Course Offerings

ASL8001 American Sign Language and Introduction to Deaf Culture   3 credits
The basic foundation of American Sign Language through an overview of deaf culture and an introduction to the signing of finger spelling, numbers, colors, vocabulary words, and beginning-level conversations.
M Buchholz
Jan 23 – May 9
Online

CHAPLAIN CERTIFICATE

THE9521 A Scriptural Approach to Addiction Counseling   3 credits
An examination of addictions from a scriptural perspective, concentrating on the prevention and treatment of addictions. All common addictions will be studied, with emphasis given to alcohol, drug, and internet addictions.
A Siggelkow
Jan 23 – May 9
Online

THE9523 Ministering to the Incarcerated and Their Families   3 credits
Strategies to initiate and implement a gospel ministry to the incarcerated.
D Krause
Jan 23 – May 9
Online

THE9534 Grounded in Scripture   3 credits
An introduction to theology that focuses on scriptural teachings that are of special importance to Christian early childhood teachers and lay chaplains.
P Ziemer
Jan 20 – May 9
Online

THE9601 The Spiritual Side of PTSD   3 credits
Helps spiritual advisors recognize the signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and provide appropriate spiritual care.
J Fischer
Jan 23 – May 9
Online

TIER 2: CDA CREDENTIAL TRAINING

Preschool Level

EDU9105, EDU9106 and EDU9107 should be taken in sequential order in the same semester.

EDU9105 Early Childhood Basics I   1 credit
Meets requirements for the Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) and meets Competency Standards I and VI. Provides orientation to CDA requirements and addresses functional areas related to safety, health, the learning environment, and a commitment to professionalism. (Preschool Level)
M Witt
Jan 20 – Feb 21
Online

EDU9106 Early Childhood Basics II   1 credit
Enables participants to advance their students’ physical and intellectual competence. Meets CDA Competency Standards II and V, which include physical and cognitive development, communication, creativity, and observation and assessment. (Preschool Level)
M Witt
Feb 24 – Mar 28
Online

EDU9107 Early Childhood Basics III   1 credit
Enables participants to support their students’ social and emotional development and to provide positive guidance, to establish positive and productive relationships with families, and to ensure a well-run, purposeful program that is responsive to student needs. Meets CDA Competency Standards III, IV, and V. (Preschool Level)
M Witt
Mar 31 – May 9
Online

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TIER 3: EARLY CHILDHOOD MINISTRY CERTIFICATION

EDU8101 Intellectual, Social, & Emotional Development   1 credit
The social and emotional development of preprimary children and its impact on cognitive functioning and instructional approaches.
J Sallquist
Feb 17 – Mar 14
Online
Register before January 27 to avoid cancellation. 

EDU8103 Developing Home & School Relationships   1 credit
Strong relationships are vital in early childhood ministries, especially in the area of mission outreach. Learn how to develop a family-oriented classroom, foster communication with families, and actively engage families in the school.
C Loomis
Mar 17 – Apr 11
Online
Register before February 24 to avoid cancellation. 

EDU8113 Assessment of Young Children   2 credits
The knowledge and skills necessary to establish a practical approach for the observation and development assessment of young children and communication of progress to parents (requires clinical).
R Burgess
Jan 6 – Feb 28
Online

EDU8114 Roles and Responsibilities of the Lutheran Early Childhood Educator   1 credit
An examination of the role of the early childhood educator in a Lutheran early childhood ministry setting.
C Holman
Apr 14 – May 9
Online
Register before March 24 to avoid cancellation. 

MUS8101 Music and Worship in ECE   1 credit
Spiritual, musical, psychosocial, and cognitive aspects of music learning in early childhood. Participants will survey early childhood music learning theories and music teaching methods. The course will include the use of the WELS music curriculum, Sing and Make Music.
Required live session Thursdays 7:30 – 8:30 pm.
R Burgess
Mar 3 – Mar 28
Online
Register before February 10 to avoid cancellation. 

