Larry Simmons, Ph.D.

Core Faculty,
Department of Professional Educational Studies

I’m Larry Simmons. In 1975, at the age of 20, I joined the Detroit Police Department and worked at several precincts throughout the city. After many years on the police department, I became convinced I should help some individuals stop the cycle of crime that seemed to be controlling their lives. From 1992 until 1995, I worked as a volunteer at the main county jail teaching a Values Clarification course to inmates awaiting trial for various crimes. It was during this time that I discovered the joy of teaching adult learners. This experience convinced me to return to college and finish my education for a life after the police force. I attended Concordia University in Ann Arbor, MI completing a bachelor's degree in Strategic Human Resource Leadership. After that I enrolled in the Learning Design and Technology (LDT) M.Ed. program at Wayne State University (WSU) in Detroit, MI. After completing the M.Ed. program I was accepted into WSU's LDT Ph.D. program. LDT involves applying systems thinking to approach the teaching, learning and instruction process by using techniques and technologies to promote the acquisition and transfer of knowledge. Learning Design Technologists are similar to mechanical engineers. However, instead of designing mechanical systems to produce an end-product, LDT practitioners design, develop and/or facilitate human learning systems to produce this end-product, mastery learning.  My philosophy of online education is to maintain student-centered online learning environments where our adult learners who, among themselves, have many years of personal and professional experiences can function as co-facilitators of each other’s learning. I have 14+ years of experience serving as an online educator for a variety of online academic institutions in their undergraduate and graduate programs.  In this position I’m looking forward to the chance of working with the dedicated educators of our academic institution as we serve the knowledge needs of the students of ACE!  

Education

  • Doctorate in Instructional Technology
    Wayne State University
  • Master's in Instructional Technology
    Wayne State University
  • Bachelor's in Human Resources Administration
    Concordia University

Research Interests

Adult education, online education, andragogy, peeragogy, peer-to-peer learning, TPACK framework

Program Affiliations

M.Ed. in Adult Education and Training Master of Education

The M.Ed. in Adult Education and Training will prepare you to teach and train adults to advance their careers. Focusing on learning technology tools, you’ll learn to identify adult learning needs, develop training materials for adult learners, and assess adult training efficacy to meet career advancement or workforce development goals.

31

Semester Credits

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M.Ed. in Advanced Studies Master of Education

This program is designed to help those wanting to teach at the secondary or college level meet education requirements. With more than 10 majors and more than five Focus of Study areas, it allows you to obtain 18-credit hours in the area of your choosing.

34

Semester Credits

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M.Ed. in Biology Education Master of Education

Now more than ever, we need educators like you. Our fully online M.Ed. in Biology Education is designed to help you acquire advanced knowledge in the field of biology, so you can teach at the secondary or college level. Develop and understand how biology can be taught through different perspectives that encourage real-world applications, effective problem solving and relationship building. 

34

Semester Credits

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M.Ed. in Chemistry Education Master of Education

Now more than ever, we need educators like you. Our fully online M.Ed. in Chemistry Education is designed to help you acquire advanced knowledge in the field of chemistry, so you can teach at the secondary or college level. Develop and understand how chemistry can be taught through different perspectives that encourage real-world applications, effective problem solving and using scientific thought to examine the forces acting on matter.

34

Semester Credits

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M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction Master of Education

This program provides PreK-12 educators with a thorough background of current scientific research and pedagogy to help them learn how students learn. It is designed around the “learn, apply, assess” model to maximize gains in student performance.

34

Semester Credits

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M.Ed. in Educational Business Administration Master of Education

The Master of Education in Educational Business Administration program was designed for those who want to develop business and leadership skills in an educational setting. Framed by the standards from the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO), the program prepares strategic leaders for senior administrative positions in a variety of settings including public, charter, and private schools, as well as community colleges and other educational institutions or learning organizations.

