This document provides information about George Mason University's IB Advanced Certificate in Teaching & Learning Research program. The 30-credit program consists of an 18-credit IB concentration and a 12-credit ASTL core. The core focuses on research, pedagogy, and leadership skills, while the concentration covers IB philosophy, curriculum, and instruction. Courses are offered online and in a blended format. The program prepares teachers to be student-centered leaders who conduct classroom-based research to improve learning.

1. IB ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN TEACHING & LEARNING RESEARCH
Advanced Studies in Teaching & Learning Information Session
College of Education and Human Development
Division of Advanced Professional Teacher Development & International Education

2. G E O R G E M A S O N U N I V E R S I T Y
IB ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN TEACHING & LEARNING RESEARCH
Agenda
• ASTL Program Overview
• Mission
• Core Values
• International Baccalaureate
• Program Outcomes
• Professional Dispositions
• Program Structure
• Course Sequence
• Admission Information
• Final Reminders

3. G E O R G E M A S O N U N I V E R S I T Y
IB ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN TEACHING & LEARNING RESEARCH
ASTL Program Overview
Description
The ASTL program offers practicing teachers the
opportunity to develop as student centered
teacher leaders who are change-agents in their
schools. The program is designed to deepen
teacher content knowledge and research skills,
as well as increase their understanding of
student learning, assessment, and methods that
meet students’ individual learning needs.
Degree
MEd: Curriculum & Instruction
Profile
https://gse.gmu.edu/advanced-teaching-
studies/academics/masters-in-education-
advanced-international-baccalaureate-
concentration

4. G E O R G E M A S O N U N I V E R S I T Y
IB ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN TEACHING & LEARNING RESEARCH
ASTL Mission
To develop the content, pedagogical content knowledge, leadership skills, and
research capacity of practicing teachers who want to take an inquiry stance on
their educational practice and lead from the classroom as they contribute to on-
going school improvement and educational change.

5. G E O R G E M A S O N U N I V E R S I T Y
IB ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN TEACHING & LEARNING RESEARCH
Curriculum
The ASTL Curriculum is grounded in the Five Core Propositions
of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards

6. G E O R G E M A S O N U N I V E R S I T Y
IB ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN TEACHING & LEARNING RESEARCH
Core Values
ASTL Core Values are aligned with the Core Values of the
George Mason’s College of Education:
• Social Justice
• Research-Based Practice
• Ethical Leadership
• Collaboration
• Innovation

7. G E O R G E M A S O N U N I V E R S I T Y
IB ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN TEACHING & LEARNING RESEARCH
International Baccalaureate (IB)
• The IB is a non-profit educational foundation,
motivated by its mission, focused on the
student.
• There are three available programs to help
students ages 3-19 develop the intellectual,
personal, emotional and social skills to live,
learn and work in an increasingly globalized
world.
• These programs are:
• Primary Years Programme (PYP)
• Middle Years Programme (MYP)
• Diploma Programme (DP)

8. G E O R G E M A S O N U N I V E R S I T Y
IB ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN TEACHING & LEARNING RESEARCH
George Mason University Offers Three IB Certificates
IB Advanced Certificate in Teaching & Learning Research – PYP, MYP or DP
IB Certificate in Teaching & Learning – PYP, MYP or DP
IB Certificate in Teaching & Learning – PYP Only

9. G E O R G E M A S O N U N I V E R S I T Y
IB ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN TEACHING & LEARNING RESEARCH
IB Advanced Certificate in Teaching & Learning Research
• Ideal for educators who wish to supplement their existing IB experience with rigorous,
systematic, investigative work to further their knowledge and experience.
• Delve deeper into curriculum development, pedagogy and assessment through exploring
relevant literature and IB practices
• George Mason University is one of the few universities that offers this advanced degree:
• 1 of 2 locations in the United States
• 1 of 4 locations in North America

10. G E O R G E M A S O N U N I V E R S I T Y
IB ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN TEACHING & LEARNING RESEARCH
IB Advanced Certificate Benefits
• Improve the quality of your classroom teaching
• Allow you to contribute to the body of
knowledge so others can benefit
• Expand your career path into leadership roles
• Increase your competitive advantage in the
education job sector
• Demonstrate your commitment to continuous
self-improvement and lifelong learning
• Increase your access to teaching jobs
worldwide
• Demonstrate your deep understanding of and
engagement in student learning

11. G E O R G E M A S O N U N I V E R S I T Y
IB ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN TEACHING & LEARNING RESEARCH
ASTL’s Role in Teachers’ Ongoing
Professional Career Development
Current ASTL MEd Future
• Teacher Preparation
• In-School PD
• Classroom Experience
• Advanced Pedagogical
Knowledge
• Advanced Content
Knowledge
• Curriculum Specialist
• School Leader
• Earn National Board
Certification

12. G E O R G E M A S O N U N I V E R S I T Y
IB ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN TEACHING & LEARNING RESEARCH
ASTL’s Eight Program Learning Outcomes
What Teachers Should Know & Be Able To Do
• Teachers are committed to students and their learning
• Teachers know the subjects they teach and how to teach those subjects to
students
• Teachers are responsible for managing and monitoring student learning
• Teachers are committed to students and their learning
• Teachers are members of learning communities
The Five Core Propositions of the
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards

13. G E O R G E M A S O N U N I V E R S I T Y
IB ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN TEACHING & LEARNING RESEARCH
Additional Learning Outcomes
• Teachers account for the needs of culturally, linguistically, and cognitively
diverse learners.
• Teachers are change agents, teacher leaders, and partners with colleagues.
• Teachers use technology to facilitate student learning and their own
professional development and educational change.