THE8112 The Role of ECE in Mission Outreach   1 credit
Strategies to increase gospel outreach through early childhood education.
M Otterstatter
Mar 31 – May 9
Online
Register before March 10 to avoid cancellation. 

THE9106 New Testament Bible Lessons   2 credits
An in-depth study of the New Testament Bible lessons commonly taught in Lutheran early childhood centers with a focus on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus; the spreading of the Christian Church; faith and eternal life; and the office of the public ministry.
K Meyer
Jan 27 – Apr 4
Online

THE9534 Grounded in Scripture   3 credits
An introduction to theology that focuses on scriptural teachings that are of special importance to Christian early childhood teachers and lay chaplains.
P Ziemer
Jan 20 – May 9
Online
 

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TIER 4

EDU9111 Early Childhood Philosophy   1 credit
An overview of early childhood education that includes historical, philosophical, and cultural perspectives and how each influence educational practice today.
C Loomis                               
Jan 20 – Feb 14       
Online

EVANGELISM CERTIFICATE

THE9102 Practical Evangelism for Congregations   1 credit
Overview of key components that make up a congregational evangelism program and guidance for putting them into practice.
M Otterstatter
Feb 17 – Mar 28
Online
Register before January 27 to avoid cancellation. 

MASTER OF ARTS IN THEOLOGICAL STUDIES

THE5002 New Testament Theology   3 credits
An examination of the major teachings of the New Testament, with a concentration on key themes addressed by the biblical writers.
M Smith
Jan 23 – May 9
Online

THE5207 Views of the Afterlife: Contemporary, Cultural, and Biblical Perspectives   3 credits
Explores many of the cultural, religious, and popular views of the afterlife and provides a biblical foundation for gospel-centered conversations about them.
J Schuetze
Jan 23 – May 9
Online

 

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MASTER OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION

Educational Technology Emphasis

EDT5011 Enhancing Ministry with Technology   3 credits
An exploration of how technology can be harnessed to improve, enhance, and extend ministries, including information systems/databases, communication tools, productivity/project management tools, and many other aspects of ministry.
M Spriggs
Jan 23 – May 9
Online

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Instruction Emphasis

EDU5103 Improving Instruction in Mathematics and Science   3 credits
Do your students complain that math is hard or science is boring? By creating and implementing effective lessons, discover how a Christ-centered, integrated approach leads students to understand math and science and to praise their Creator.
J Carlovsky
Jan 23 – May 9
Online

EDU5110 High-Impact Instruction   3 credits
Explores research-proven teaching strategies to increase student engagement and retention of course knowledge at all levels, using the work of Marzano and others. Participants identify and use effective instructional strategies to build a cohesive unit for any grade level or content area.
K Rouech
Jan 23 – May 9
Online

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Leadership Emphasis

EDU5003 Curriculum Design & Implementation   3 credits
An exploration of the school leader’s role in collaboratively developing, implementing, and evaluating curriculum to achieve a comprehensive and coordinated plan of instruction throughout the school.
R Rathje
Jan 20 – Mar 14
Online

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Special Education Emphasis

SPE5206 Teaching Children with Learning Disabilities   3 credits
A survey in the field of learning disabilities designed for educators and administrators. Addresses the theoretical foundation and the practical issues in the field of learning disabilities. Topics include the following: characteristics of children with learning disabilities, assessment of specific learning disabilities, strategies that help children with learning disabilities, and contributions from other disciplines.
A Lienig
Jan 23 – May 9
Online

SPE5208 Teaching Reading and Mathematics to Students with Disabilities   3 credits
Addresses the cognitive needs of reading and mathematics underachievers through an exploration of pedagogy, research, materials, and practices related to reading and math instruction. Applying skills in real contexts using practices such as Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), progress monitoring, Database Individualization (DBI), and designing differentiated unit plans for literacy and mathematics.
M Murphy
Jan 23 – May 9
Online

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MS IN EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION

Early Childhood Director Emphasis

EDU5312 School Leadership   3 credits
An overview of leadership theory and application in contemporary schools. Leadership topics include servant leadership, leadership aptitudes, personal leadership profile, and team leadership as applied to modern school issues – especially diversity and special education.
T Plath
Mar 17 – May 9
Online
Register before February 24 to avoid cancellation. 