35

Semester Credits

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M.Ed. in Educational Technology Master of Education

The Master of Education in Educational Technology program prepares educators and other professionals to serve as technology leaders by teaching them to track trends and leverage technology as an effective tool to support learning and meet the needs of school staff, teachers, and students.

34

Semester Credits

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M.Ed. in Elementary Education Master of Education

Specifically designed for elementary teachers who wish to advance their expertise and skills, the Master of Education in Elementary Education degree will build on their current understanding of young students’ learning needs and introduce them to new ways of incorporating technology into the classroom.

34

Semester Credits

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M.Ed. in Elementary Education for Graduates of the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction Master of Education

19

Semester Credits

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M.Ed. in English as a Second Language and Bilingual Education Master of Education

The Master of Education in English as a Second Language and Bilingual program addresses the needs of teachers who are interested in working with linguistically and culturally diverse non-native English speakers. It is aligned to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards: English as a New Language.

34

Semester Credits

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M.Ed. in English Education Master of Education

Now more than ever, we need educators like you. Our fully online M.Ed. in English Education is designed to help you acquire advanced knowledge in the field of English and literature, so you can teach at the secondary or college level. Understand the nuances that come with different literary forms and media. Examine the crossovers of literature, comprehension and communication within both traditional and emerging contexts. Learn how to strengthen the connection between reading and writing to help your students develop strong literacy skills.

11

Semester Credits

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M.Ed. in Higher Education Master of Education

Designed for individuals who wish to advance their skills or career in higher education, this program focuses on the ever-changing global, economic, and technological environments that impact the field of higher education.

34

Semester Credits

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M.Ed. in History Education Master of Education

Now more than ever, we need educators like you. Our fully online M.Ed. in History Education is designed to help you acquire advanced knowledge in the field of history, so you can teach at the secondary or college level. Delve into the major tenets of historical understanding by examining perspectives across time, diverse populations and geography. Cultivate critical thinking to help your students identify rationale and patterns rooted in political, cultural, social or ideological views. Be a model of using historical content to solve today’s real-world problems.

34

Semester Credits

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M.Ed. in Instructional Design and Technology Master of Education

This degree is designed for students wishing to use technology to pursue a career in instructional design. You will learn how to evaluate, develop, and implement effective instructional design in a variety of educational settings.

31

Semester Credits

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M.Ed. in Integrated Curriculum Master of Education

This program will help K-12 educators enhance their curriculum in order to improve student performance, close achievement gaps, and prepare students for the future workplace. You will learn how to utilize technology, collaborative environments, and other integrated resources to foster high levels of student achievement and performance.

31

Semester Credits

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M.Ed. in Literacy Master of Education

This program is designed for educators who wish to bring systematic change to schools seeking to improve or enhance reading instruction. You will learn how to develop a supportive curriculum that helps students and teachers meet important reading milestones.

31

Semester Credits

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M.Ed. in Mathematics Education Master of Education

Now more than ever, we need educators like you. Our fully online M.Ed. in Mathematics Education is designed to help you acquire advanced knowledge in the field of mathematics, so you can teach at the secondary or college level. Using a discovery model, you’ll learn to identify problems in curricula and make effective adjustments through data, testing and predictive modeling. Gain a comprehensive understanding of mathematics through the integration of core mathematical concepts with culture and practicality.

34

Semester Credits

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M.Ed. in Science Education Master of Education

Now more than ever, we need educators like you. Our fully online M.Ed. in Social Science Education is designed to help you acquire advanced knowledge in the field of social science, so you can teach at the secondary or college level. Delve into the range of issues related to human interaction within society by exploring sociology, psychology and human development. Understand the theories and standards that shape our current understanding of human engagement and use that foundation to identify the patterns that could affect future ways of thinking.

34

Semester Credits

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M.Ed. in Social Science Education Master of Education

Now more than ever, we need educators like you. Our fully online M.Ed. in Social Science Education is designed to help you acquire advanced knowledge in the field of social science, so you can teach at the secondary or college level. Delve into the range of issues related to human interaction within society by exploring sociology, psychology and human development. Understand the theories and standards that shape our current understanding of human engagement and use that foundation to identify the patterns that could affect future ways of thinking.

