About the universities—George Mason University
George Mason University has developed and is currently offering three courses of study that have been recognized by the IB as meeting the Level 1 and/or the Level 2 award requirements.
The university’s Center for International Education (CIE) has restructured its FAST TRAIN Elementary (PK–6) program to produce a course of study that prepares individuals, who are training to be teachers, to gain Virginia state teaching licensure and to meet the academic requirements of the Level 1 award. The course, focusing on the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), offers participants the opportunity to critically engage with the educational principles and practices upon which the PYP and other educational programmes are founded. The FAST TRAIN Elementary (PK–6) program meets US teacher National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) accreditation standards.
The IB has recently recognized the Mason Certificate in Advanced IB Studies and the Master’s degree in Advanced Study in Teaching and Learning (ASTL). The Mason Certificate in Advanced IB Studies, developed for teachers who would like become IB practitioners and practicing IB teachers, has been designed to expand teachers’ understanding of their practices and to promote research-based practice. The course targets teachers with an interest in the IB Primary Years Programme, the IB Middle Years Programme, or the IB Diploma Programme. Completion of the requisite five graduate modules leads to eligibility for the Level 1 award.
Through completion of additional course work, the Master’s degree in ASTL can be achieved, leading to eligibility for the Level 2 award**. The Master’s programme has been developed for teachers and educators who have one or more years experience of teaching, or who have education-related experience. The course focuses on the development of reflection through action research, problem-based learning and self-inquiry.
** Please note that to register for the Level 2 award all registrants need to be experienced teachers with at least 5 years experience of teaching, which includes three or more years of continuous teaching in the same IB programme in one IB school.
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