EDU5322 Development of Young Children   3 credits
Understanding the social, emotional, and physical development of young children, and its application to developmentally appropriate learning environments.
J Sallquist
Jan 23 – May 9
Online

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Principal Emphasis

EDU5003 Curriculum Design & Implementation   3 credits
An exploration of the school leader’s role in collaboratively developing, implementing, and evaluating curriculum to achieve a comprehensive and coordinated plan of instruction throughout the school.
R Rathje
Jan 20 – Mar 14
Online

EDU5312 School Leadership   3 credits
An overview of leadership theory and application in contemporary schools. Leadership topics include servant leadership, leadership aptitudes, personal leadership profile, and team leadership as applied to modern school issues – especially diversity and special education.
T Plath
Mar 17 – May 9
Online
Register before February 24 to avoid cancellation. 

____________________

Technology Director Emphasis

EDT5011 Enhancing Ministry with Technology   3 credits
An exploration of how technology can be harnessed to improve, enhance, and extend ministries, including information systems/databases, communication tools, productivity/project management tools, and many other aspects of ministry.
M Spriggs
Jan 23 – May 9
Online

____________________

MS IN SPECIAL EDUCATION

SPE5206 Teaching Children with Learning Disabilities   3 credits
A survey in the field of learning disabilities designed for educators and administrators. Addresses the theoretical foundation and the practical issues in the field of learning disabilities. Topics include the following: characteristics of children with learning disabilities, assessment of specific learning disabilities, strategies that help children with learning disabilities, and contributions from other disciplines.
A Lienig
Jan 23 – May 9
Online

SPE5208 Teaching Reading and Mathematics to Students with Disabilities   3 credits
Addresses the cognitive needs of reading and mathematics underachievers through an exploration of pedagogy, research, materials, and practices related to reading and math instruction. Applying skills in real contexts using practices such as Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), progress monitoring, Database Individualization (DBI), and designing differentiated unit plans for literacy and mathematics.
M Murphy
Jan 23 – May 9
Online

MENTORING & COACHING CERTIFICATE

EDU5906 Designing Effective Instruction   1 credit or 12.5 clock hours
Prerequisite(s): EDU5901
Develop the ability to provide meaningful feedback to improve beginning teachers’ lesson plans and instruction.
J Schaefer
Feb 17 – Apr 7
Online
Register before January 27 to avoid cancellation. 

EDU5908 Understanding, Supporting, and Facilitating a Professional Development Plan   2 credit or 25 clock hours
Prerequisite(s): EDU5901, EDU5903, EDU5907
Synthesize the research, theory, and writing, as well as teacher and administrator standards, behind a professional development plan, in order to be a resource in your school or district and assist new teachers in writing a professional development plan.
J Schaefer
Jan 27 – Mar 10
Online

LEARNING-FOCUSED INSTRUCTION

For Teachers

Earn the following Micro-Credentials and receive . . .

• 5 clock hours for each
• And the badge for each which you can display on all your social media platforms
• And the Learning-Focused Instruction Meta Badge when all seven Micro-Credentials are completed

This is self-paced, independent, competency-based learning.

1. REGISTER any time during the semester.
2. COLLECT the evidence of your competency.
3. SUBMIT your evidence.
4. RECEIVE your digital badge and share it on all your media platforms.