14. G E O R G E M A S O N U N I V E R S I T Y
IB ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN TEACHING & LEARNING RESEARCH
Features of ASTL
Face-to-Face and
Distance Learning
formats available for
Core Courses
VA Educators receive
a 15% discount off in-
state tuition rates for
PK-12 credit course
Online Format for all
IB Concentration
courses
Out-of-state students
receive a 45%
discount off standard
tuition rates

15. G E O R G E M A S O N U N I V E R S I T Y
IB ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN TEACHING & LEARNING RESEARCH
ASTL Full Concentration List
• Advanced IB
• Designing Digital Learning in
Schools
• Early Childhood Education
• Foreign Language – French
• Foreign Language – Spanish
• Gifted Child Education (Cohort)
• History
• Individualized Concentration
• Literacy K-12 Reading Specialist
• Literacy PK-12 Classroom
• Mathematics Elementary
• Mathematics – Middle/Secondary
(Cohort)
• Physical Education (Cohort)
• Science K-12
• Special Education
• Teacher Leadership

16. G E O R G E M A S O N U N I V E R S I T Y
IB ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN TEACHING & LEARNING RESEARCH
ASTL Program Structure
Two Major Components
IB Concentration
18 Credits
Concentration classes
focus on IB philosophy
ASTL Core
12 Credits
Core classes focus on
research and pedagogy

17. G E O R G E M A S O N U N I V E R S I T Y
IB ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN TEACHING & LEARNING RESEARCH
Courses
IB Concentration
18 Credits
ASTL Core
12 Credits
• Inquiry into Practice (2 credits)
• How Students Learn (3 credits)
• Designing & Assessing Teaching &
Learning (2 credits)
• Education & Culture (3 credits)
• Educational Change (2 credits)
• Teaching & Learning in the International
Baccalaureate Program (3 credits)
• Curriculum Development across IB
Programs (3 credits)
• Models & Strategies for Teaching &
Learning in IB Schools (3 credits)
• Assessment & Learning in IB Schools (3
credits)
• Inquiry into Action: IB Teachers,
Learners, & Schools (3 credits)
• Contemporary Issues & Trends in IB (3
credits)

18. G E O R G E M A S O N U N I V E R S I T Y
IB ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN TEACHING & LEARNING RESEARCH
IB Concentration
Completion Options:
• Concentration may be completed in its
entirety before CORE classes – or -
• Concentration and CORE classes may be
taken together or in tandem
Scheduling of Core and Concentration Classes:
• IB Concentration Courses are offered fully
online
• The Program of Study and Advising Form
lists the suggested course sequence
• Core offered online except EDUC 612,
which is a 4 week course taken in the
summer prior to beginning the Core
courses. The remainder of the Core
courses are fully online.

19. G E O R G E M A S O N U N I V E R S I T Y
IB ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN TEACHING & LEARNING RESEARCH
ASTL CORE
Through the Education “Core,” ASTL focuses on teachers as researchers who view
their classrooms as a “living laboratory” for studying and understanding:
• How students learn
• How to design instruction that meets the needs of all learners
• How to assess student learning through multiple approaches
• How cultural and linguistic factors affect student learning and school climate
• How to become change agents in their schools by cultivating their leadership skills

20. G E O R G E M A S O N U N I V E R S I T Y
IB ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN TEACHING & LEARNING RESEARCH
Inquiry Into Practice: Experience using research skills & developing critical reflective
practice for inquiry into classroom practice
Core: Course Descriptions
EDUC 612
How Students Learn: Advanced course using research and developmental and learning
theories to understand how students learn
EDUC 613
Designing & Assessing Teaching & Learning: Advanced course using research and
developmental and learning theories to understand more deeply the teaching and
learning process
EDUC 614
EDUC 606
EDUC 615
Education & Culture: Use of the Cultural Inquiry Process (CIP) supports teachers as they
conduct culturally- and linguistically-focused classroom inquiry and acquire multiple
perspectives, analyze settings, and expand culturally responsive pedagogy and teaching
strategies for use in today’s increasingly diverse classrooms
Education Change – Capstone: Explores influences on educational change at the
classroom, school, community, state, and national levels; emphasizes the role of teachers
as leaders. The ASTL Portfolio is presented at the conclusion of EDUC 615.

