Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Program is an alternative certification program. An alternate certification program provides opportunities for individuals with bachelor’s degrees to become certified public school teachers. The MAT Program is a streamlined alternate certification system that allows individuals to become certified through a combination of course work and full-time teaching across the following strands:

• Integrated to Merged Elementary Education, Grades 1-5 practitioner teacher interns who enter the program will attend seminars and cover content related to child/adolescent developmental/psychology, the diverse learner, classroom management/ organization, assessment, instructional design, and instructional strategies.
• Integrated to Merged Special Education Mild/Moderate  Secondary, Grades 6-12 practitioner teacher interns will take courses that focus on the special needs of the mild/moderate exceptional child, classroom management, behavioral management, assessment and evaluation, methods/materials for mild/moderate exceptional children, and vocational and transition services for students with disabilities to become certified in general special education mild /moderate and one of the following:  Biology Education, General Science, English Education, Mathematics Education, or Physics Education.

 

Admission Requirements

• Minimum of bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university
• Minimum of 2.50 GPA or higher on a 4.00 scale.
• Pass Praxis®Core Academic Skills for Educators (Core) tests. Individuals with an earned graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution may be exempt from this requirement. (An ACT composite score of 22 or a SAT combined verbal and math score of 1030 may also be used in lieu of Praxis® Core Academic Skills for Educators (Core) tests.
• Pass PRAXIS content specific examination (PRAXIS II):
  • Elementary Grades (1-5)
    • 5018 - Elementary Education: Content Knowledge (computer-based)
  • General/Special Education – Mild/ Moderate Grades 1-5
    • 5018 - Elementary Education: Content Knowledge (computer based)
  • General/Special Education – Mild/ Moderate Secondary Education: Grades 6-12
    • English
      • 5041 - English Language, Literature & Composition: Content Knowledge
      • 5043 - English Language, Literature & Composition: Pedagogy
    • Biology
      • 5235 – Biology Content Knowledge Exam
    • Chemistry
      • 5245 – Chemistry Content Knowledge Exam
    • General Science
      • 5435 – General Science Content Knowledge Exam
    • Physics
      • 5265 – Physics Content Knowledge Exam
    • Mathematics
      • 5061 – Mathematics Content Knowledge Exam

Note: Family & Consumer Sciences, Physical Ed or Business Ed exams will not be accepted.

 

Application Process

To apply for the MAT Program, please submit the following documents to the address on the MAT application:

• Completed MAT application.
• Current resume - including work experience, leadership roles, community involvement, and past education/training.
• Official Transcripts (2) (from each college attended)
• Typed 500-1000 word personal statement addressing the following two questions:
• Why do you want to become teacher?
• How will you use your previous experiences to ensure high academic achievement for your students?

After reviewing written materials, eligible applicants will be invited to a group interview day. Selected candidates will be notified with more information concerning the interview process.

 

Program Requirements 

Total Hours Required:

42 Semester Hours Min. for Elementary Education Grades 1-5 39 Semester Hours Minimum for Secondary Education Grades 6-12

 

Program Exit Requirements

• Successfully complete coursework with minimum grades of “B”.
• Pass appropriate PRAXIS pedagogy examination(s):

                Elementary Grades (K-6)

                5622 - Principles of Learning & Teaching     (PLT K-6) or NTE-Professional Knowledge

AND/OR

General Special Education – M/M Gr. 1-5

5543 – Special Education: Core Knowledge and Mild to Moderate Applications

Secondary Education

5623 – Principles of Learning & Teaching (PLT Grades 5-9) or NTE-Professional Knowledge

5624 – Principles of Learning & Teaching (PLT Grades 7-12) or NTE-Professional Knowledge

Participants in the MAT program must maintain enrollment in academic coursework (minimum of 39 credit hours) while teaching full-time.

 

MAT Options

Option 1 – Integrated to Merged Elementary Education (Grades 1-5)

Summer Session/First Year

Education Practitioner Teacher 515	3
Education Practitioner Teacher 516	3
Education Practitioner Teacher 551 Education Practitioner Teacher 525 Education Practitioner Teacher 599	3 3 0

 

Fall Semester Only

Education Practitioner Teacher 441	3
Education Practitioner Teacher 452 Education Practitioner Teacher 528	3 3

 

Spring Semester Only

Education Practitioner Teacher 442	3
Education Practitioner Teacher 453 Education Practitioner Teacher 514	3 3

 

Summer Session/Second Year

Education Practitioner Teacher 512 Education Practitioner 531	3 3
Technical Writing SPA 511 OR PA 523 Education Practitioner Teacher 504	3 3

 

Option 2 - Integrated to Merged Secondary Education (Grades 6-12)

Summer Session/First Year

Education Practitioner Teacher 515	3
Education Practitioner Teacher 516	3
Education Practitioner Teacher 520 OR 513 Education Practitioner Teacher 522 Education Practitioner Teacher 599	3 3 0

 

Fall Semester Only

Education Practitioner Teacher 441	3
Education Practitioner Teacher 452 Education Practitioner Teacher 528	3 3

 

Spring Semester Only

Education Practitioner Teacher 442	3
Education Practitioner Teacher 453 Education Practitioner Teacher 514	3 3

 

Summer Session/Second Year

Education Practitioner Teacher 512 Education Practitioner 531	3 3
Technical Writing SPA 511 OR PA 523	3

 

Master’s Degree Programs

The Department of Curriculum and Instruction offers the Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction and the Master of Education degree in Special Education.  The Master of Education degree program in Special Education is designed to develop teachers and teacher leaders with skills, knowledge, and attitudes to effect positive changes in the educational careers of young children with special needs.  The Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction degree program allows candidates to enhance their knowledge and to advance their leadership skills in the areas in which they are currently certified to teach.