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Program Overview

Program Overview

The Instructional Practice Program is offered by Lipscomb’s College of Education which is consistently ranked as one of the most effective educator preparation programs in the state of Tennessee and the nation.

Make a significant difference in the lives of students every day. Our instructional practice master’s program is specifically and uniquely designed to meet the needs of educators. By building on what you already know, you'll be able to increase your knowledge complexity as you progress through the program. 

Applicability is our priority. You will hone a collection of effective, diverse strategies for instructional practice, including varied approaches to planning lessons, understanding learner needs and creating optimal learning environments.

We promise to practice what we teach. In every class, you will be put in the posture of the learner. We try to keep our lectures short and informational so that you have plenty of time for practice and discussion. 

Discover your potential and sharpen your ambition to become an excellent and professional practitioner by engaging in a challenging and comprehensive initial teacher training.

Lipscomb University follows all state guidelines for initial licensure candidates. This includes maintaining a specific conditional GPA for all incoming initial licensure candidates. All initial licensure candidates must have a 2.75 on their undergraduate degree in order to be considered for the program. For more information, please review the state GPA policy at the link below. If you would like to have your transcripts reviewed, prior to applying, please complete the form below.

GPA Policy  Request a Transcript Analysis

Admissions Requirements

Admissions Requirements

  • Completed Online application
  • $50 application fee
  • Official transcripts for all degrees conferred and any other coursework post bachelors.
  • Personal statement:
    Explain your goals and your purpose for pursuing a graduate education degree at Lipscomb University and elaborate on how this degree would help you to make an impact on teaching and learning in your classroom or school in a concise, clear essay. (500 words)
  • Three Recommendations
    • Recommender #1 – Current Administrator/Supervisor (non-family member)
      If no direct supervisor, provide another academic reference (see Rec. #2)
    • Recommender #2 – Academic or Professional Colleague (non-family member)
    • Recommender #3 – Personal reference of integrity and/or faith (non-family member)
  • Resume
  • Lipscomb College of Education graduate programs do not generally require graduate exam scores such as the GRE or MAT unless required for state licensure, accreditation, or program specific reasons. If your most recent degree GPA is below 3.0, a program director may ask you to provide graduate exam scores to be considered as part of the supplementary materials to your application for admission. Check with the specific program you are interested in regarding exam scores that may be required for admission

View the College of Education's graduate programs application timeline.

Tuition & Aid

Tuition & Aid

  • $953* per credit hour
  • $715 per credit hour with the 25% in-service discount

*Note: The graduate tuition rates may increase annually, effective each summer semester.

Scholarship Information

As you give back to the community, Lipscomb University wants to give back to you. The College of Education offers significant scholarships to current educators and administrators. Those pursuing career as a teacher, you're not left out either! Check out the following information to see if you qualify for scholarships.

All completed applications should be mailed to:

Lipscomb University
College of Education

One University Park Drive
Nashville, TN 37204

Types of Aid

Flexible Schedule

Our courses are offered at a variety of convenient locations around Nashville or online, at times designed to work with your busy schedule. Our hybrid class model allows you the best of going to school as a working professional.

Small Class Sizes

You’ll have opportunities to engage in meaningful discussion, receive one-on-one faculty mentorship and ask difficult questions in our small class sizes. Plus, you’ll feel supported in a tight-knit learning community.

Nashville, TN

A big city. An even bigger opportunity. We consider Nashville, Tennessee, an extension of our classroom, and as a leading city in many industries, that means you’ll gain experience and insight you won’t find anywhere else.

Our Faculty

  • Vanessa Garcia headshot

    Vanessa Garcia

    Senior Program Director

    Dr. Vanessa Garcia is an experienced educator who has held various leadership positions in her 20-year career. That career has seen her serve as a middle and high school teacher,...

    Meet Vanessa Garcia
  • Rachel Peay Cornett headshot

    Rachel Peay Cornett

    Assistant Professor

    With 16 years experience as both a classroom educator and K-5 academic interventionist, Rachel comes to Lipscomb from Rutherford County Schools, having previously served as an adjunct professor at Middle...

    Meet Rachel Peay Cornett
  • Michelle Hasty headshot

    Michelle Hasty

    Associate Professor

    Michelle Hasty is a Nashville native and graduate of Metro Nashville Public Schools. She received a B.A. in English from Auburn University, an M.Ed. in Secondary English Education from Vanderbilt...

    Meet Michelle Hasty
  • Ally Hauptman headshot

    Ally Hauptman

    Associate Professor

    Ally Hauptman is the lead faculty for Instructional Practice at Lipscomb University where she teaches graduate level courses in building classroom community, planning, and elementary and middle grades literacy instruction....

    Meet Ally Hauptman
  • Karen Marklein headshot

    Karen Marklein

    Program Director Ayer's Institute

    Dr. Karen Marklein is director of programs for the Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation and assistant professor in the College of Education. The first 20 years of Karen's professional...

    Meet Karen Marklein
  • Rachael Milligan headshot

    Rachael Milligan

    Associate Professor

    Rachael was born and raised in Huntsville, Alabama. She met her husband, Matt, when they were both undergraduates at Harding University, where Rachael studied History and Political Science. Rachael and...

    Meet Rachael Milligan
  • Julia Osteen headshot

    Julia Osteen

    Director of Professional Development

    Dr. Julia Osteen is the Director of Professional Development for the Center for Teaching and Learning and Assistant Professor of Education at Lipscomb University. Prior to coming to the CTL,...

    Meet Julia Osteen
  • Julie Simone

    Julie Simone

    Instructor

    Ever since she was young, Julie Simone has always known she wanted to be a teacher. She earned her undergraduate and master degrees in elementary and special education from Vanderbilt...

    Meet Julie Simone
  • Casey Heard headshot

    Casey Heard

    Assistant Professor

    Meet Casey Heard

Career Paths

Postsecondary Teachers

Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a wide variety of academic and technical subjects beyond the high school level. They may also conduct research and publish scholarly papers and books.

Instructional Coordinators

Instructional coordinators oversee school curriculums and teaching standards. They develop instructional material, coordinate its implementation with teachers and principals, and assess its effectiveness.

Adult Literacy and High School Equivalency Diploma Teachers

Adult literacy and high school equivalency diploma teachers instruct adults in basic skills, such as reading, writing, and speaking English. They also help students earn their high school equivalent diploma.