Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) |
FacultyRosemarie Bosler, SND, Associate Professor Visiting FacultyRita Mulholland, Assistant Professor DescriptionThe Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is designed to prepare graduate students for teaching careers. The MAT program is fully accredited by the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education Certification (NASDTEC). The Interstate Reciprocity Agreement established by NASDTEC enables graduates to meet the certification requirements of approximately 33 participating states. Through a sequenced course of study, students gain knowledge, skills, and experiences for initial teaching certification. Many of the professional education courses require a practicum internship or other field experiences in addition to regular class meetings. The program may be completed on either a full-time or part-time basis; however, one semester of full-time study is usually required for the student teaching internship in the last semester of the program. Student teaching internship placements are in public and private school systems in the Washington metropolitan area. Faculty in the division of education carefully advise students on their course of study based on the NASDTEC requirements regarding both general education and professional education course work. In some instances, additional general education course work may be required. It may be possible to complete certification requirements before completing all requirements for the MAT degree. The MAT is offered in early childhood, elementary, or special education, as well as selected areas of secondary education (i.e., English, mathematics, science, and social studies). General Education Coursework and State Certification RequirementsIn order to receive state certification with reciprocity across approximately 33 states, undergraduate general education course work is required in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and mathematics, and health and physical education. Students receive an assessment of prior course work after being admitted to the program. Early Childhood Education Specialization, Ages 3 through 8 (48 credit hours)The Early Childhood Education Program of study provides a comprehensive core of knowledge and field-based experience for students desiring to work with young children in nursery, kindergarten, and primary schools; child care programs; and Head Start programs. Students may not take more than six graduate credits or register for a second semester until successfully completing Praxis I. Core Requirements:EDU 520T Foundations of Education Specialization:EDU 501A Teaching for Mathematical Understanding Student Teaching Internship and Seminar in Teaching:EDU 588I Teaching Practicum (for Intensive Programs only) Prerequisites for Student Teaching Internship:Students are required to have successfully completed all professional education course work prior to student teaching. Registration for the Praxis II Specialty Area Test subsection (Early Childhood Education) may be completed prior to or during the Student Teaching Internship. Elementary Education Specialization, Grades 1 through 6 (45 credit hours)The Elementary Education Program provides a comprehensive core of knowledge and field experiences for students desiring to work with elementary school students in grades one through six. Students may not take more than six graduate credits or register for a second semester until successfully completing Praxis I. Core Requirements:EDU 520T Foundations of Education Specialization:EDU 501A Teaching for Mathematical Understanding Student Teaching Internship and Capstone Project:EDU 588I Teaching Practicum (for Intensive Programs only) Prerequisites for Student Teaching Internship:Students are required to have successfully completed all professional education course work prior to student teaching. Registration for Praxis II Specialty Area Test subsection (Elementary Education) may be completed prior to or during the Student Teaching Internship. Intensive Master of Arts in Teaching Program: Early Childhood and Elementary Education Program (45/48 credit hours)The Intensive MAT is a one year, three semester full-time program leading to eligibility for certification in early childhood and/or elementary education. The content of the Intensive MAT Program is the same as the regular MAT Program, but in a different delivery format. This intensive program begins in May and includes a carefully designed and supported sequence of course work and field experiences over the three semesters. Students take 15 credit hours of preselected course work each semester. Some students may need to complete additional general content course work to meet state certification requirements. The Intensive MAT Program consists of a comprehensive and innovative series of classroom and field-based experiences, designed to promote the development of skills, knowledge, and attitudes essential for effective teaching. The program stresses the application of theory to practice. Students in this program are part of a diverse community of learners that includes college faculty and experienced classroom teachers interested in the improvement of teaching and learning in today's schools. Secondary Education Specialization, Grades 7 through 12 (42 credit hours)The Secondary Education Program of study provides a comprehensive core of knowledge and field experiences for students desiring to teach at the middle and high school level (grades 7 through 12) in: English, mathematics, science, or social studies. A student must have a 3.0 GPA in the content area in which he or she wishes to teach. Students should meet with an advisor to assess prerequisite course work necessary to meet the requirements of their respective areas of specialization. Students may not take more than six graduate credits or register for a second semester until they have successfully completed Praxis I. State Certification Requirements:English: Thirty-six (36) semester hours is required in course work from the following: Math: Thirty-three (33) semester hours is required in course work from the following: Science General: Thirty (30) semester hours is required in course work from the following: Social Studies: Thirty-three (33) semester hours is required in course work from the following: Core Requirements:EDU 520T Foundations of Education Specialization:EDU 505A Curriculum and Methods of Teaching Mathematics Internship and Seminar in Teaching:EDU 588I Teaching Practicum (for Intensive Programs only) Prerequisites for Student Teaching Internship:Students are required to have successfully completed all content and professional education course work prior to student teaching. Registration for Praxis II: Specialty Area Test subsection (Secondary Education - specific content area) may be completed prior to or during the Student Teaching Internship. Special Education Specialization (Noncategorical) (45 credit hours)The Special Education Program of study provides a comprehensive core of knowledge and field-based experience for students desiring to work with children and youth with special needs in a variety of special education settings. The student is eligible for noncategorical certification, kindergarten through grade eight. Students may not take more than six graduate credits or register for a second semester until they have successfully completed Praxis I. Students must be registered for Praxis II: Special Area Test subsection (Special Education-Noncategorical) prior to the Student Teaching Internship. Core Requirements:EDU 520T Foundations of Education Specialization:EDU 577 Career Education for Exceptional Children and Youth Prerequisites for Student Teaching Internship:Students are required to have successfully completed all professional education course work prior to student teaching. Registration for the Praxis II: Specialty Area Test subsection (Special Education-Noncategorical) may be taken prior to or during the Student Teaching Internship. |