21. G E O R G E M A S O N U N I V E R S I T Y
IB ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN TEACHING & LEARNING RESEARCH
Courses Months
J J A S O N D J F M A M
EDUC 612 Inquiry into Practice
(2 credits) F2F
EDUC 613 How Students Learn
(3 credits) F2F/Online
EDUC 614 Designing & Assessing
Teaching & Learning
(2 credits) F2F/Online
EDUC 606 Education and Culture
(3 credits) F2F/Online
EDUC 615 Educational Change
(2 credits) F2F/Online
Core: Year-Long Schedule

22. G E O R G E M A S O N U N I V E R S I T Y
IB ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN TEACHING & LEARNING RESEARCH
Class Term offered Format Prerequisite (completed before)
EDUC 612
(2 credits)
Summer only Face to Face
only
Admission to ASTL Program
(late June –late July). Pre-requisite for all following
Core courses
EDUC 613
(3 credits)
Fall only Online or Face
to Face
EDUC 612 (pre-req)
EDUC 614
(2 credits)
Fall only Online or Face
to Face
EDUC 612 (pre-req)
EDUC 613 (pre-req, may be taken concurrently)
EDUC 606
(3 credits)
Spring only Online or Face
to Face
EDUC 612 & EDUC 613 (pre-req)
EDUC 615
(2 credits)
Spring only Online or Face
to Face
EDUC 612, EDUC 613, EDUC 614 (pre-req)
EDUC 606 (pre-req, may be taken concurrently). To
be taken in the final spring semester of coursework
Core: Classes at a Glance

23. G E O R G E M A S O N U N I V E R S I T Y
IB ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN TEACHING & LEARNING RESEARCH
ASTL Advising
Each student is assigned a concentration
advisor specific to your specialty area and has
a professional academic advisor.
Concentration Advisor
• Questions regarding specific concentration
class requirements
• Concentration course scheduling
• Substituting a given concentration class for
another
Professional Academic Advisor
• Graduation and degree progress
• Registration details for Core courses
• Paperwork for re-enrollment or course
transfers

24. G E O R G E M A S O N U N I V E R S I T Y
IB ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN TEACHING & LEARNING RESEARCH
Program Planning
Submit to Dr. Fox
rfox@gmu.edu,
Your Advisor, and
Marie Champagne
mchampa4@gmu.edu

25. G E O R G E M A S O N U N I V E R S I T Y
IB ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN TEACHING & LEARNING RESEARCH
Admissions Process
Online
Application
admissions.gmu.edu
Goals Statement
Describe why you chose this
program, what you hope to learn
and why now is an ideal time for
you to apply
2 Letters of
Recommendation
Professional references submitted
electronically
Transcripts
Should have overall GPA of 3.0
from undergraduate and/or
graduate institution
Application Fee
$75.00 non-refundable fee paid
online at the time of application
submission
**There are additional requirements for International Students

26. G E O R G E M A S O N U N I V E R S I T Y
IB ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN TEACHING & LEARNING RESEARCH
Application Deadlines
ASTL has some flexibility regarding admissions
deadlines, however, the following dates should
be followed to ensure timely receipt of required
materials. Preferred deadlines:
• Spring Start – November 1
• Fall or Summer Start – March 1 Priority,
but will accept later
(through 1 May for summer coursework
activation)
• Final Deadline for Fall start – July 30
(For Fall admission)

27. G E O R G E M A S O N U N I V E R S I T Y
IB ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN TEACHING & LEARNING RESEARCH
What Our Students Say…
“Because of my ASTL research, I plan on being a positive change
agent in my field.”
“ASTL helped broaden my understanding of how students learn
holistically.”
“Because of ASTL, I am confident in my leadership, my ability to
conduct research, to be an advocate for students and their families.”

28. G E O R G E M A S O N U N I V E R S I T Y
IB ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN TEACHING & LEARNING RESEARCH
ASTL Faculty & Staff
Faculty
Dr. Rebecca K. Fox - ASTL, Academic Program Coordinator
Dr. Stephanie Dodman
Dr. Nancy Holincheck
Dr. Anastasia Samaras
Professional Staff
Marie Champagne -Coordinator of Student Services
Breanne Burke - Outreach Coordinator
Andreina Sanchez - APTDIE Administrative Coordinator

29. G E O R G E M A S O N U N I V E R S I T Y
IB ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN TEACHING & LEARNING RESEARCH
Next Steps
Office of Admissions
703-993-2892
cehdgrad@gmu.edu
cehd.gmu.edu/admissions
Outreach Coordinator
Breanne Burke
703.993.2650 /
703-993-6010
astl@gmu.edu
Dr. Rebecca K. Fox
Professor and Academic
Program Coordinator
703.993.4123
rfox@gmu.edu
Begin Your Online Application Today!
https://www2.gmu.edu/admissions-aid/apply-now
For More Information
https://gse.gmu.edu/advanced-teaching-studies/