MAT Elementary Education PK-6

Overview 
The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is designed to offer realistic, practical preparation for enriched classroom teaching through a balanced program of liberal arts and professional studies. Courses throughout the program focus on inquiry — the processes by which students and teachers ask questions, study, and learn about the human experience.

Program coursework includes requirements for initial teacher licensure in the area of Elementary Education (PK–6). To be recommended for teacher licensure and the MAT degree, students must complete all relevant program requirements including all VDOE required content for the endorsement, pass all relevant assessments, and receive the MAT degree. The MAT program offers close contact with faculty members and advisors and extensive observation and hands-on experience in the classroom.

Practicum Requirement
The practicum experience is designed for MAT students who are preparing to teach as a career. Students have the opportunity to observe and assist teachers in the classroom and to discuss their experiences with the instructor and other students. Students are required to complete 140 clock hours of practicum experience. Through this experience, students become familiar with the dynamic culture of schools and classrooms and their curricula, teaching strategies, and organizational and management features.

Students learn more from the practicum experience if they actively assist in the classroom. The student should confer with the cooperating teacher regarding graduate course assignments to be completed in the practicum and plan how the MAT course assignments can best be accomplished. In the practicum, students work under the supervision of an experienced teacher and begin to apply the knowledge and skills gained in MAT courses in the context of today’s classrooms. The practicum requirement also includes completion of a practicum journal, documenting the student’s actual time in the classroom (clock hour form) as well as activities and reflections upon the classroom experiences. Students should refer to the “Graduate Practicum Handbook” available on the myMBU School of Education tab for additional information on this requirement.

Requirements
Students are required to maintain a GPA of 3.0 throughout the program and must have earned a minimum of 35 credit hours.