test for admissions. We consider all of your application materials and evaluate your academic potential in a variety of ways.
Official transcripts should be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to the Office of Admissions Antioch University New England 40 Avon Street Keene, New Hampshire 03431-3516. All application materials submitted become part of an applicant’s file and cannot be returned.
Application Deadlines
| Term | Date |
|---|---|
| Summer | May 1 |
| Fall | August 15 |
| Spring | December 1 |
Tuition & Financial Aid
A college education is an investment in your future. Let us help you understand the costs and explore the resources available to help make your college education even more affordable. The majority of AUNE students finance their education through some form of financial aid. You may not be sure which federal, state, public, and private aid packages – such as loans, scholarships, and grants – are right for you. Our staff is here to help you so you can focus on what’s most important: beginning your academic program at AUNE.
Cost
| Foundations of Education Degree | Tuition Cost per Credit | Total Program Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MEd for Experienced Educators | $816 | 33 |
| View the Cost of Attendance Components | ||
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