The Education Alumni Grant is available to Northwestern College alumni who completed their undergraduate education degree through Northwestern. Alumni wishing to pursue their Master of Education degree online at NWC will receive their first class tuition-free. Students can choose from any of the M.Ed. program track offerings and are eligible if they meet the following criteria:

• Graduated from Northwestern College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in early childhood, elementary education or a secondary education endorsement.
• Pursuing a Master of Education degree (graduate-level endorsement programs or individual courses do not qualify).

Accredited through the Iowa Department of Education. 

This course examines children’s literature as a foundation for modeling reading and writing across varied genres, formats, and text complexities. Educators study the history, selection, and curriculum integration of literature for learners from infancy through adolescence, with attention to illustrations, authors, cultural and linguistic diversity, and motivating readers at multiple developmental levels. Emphasis is placed on literacy development, how the brain learns to read, and theoretical frameworks that support proficient reading and writing across stages of literacy growth.

This course examines the role of formative and summative assessment in reading and writing instruction, with a strong emphasis on identifying and addressing reading difficulties, including dyslexia. Educators learn to select, design, administer, and analyze formal and informal assessments to diagnose literacy needs, guide instruction, monitor progress, and develop and evaluate remediation for individuals and groups of students, while communicating results to stakeholders. Students will complete the Iowa Reading Research Center’s Dyslexia Overview module and produce written work for professional audiences.

This course examines the connections among oral language, reading, writing, listening, and spelling development, with emphasis on teaching writing as effective communication. Educators learn research-based strategies to support language development for diverse learners through early intervention and targeted instruction.

This course focuses on reading theory and research-based strategies for integrating literacy instruction across content areas, including social studies, math, science, and other disciplines. Educators will develop knowledge of morphology, etymology, text structure, and content-area vocabulary and comprehension, including literal, interpretive, critical, and evaluative dimensions. Emphasis is placed on effective, inclusive literacy instruction for diverse learners, including students with disabilities, dyslexia, limited English proficiency, those at risk of academic failure, and students identified as gifted and talented.

A foundational course for the teaching of language arts at the elementary and middle school levels. This course focuses on the design and implementation of a comprehensive, research-based literacy curriculum that supports diverse learners, including students with dyslexia. Educators learn to differentiate instruction, integrate instructional technology and interventions, and select varied texts and materials while creating inclusive, supportive learning environments that promote student engagement and reader identity.

This course provides an overview of linguistics and first and second language acquisition, with a focus on how oral and written language develop in typical and atypical readers. Students examine phonology, phonological awareness, sound–symbol relationships, morphology, syntax, semantics, and academic language development, including bilingualism and cultural and linguistic diversity. Emphasis is placed on applying this knowledge to effective, inclusive reading and writing instruction across diverse learners

Examine widely accepted theories of language, reading and writing development in young children. Use research and assessment data to identify curricula and instructional strategies most suited to the diverse needs of young children. Examine research and develop strategies to leverage play in providing successful literacy instructional experiences. Prerequisite: completed bachelor’s degree.

This course requires 30 clock hours of supervised field experience with a certified teacher in the area of reading in grades K-8. Students will complete a reading case study as part of this field experience.

This course provides opportunities for educators to practice, apply, and gain competency in teaching phonological literacy skills including phonemic awareness concepts, phoneme & grapheme mapping, and phonics & orthography approaches in teaching learners writing and reading.