BDG0100 Developing Background   5 clock hours
Teachers who earn the Developing Background Micro-Credential are able to connect students’ prior knowledge with new material to build understanding.
A Uher

BDG0101 Essential Questions   5 clock hours
Teachers who earn the Essential Questions Micro-Credential create and use overarching unit questions that stimulate student curiosity by connecting the key inquiries of the subject matter to students’ lives.
J Meyer

BDG0102 Learning Target   5 clock hours
Teachers who earn the Learning Target Micro-Credential can design and share learning targets to support student learning. Evidence of learning is shown through an assessment called a performance of understanding.
C Melendy

BDG0103 Quick Formative Assessments   5 clock hours
Teachers who earn the Quick Formative Assessment Micro-Credential can quickly check all students for understanding during the lesson and use responses to adjust the lesson and increase student learning.
J Meyer

BDG0104 Full Formative Assessments   5 clock hours
Teachers who earn the Full Formative Assessment Micro-Credential check all students for a full or complete understanding of the learning target near the end of the lesson and use responses to adjust the lesson and increase student learning.
J Meyer

BDG0105 Active Engagement   5 clock hours
Teachers who earn the Active Engagement Micro-Credential engage learners in high cognition and high participation activities within a lesson to build student understanding.
A Uher

BDG0106 Summary & Practice   5 clock hours
Teachers who earn the Summary & Practice Micro-Credential create meaningful lesson closure, which includes skill reinforcement aligned to the lesson’s learning target.
A Uher

LEARNING-FOCUSED SUPERVISION

For EC Directors, Principals, and Instructional Coaches

Earn the following Micro-Credentials and receive . . .

• 5 clock hours for each
• And the badge for each which you can display on all your social media platforms
• And the Observation Meta Badge
• And the Conferencing Meta Badge
• And the Learning-Focused Supervision Uber Badge when all the Micro-Credentials are completed

This is self-paced, independent, competency-based learning.

1. REGISTER any time during the semester.
2. COLLECT the evidence of your competency.
3. SUBMIT your evidence.
4. RECEIVE your digital badge and share it on all your media platforms.

OBSERVATION META-BADGE

BDG0113 Look-Fors   5 clock hours
The instructional supervisor who earns the Look-Fors Micro-Credential knows and clearly communicates what to look for when observing a teacher.
A Bitter

BDG0114 Data-Scripting   5 clock hours
Principals, directors, or instructional coaches who earn the Data-Scripting Micro-Credential can collect data on carefully selected classroom interactions using a Formative Scripting Tool and sort the data in ways that lay the foundation for providing effective feedback to teachers.
J Schaefer

BDG0115 Data-Seating Chart   5 clock hours
Principals, directors, or instructional coaches who earn the Data-Seating Chart micro-credential can collect and sort data on carefully selected classroom interactions around students’ understanding and engagement using a formative classroom charting tool.
J Schaefer

BDG0116 Walk-Through   5 clock hours
Principals or instructional supervisors who earn the Walk-Through Micro-Credential can conduct brief classroom visits that efficiently gather and communicate worthwhile and usable information about student learning.
A Bitter

CONFERENCING META-BADGE

BDG0117 Pre-Conference   5 clock hours
Teachers who earn the Pre-Conferencing Micro-Credential can carry out a pre-visit conference that sets the tone for a growth-oriented visit focusing on student learning.
K Horn

BDG0118 Post-Conference   5 clock hours
Teachers who earn the Post-Conferencing Micro-Credential are capable of conducting a post-visit conference that provides meaningful feedback to improve instruction and student learning.
K Horn

BDG0119 Coaching Stance   5 clock hours
Principals, directors, or instructional coaches who earn the Coaching Stance Micro-Credential can utilize a combination of three stances appropriately when discussing instructional performance with teachers. Evidence of learning is shown through an assessment called a performance of understanding.
J Schaefer

BDG0121 Evidence-Based Conversation   5 clock hours
Instructional supervisors who earn the Evidence-Based Conversation Micro-Credential provide timely and effective observation feedback based on observable data while avoiding judgments and opinions.
J Meyer

Stand Alone Micro-Credentials that are part of the Learning-Focused Supervision Macro-Credential

BDG0123 Ministry Development Plan   5 clock hours
Teachers who earn the Ministry Development Plan Micro-Credential can facilitate a goal-setting conversation that allows an educator to develop a goal statement that addresses professional growth and the effect of that growth on student learning.
A Bitter

