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Master's Degree Needs Assessment Survey

Simmons College of Kentucky is planning to expand its current educator preparation program (Bachelor's in Teacher Education) by developing its first graduate programs for current and future teachers. The college is proposing two master’s degree programs. The first degree will be a Masters of Art (MAT) degree for individuals with a bachelor's degree but not in the field of education. The second degree would be a Master’s in Education (M.ED)for current educators who would like to advance their knowledge and expand their career in education.
This survey aims to gather valuable insights from a wide range of stakeholders who are working in education, business leaders, community members, and students in education. We are seeking data regarding needs, interest, and support for our proposed graduate programs. Your response will help us to know how we can better support and address the need for skilled and qualified educators across Kentucky.

Please take a few minutes to complete the survey by November 21, 2025.

Thank you in advance for your time and thoughtful input.

1. What is your current role? Choose the one that best fits:

1. What is your current role? Choose the one that best fits:
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2. How many years of experience do you have in your current role?

2. How many years of experience do you have in your current role?
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3. What is your highest level of education completed?

3. What is your highest level of education completed?
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4. If you are currently working in education, what type of institution do you currently work in?

4. If you are currently working in education, what type of institution do you currently work in?
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5. My geographical area is considered to be:

5. My geographical area is considered to be:
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6. What is your age range?

6. What is your age range?
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7. What is your gender?

7. What is your gender?
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Survey Statements

Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statements using the scale below: 1 = Strongly Disagree 2 = Disagree 3 = Neutral 4 = Agree 5 = Strongly Agree

1. There is a significant need in my geographical area for graduate programs that address teacher shortages in high-demand areas such as mathematics, music, special education, and ESL.

1. There is a significant need in my geographical area for graduate programs that address teacher shortages in high-demand areas such as mathematics, music, special education, and ESL.

Additional Feedback

2. A graduate program that integrates culturally responsive teaching would appeal to current or future educators in my geographical area.

2. A graduate program that integrates culturally responsive teaching would appeal to current or future educators in my geographical area.

Additional Feedback

3. Offering flexible delivery modes (e.g., online, hybrid, weekend intensives) would make these programs more accessible to working professionals.

3. Offering flexible delivery modes (e.g., online, hybrid, weekend intensives) would make these programs more accessible to working professionals.

Additional Feedback

4. Micro-credential learning labs that can stack into a full degree program would be a valuable option for current educators seeking professional development and an advanced degree.

4. Micro-credential learning labs that can stack into a full degree program would be a valuable option for current educators seeking professional development and an advanced degree.

Additional Feedback

5. Graduate programs that emphasize equity-focused coursework (e.g., trauma informed teaching, culturally sustaining pedagogy) are essential for addressing the needs of underserved communities in my geographical area.

5. Graduate programs that emphasize equity-focused coursework (e.g., trauma informed teaching, culturally sustaining pedagogy) are essential for addressing the needs of underserved communities in my geographical area.

Additional Feedback

6. There is strong interest among current and future educators in my geographical area for programs that include job-embedded field experiences and practical applications

6. There is strong interest among current and future educators in my geographical area for programs that include job-embedded field experiences and practical applications

Additional Feedback

7. A program that offers credit for prior learning or relevant professional experience would attract more candidates to graduate education.

7. A program that offers credit for prior learning or relevant professional experience would attract more candidates to graduate education.

Additional Feedback

8. The inclusion of technology-focused coursework (e.g., AI tools, digital equity, media literacy) is critical for preparing educators for 21st-century classrooms.

8. The inclusion of technology-focused coursework (e.g., AI tools, digital equity, media literacy) is critical for preparing educators for 21st-century classrooms.

Additional Feedback

9. I believe there's a need in my geographical area for a Simmons College of Kentucky graduate program that will help adults with a bachelor's degree earn their initial teacher certification.

9. I believe there's a need in my geographical area for a Simmons College of Kentucky graduate program that will help adults with a bachelor's degree earn their initial teacher certification.

Additional Feedback

10. I believe there’s a need in my geographical area for a Simmons College of Kentucky graduate program that will help certified teachers earn skills-based micro credentials or a full master’s degree.

10. I believe there’s a need in my geographical area for a Simmons College of Kentucky graduate program that will help certified teachers earn skills-based micro credentials or a full master’s degree.

Additional Feedback

11. I would like more information about Simmons College of Kentucky teacher education programs and its proposed graduate programs

11. I would like more information about Simmons College of Kentucky teacher education programs and its proposed graduate programs
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