34

Semester Credits

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M.Ed. in STEM Education Master of Education

This program will help you empower students to think like scientists. It was designed in conjunction with The National Institute for STEM Education (NISE) and Accelerate Learning and offers a holistic overview of historical and current issues impacting integrated science education while cultivating research-based strategies to improve student learning.

25

Semester Credits

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M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership Master of Education

This degree is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools to help other teachers reach their full potential. You’ll learn to interpret research on leadership models, teacher evaluation, and motivation, and use it to develop professional learning opportunities that promote continuous improvement

31

Semester Credits

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M.Ed. in Teaching English Learners Master of Education

English language learners are the fastest growing student population and educators need specialized training to work with them effectively. This program is built to help teachers reach these students, bridge cultural gaps, and differentiate their curriculum according to individual student needs.

31

Semester Credits

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M.A. in Elementary Teaching Master of Arts

The Master of Arts in Elementary Teaching degree is designed for those who want to be elementary teachers but have bachelor’s degrees in non-education fields. By building a solid foundation in elementary education, you’ll earn a master’s degree and be prepared for a career of working with young learners.

34

Semester Credits

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M.A. in Secondary Teaching Master of Arts

The Master of Arts in Secondary Teaching is designed for students who have bachelor’s degrees in non-education fields but want to be teachers at the secondary level. By building a solid foundation in secondary education, you’ll earn a master’s degree and be prepared for a career in teaching at the secondary level.

34

Semester Credits

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Certificate in Adult Education and Corporate Training Certificate

This certificate is designed to help you utilize teaching skills in an environment that requires professional development, team building, or training to improve personal, collaborative skills in adults. Theories of interaction are taught through experiential activities that you can apply to training opportunities.

18

Semester Credits

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Certificate in Teacher Leadership Certificate

Developed to enhance professional skills, this program provides an opportunity for teachers to learn how to support other teachers through learning how to help them reach their potential in teaching.

18

Semester Credits

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Certificate in Transition to Teaching in Elementary Education Certificate

This program is designed for those who want to be elementary teachers but have bachelor’s degrees in non-education fields. By building a solid foundation in elementary education, it will prepare you for a career of working with young learners.

24

Semester Credits

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Certificate Transition to Teaching in Secondary Education Certificate

This Certificate in Transition to Teaching in Secondary Education program is designed for those who want to be teachers but have a bachelor’s degree in a non-education field. By building a solid foundation in secondary education, it will prepare you for a career in teaching at the secondary level.

18

Semester Credits

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Certificate in Virtual Instruction Certificate

The Certificate in Virtual Instruction will help you transform your teaching strategies to fit virtual formats. Grounded in current research and best practices, your assignments will help you become a leader in this rapidly evolving field. This transferable certificate can lead to a full degree by adding additional coursework.

22

Semester Credits

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Micro-Credential in Digital Learning and Teaching Micro-Credential

The micro-credential in Digital Learning and Teaching is designed to help educators re-examine technology, student learning, and classroom structure, as well as the roles of teacher and student. The micro-credential explores how to design learning environments supported by technology, integrate digital technology into curriculum to maximize student learning, and evaluate emerging technology for personal and professional productivity.

9

Semester Credits

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Micro-Credential in Educational Technology Micro-Credential

In the Educational Technology, micro-credential attention is given to the broader elements needed for an effective technology program including strategies to assess components, ways to design the virtual environment, and how to lead and guide the process when program change is required.

9

Semester Credits

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Micro-Credential in Information Systems Micro-Credential

This micro-credential addresses the notion that technology is a way of life in the 21st century. Information is gathered, stored, processed for reports and retrieved from data warehouses to be analyzed and acted upon by decision-makers. The quality of the information is critical for effective action in face-to-face environments and in the virtual world of content delivery.

9

Semester Credits

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