BDG0124 Evaluation Form   5 clock hours
Teachers who earn the Evaluation Form Micro-Credential can appreciate the importance of summative teacher evaluations. In addition, they can collect evidence needed to properly, fairly, and thoroughly rate a teacher. Finally, they also demonstrate that they can use the new WELS summative teacher evaluation rubric to both collect relevant evidence and conduct an end-of-year summative teacher evaluation conference.
J Wiechman

Courses for Teachers, Early Childhood Directors, and Staff Ministers

THE1001 Biblical History and Literature I   3 credits
A survey of God’s grace through the literature of the Old Testament’s historical and wisdom writings, with a focus on the promises God made throughout the history of ancient Israel.
P Huebner
Jan 23 – May 9
Online

THE1002 Biblical History and Literature II   3 credits
A survey of God’s grace through the literature of the Old Testament major prophets and the New Testament gospel accounts set in the context of exilic, post-exilic literature and Intertestamental historical record.
J Boeder
Jan 23 – May 9
Online

THE2001 Biblical History and Literature III   3 credits
A survey of God’s grace through the literature of selected New Testament epistles set in the context of the book of Acts. This is a writing-intensive course in undergraduate General Education programs.
M Otterstatter
Jan 23 – May 9
Online

THE3001 Christian Doctrine I   3 credits
A study of those truths that the Bible, as the divinely inspired source of doctrine, presents concerning the author, the object, and the mediator of salvation.
J Pless
Jan 23 – May 9
Online

THE3002 Christian Doctrine II   3 credits
The scriptural truths concerning the blessing the Holy Spirit showers on believers, individually and collectively, in the presentation and appropriation of the gift of salvation.
M Berg
Jan 23 – May 9
Online

THE3002 Christian Doctrine II   3 credits
The scriptural truths concerning the blessing the Holy Spirit showers on believers, individually and collectively, in the presentation and appropriation of the gift of salvation.
T Kock
Jan 9 – May 22
Atonement Lutheran School – Milwaukee WI
Thursdays 4 – 6:15

Additional Course for Educators: K – Post-Secondary

EDU9540 Principles of Christian Education   3 credits
An overview of Christian education, especially formal Lutheran early childhood, elementary, and secondary education, with the goal of understanding and appreciating Lutheran schools as one of the means by which the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod carries out the Lord’s command to “tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done” (Psalm 78:4).
Online synchronous course typically meets Sunday evenings (plus other mutually agreed upon dates) from 7-9 pm CST
R Rathje
Jan 12 – May 9
Online

Additional Courses for Staff Ministers

THE3111 Congregational Assimilation and Retention   3 credits
A study of ways to integrate members into the life of the church through active use of the means of grace, Christian fellowship, and service. Includes examination of factors that can help to prevent inactivity and of methods for reaching out to inactive members.
L Olson
Jan 23 – May 9
Online

THE4150 One-Semester Staff Ministry Internship   16 credits
A full-time experience of learning and serving in a congregation, carried out under the direction of a pastor and/or a staff minister.
L Olson
Jan 23 – May 9

THE9102 Practical Evangelism for Congregations   1 credit
Overview of key components that make up a congregational evangelism program and guidance for putting them into practice.
M Otterstatter
Feb 17 – Mar 28
Online
Register before January 27 to avoid cancellation. 

Additional Courses for Early Childhood Directors

EDU8103 Developing Home & School Relationships   1 credit
Strong relationships are vital in early childhood ministries, especially in the area of mission outreach. Learn how to develop a family-oriented classroom, foster communication with families, and actively engage families in the school.
C Loomis
Mar 17 – Apr 11
Online
Register before February 24 to avoid cancellation. 

EDU8114 Roles and Responsibilities of the Lutheran Early Childhood Educator   1 credit
An examination of the role of the early childhood educator in a Lutheran early childhood ministry setting.
C Holman
Apr 14 – May 9
Online
Register before March 24 to avoid cancellation. 

Early Childhood Teachers

Check the Early Childhood Section for Additional Courses That Apply to Your Program!