1. MASTER OF EDUCATION-
PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
Learning Community
Program
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

2. INTRODUCTIONS
 Patricia A. Markos, Ph.D., CRC
Director, ME-PD Learning Community (LC)
 Margie Hylkema, ME-PD LC
Assistant to the Director, Administrative Specialist
 Sarah Dixen, Ed.S.
Facilitator Development & Support Specialist
 Jackson Jantzen
Learning Community Coordinator

3. WHAT IS A LEARNING
COMMUNITY?
 A group of 10-25 graduate students who enroll
together and become a learning community while
completing a master’s degree.
 The 30 credit (four semester) curriculum is both
scaffolded and spiraled throughout the two years* that
the students spend together.
 The curriculum is based on the principles of
constructivism, and the delivery is based on the theory
of adult learning, which allows adult students to
control their learning.
 * online delivery is 18 months

4. ABOUT THE PROGRAM . . .
 The ME-PD Learning Community Program
-Provides a two-year* (30 credit) graduate
experience
-Is for teachers and other individuals in
education
-Allows students to engage in study about
their professional practice in a collaborative
and learner directed environment
* Online is 18 months

5. INSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
IN EDUCATION (IPSE)
ACADEMIC PROGRAM MODEL – FALL 2012 FORWARD
 PLC (Professional Learning Community) emphasis for
all Learning Communities
 Content Area Emphasis choices:
 English Language Arts (based on Common Core Standards)
 Math (based on Common Core Standards)
 Global and Cultural Competency
 Core ME-PD program (focuses in-depth on teaching
pedagogy and educational leadership)

6. WHO ARE OUR STUDENTS?
 Educators from all areas of PK-16 education
 Other professionals from other fields
 DARE officers
 Nurses
 OTs/PTs
 Rehabilitation professionals
 Technical college instructors

7. PROGRAM FACTS
The ME-PD Learning Community Program has:
• Been in existence since 1997
• Graduated over 3,000 educators with their ME-
PD degree
• Reached out to graduate students in 100 sites
throughout the State of Wisconsin.

8. PROGRAM FACTS
The ME-PD Learning Community Program is:
 A fullyaccredited master of education program that is
designed for practicing educators.
 A non-certification program.
 Individually structured so that educators across a
broad spectrum of fields find the curriculum
applicable.

9. CURRICULUM
(30 CREDITS TOTAL)
 Learning in Community (4 credits)
 Educational Research (6 credits)
 Best Practice Pedagogy (4 credits)
 Curriculum Development & Assessment (4 credits)
 Diversity, Democracy and Social Justice (4 credits)
 Technology in Education (4 credits)
 Teacher Leadership (4 credits)

10. SAMPLE WEEKEND
 New teaching concepts, technology tools,
classroom practices, assessment strategies,
classroom management strategies, etc
 Take learning from weekend and APPLY it into
your work place!!
 Encourages reflection on practice so that
educators think about not only what they are
doing, but why.
 Specialized breakouts and speakers based on
choosen emphasis area.

11. BEYOND HOMEWORK – TWO
CULMINATING PROJECTS
Professional Portfolio –
After writing a Professional Development Plan
during the first and second semesters, each
Learning Community student prepares a
Professional Portfolio which demonstrates
growth in the WI Teaching Standards, the
National Board Professional Teaching
Standards, the seven strands of the curriculum
for the Learning Community program and
content emphasis standards.

12. ACTION RESEARCH CYCLES
 Students will engage in mini-action research
cycles that align with their workplace or district
goals throughout the program.
 Students will write a full Professional Seminar
Paper based on a topic of their choice. This
paper is submitted to UW-L for an external
review.
 Students will present on their area of expertise
to a professional audience.

13. ASSESSMENT IN ME-PD
PROGRAM
 Evidence-based assessment vs. traditional
assessment
 3-pronged Process
 Self + Peer + Faculty
 Advisory Group
 Job-alike Group
 Benchmarks

14. WHEN AND WHERE DO
STUDENTS MEET?
 Traditional Face -to-Face Program
 One weekend/month for two years
 Saturday 8 am-4:30 pm & Sunday 8 am-3:30
pm
 Do not meet face-to-face in June or July
 All weekends held at designated locations
EXCEPT your November weekend.
November Conference held at UW-La Crosse

15. WHEN AND WHERE DO
STUDENTS MEET?
 Hybrid (Face-to-Face + Online)
 Two face-to-face weekends a semester for two
years
 Face-to-face - Saturday 8 am-4:30 pm &
Sunday 8 am-3:30 pm
 Do not meet face-to-face in June or July
 All learners attend the annual November
Conference in La Crosse

16. WHERE AND WHEN DO
STUDENTS MEET?
 Online
 Three semesters fully online and 2 one-week
summer institutes. Graduation in 18 months.
 Typically summer institutes are at UW-La
Crosse, but could be customized for a learning
community with a base in a different
geographical area.

17. FALL 2012 SITES
Face-to-Face
o Baraboo; Onalaska; Madison; Milwaukee
Hybrid
o Sheboygan; Shawano; Beloit; Menomonie
Online
Summer Institute July 23-27, 2012; July 22-26, 2013

18. FAQ’S
 Do you have to be a teacher or currently
teaching?
 No. Although most learners in the ME-PD LC program are current
teachers, it is not required. There have been numerous DARE police
officers, technical school instructors, physical therapists, school nurses
and others that have benefited from earning a master’s degree. Many
assignments can be customized to meet your needs. A ME-PD degree
does not grant teacher licensure.
 How much work outside the weekends?
 The work load varies and much of it is directly related to your workplace. Most
of the work involves readings, reflections, and applying theory to your practice.

19. FAQ’S
 When do I receive my credits?
 Credits are earned each semester.
 Do I need a computer or Internet access?
 Yes! You do not need to bring a computer to class though.
 Who are the Graduate Faculty Facilitators?
 Our Graduate Faculty Facilitators are ideally a combination of a master teacher that exhibits
excellent teacher leadership skills and knowledge of current issues and a UW-L faculty with content
and pedagogical expertise.

20. APPLYING TO GRAD SCHOOL
 Complete online Graduate Application Form
 http://www.uwlax.edu/mepd/lc/
 $56 application fee
 Request any/all transcripts – OFFICIAL only
 Congratulations – you are enrolled!!

21. TUITION & FEES
 Fall2012 Tuition Rates
 Face to Face: $439/credit
 Online and Hybrid: $474.75/credit
 Book Costs
 $100-$200/Semester
 Special Course Fee - November Conference
 $50 every Fall Semester for Face to Face and
Hybrid

22. FINANCIAL AID
 Generous Financial Aid available
 Graduate PLUS Loans
 For all available financial aid options, visit:
 www.uwlax.edu/finaid

23. QUESTIONS?
 Formore information, request an Informational
Packet:
 lc@uwlax.edu
 1-866-895-9233 (toll-free)
 To register:
http://www.masterteacherscommunity.org/apply-now

24. www.masterteacherscommunity.org
Thank you!