About IET

A General Introduction to IET and the New Professional Studies-Teaching Program

Initiatives in Educational Transformation (IET) has a professional development program called New Professional Studies-Teaching. The Graduate Certificate and Master's degree programs are for licensed, practicing K-12 public school teachers in Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia. Founded in 1992, IET was created to provide an opportunity for public school teachers to grow professionally by engaging in critical reflection and development of an inquiry stance in their classrooms. Since then, and in the best tradition of collaboration and activism, over two thousand teachers have created more effective teaching and learning opportunities for their students. We invite all who care about education to join in our efforts to develop empowering learning experiences for our youth so that they may be contributing members in our diverse democratic society. Initiatives in Educational Transformation is part of the Graduate School of Education (College of Education and Human Development) at George Mason University.

NPST is the program. Now is the time.

Throughout the nation, schools are facing rapid changes in economic conditions, social issues, new technologies, and shifting student demographics. With change comes opportunity.

Our schools need New Professional Studies-Teaching Graduates who:

  • Believe all students can learn and take steps to ensure that they do
  • Conduct teacher action research and make evidence-based decisions
  • Design teaching around cutting-edge research on learning and brain development
  • Infuse technological innovations to engage and motivate students
  • Participate constructively in professional learning communities that value and share teacher expertise
  • Create inclusive classroom environments
  • Employ effective formative and summative assessments that inform instruction
  • Develop culturally-responsive teaching practices
  • Become critical consumers of educational research
  • Create partnerships with parents and community members
  • Prepare students to participate in our diverse democratic society
  • Become leaders capable of influencing educational policy