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Advanced International Baccalaureate® Studies at MASON

Interested in teaching in an International Baccalaureate® (IB) school?  Currently teaching in an IB program but are interested in furthering your education?  George Mason University is the only university in North America authorized by IB to offer a preparation program for IB’s Teacher Award Levels I and II. 

In 2006, Mason’s FAST TRAIN and Advanced Studies in Teaching and Learning (ASTL) programs worked in partnership with IB’s Professional Development Division to become authorized by the organization.  Similar to the process high schools undergo, the two programs worked closely with the new IB Teacher Award Requirements across all three program areas: The Primary Years Program (PYP), Middle Years Program
(MYP), and Diploma Program (DP).  These areas  were the foundation to create a series of courses that provided a deep and well grounded foundation in research and theory for the IB programs.  “The IB program is a good fit for us,” says Bev Shaklee, Director of Mason’s Center for International Education and Academic Coordinator for the FAST TRAIN program. “The philosophy is congruent with our thinking on best practices for teachers in international schools and the pedagogy is well grounded in research.”

The IB Teacher Award recognizes IB teachers’ achievements and commitment to their professional learning while they are implementing IB programs. It was developed in conjunction with postgraduate programs, such as CEHD’s FAST TRAIN, that focus on building understanding of the three IB programs—Primary Years, Middle Years, and  Diploma—and their role in international education.
“The International Baccalaureate® Organization is pleased to be working with George Mason University to provide an opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of the IB programs and international education in general,” says Jonathon Marsh, former head of  IB’s Professional Development Division, Curriculum and Assessment Centre.

Candidates for the Level I Teacher Award take five courses (15 credits) to enhance their understanding of IB; Level II Teacher Award participants take an additional six courses (18 credits) to complete the master’s degree.  The Mason program is recognized by IB for continuing professional development requirements.

Teachers currently enrolled in the program range from IB ‘interested’ to IB practitioners.  Many of the IB practitioners speak very highly of the program, mentioning that they have been  practicing as an IB professional, some for as many as  15 years, and this series has challenged their thinking, improved their practice and created a deep understanding of the research support for their practice.

Anne Gomez, currently teaching in the Philippines, traveled to Mason for the FAST TRAIN’s summer program.  Anne shared that the training will affect her teaching immensely because it is a very intense, hands-on experience that applies to the real world. The program has given her such a good foundation in practice for what she does, as well as the confidence to apply what she is learning.”

Lynn Walker Levy, FAST TRAIN Administrative Coordinator, shared the following: “Not only do we want these students to be the best teachers in their field, but we also want to assist them as much as possible in obtaining jobs around the globe. Providing a credential recognized by the IB, that also gives teachers a state license and a master’s degree from a highly qualified institution, is key to obtaining a better opportunity to compete for job around the world.

For more information about the IB Certificate in Advanced Studies IB please see:  http://fasttrain.gmu.edu/programs_of_study/international_baccalaureate/.

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