M.S. in Transformative Education and Social Change
We are proud to provide a M.S. degree in Transformative Education and Social Change (TESC) that seeks to support educators in the examination of the transformative potential of teaching and learning. Candidates in the program will be given the opportunity to reflect on their own experiences, analyze the issues confronting contemporary education and society, and explore justice-oriented frameworks in order to build a better educational vision for the future. This cohort-based program is ideal for K-12 teachers, community-based educators, and community organizers who are committed to diversity, access, inclusion, and justice in a variety of contexts (suburban, urban, and rural).
In brief, we seek to offer a meaningful, personal, and rewarding experience for educators
who, in spite of these trying times, still hold to what drove them into teaching: to have a positive impact on their students and the world.
The TESC program envisions the preparation and inspiration of empowered educators
- transformative intellectuals - who create and share knowledge and strategies to
improve the quality of life for their students, schools, and communities. With this
in mind, the TESC program centers around an action research project that encourages
candidates to create meaningful educational programs that will address issues they
see within their own teaching environments.
We welcome prospective candidates to reach out to us with questions about how the
TESC program might support your personal and professional goals. We are excited to
meet with you and answer any questions you might have!
With warmest regards,
Jason Wozniak
Coordinator of TESC M.S.
Main & Philadelphia Programs
Program Highlights
Coursework and areas of interest
The TESC MS program seeks to inspire the development of conscious, engaged, and active educators who will embrace their role as democratic agents of change in the communities in which they teach. To this end, candidates will examine the following in their coursework:
- the historical, social, political, and economic foundations of education in the US
- the psychology of impactful teaching and learning
- the role of technology in learning and social change in the twenty-first century
- how to produce meaningful curricula and empowered pedagogies
- And much more via elective opportunities!
Our department faculty focuses on a more critical theoretical foundation from which
our candidates can make an honest analysis of the issues confronting contemporary
education, identify points of concern, and construct transformative programs and practices
in response. Faculty in the program draw on the following areas of interest:
- Critical Pedagogy
- Culturally Relevant/Culturally Responsive/Culturally Sustaining Pedagogies
- Critical Race Theory and/or Racial Justice Frameworks
- Urban Educational Studies
- Disability Studies in Education
- Latin American Philosophies of Education
- Queer Theories/Pedagogies
- Among others
Tracks for Graduate Certificates
Through the 12 credits of electives in the TESC program, students have the opportunity to gain an additional Certificate in the following areas.
GRADUATE CERTIFICATES:
- Education for Sustainability (Learn more here.)
- Educational Technology* (Learn more here.)
- Higher Education Policy and Student Affairs (Learn more here.)
- Urban Education** (Learn more here.)
*Offered for programs at West Chester and Philadelphia locations
** Only offered for Philadelphia Center program
West Chester Program
Our West Chester program has successfully prepared dozens of transformative educators since its inception in 2015. Throughout the TESC program, candidates from a variety of local contexts develop a critical theoretical foundation from which they analyze the issues confronting contemporary education. This work culminates in the Critical Action Research Thesis proposal where TESC students formulate a program that will address a problem of practice stemming from their own experience as an educator. Our focus is providing a rewarding experience for educators who hold true to the idealism that drove them into teaching: having a positive, meaningful, and transformative impact on their students and the world we all share with them.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
- Coursework meets level II teacher certification requirements
- Graduate certificates available in: Educational Technology, Education for Sustainability, or Higher Education Policy & Student Affairs
- Evening classes for adult learners
- Affordable tuition
- Courses taught by internationally recognized professors who are committed scholars and activists in their respective fields
- Provides an excellent foundation for further study at the doctoral level
Philadelphia CENTER Program
Our Philadelphia Center program is now open for enrollment and working with educators across the city! Throughout the TESC program candidates from a variety of urban contexts develop a critical theoretical foundation from which they analyze the most pressing issues confronting contemporary education. This work culminates in the Critical Action Research Thesis proposal where TESC students formulate a program that will address a problem of practice stemming from their own experience as an educator. Our focus is providing a rewarding experience for educators who hold true to the idealism that drove them into teaching: having a positive, meaningful, and transformative impact on their students and the world we all share with them.
In the TESC Philly program you will find a flexible and supportive learning environment at our Philadelphia location (701 Market Street) with advisors who will work with you directly to plan your graduate journey. Graduates of the program apply their research directly to their own classrooms, school districts, and communities to make a positive impact.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
- Coursework meets level II teacher certification requirements
- Graduate certificate available in Urban Education
- Evening classes for adult learners
- Affordable tuition
- Courses taught by internationally recognized professors who are committed scholars and activists in their respective fields
- Convenient location
- Provides an excellent foundation for study at the doctoral level
Application Procedure
Applicants for the M.S.* are expected to have:
- An undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university
- An undergraduate degree GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. (If an applicant possesses a master's degree, the GPA requirement applies to that degree)
In addition to meeting admission requirements of the University, the student must:
- Submit two letters of recommendations, all transcripts and a goals statement
- Be approved by the Department of Educational Foundations and Policy Studies for graduate work
Upon admission, students will be assigned advisors who will help them to outline the appropriate program. All work for the program must be approved by the advisor and the departmental graduate committee.
For additional information please contact the program coordinator, Dr. Jason Wozniak.
contact Dr. Jason WozniakTo apply for the graduate program, visit The Graduate School site and click on the APPLY NOW button.
* This program does not lead to teacher certification.