Graduate Programs in Teaching

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The Master of Arts in Teaching, M.A.T.

Director: Karen Granger

Program Description

The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) program is designed as an interdisciplinary degree option within the Teacher Education Program. The M.A.T. is intended for graduates from accredited colleges or universities with an undergraduate major in humanities, sciences, or social sciences who have few, if any, formal courses in education. The program is offered in the following areas of specialization: Art Education, Elementary Education, Health and Physical Education, Middle Grades Education (Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies), Secondary Education (English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies), and Special Education. Upon successful completion of Phase I and state mandated examination(s), candidates will be eligible for a North Carolina Standard Professional I license, and upon successful completion of Phases I and II of the M.A.T. program and state mandated examination(s), recipients will be eligible for a North Carolina “M” license.

The M.A.T. program is available only to those individuals who have not earned licensure and who are seeking licensure in the teaching field in which they wish to earn the degree. The program includes courses in teaching pedagogy and professional education as well as concentrated study in a content-specific area, for a total of 36-39 hours (hours vary by concentration). An internship experience in an approved public school setting is required (3 semester hours). With the internship, the program will total 39-42 hours.

Although other program areas may be considered, the following undergraduate programs are determined to be most compatible with the selected graduate program of study:

• Art Education: B.F.A., B.S., or B.A. degree in studio art.
• Elementary Education: An appropriately aligned B.S. or B.A.
• Health and Physical Education: Exercise and Sports Science, Kinesiology, Physical Education, Recreation, Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology
• Middle Grades Language Arts and Secondary English Education: English
• Middle Grades and Secondary Mathematics Education: Mathematics
• Middle Grades and Secondary Science Education: Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Physics
• Middle Grades and Secondary Social Studies Education: History, Political Science

Degrees in closely related fields may be acceptable; transcripts will be evaluated, and any discipline-specific prerequisites will be specified at the time of admission to a program.

The M.A.T. Program has been developed according to NC State Board of Education Program Approval Standards. The graduate program incorporates the conceptual framework that is common to all teacher education programs at UNCP.

Program Goals

Upon completion of the M.A.T. program, the student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate breadth of general knowledge, as well as depth of knowledge, in the selected discipline area necessary for effective instructional decision-making.
2. Demonstrate a well-articulated knowledge of elementary, middle or secondary school communities and issues that impact teaching.
3. Exhibit knowledge of and show respect toward diverse cultural values and exceptionalities;
4. Communicate effectively in Standard oral and written English.
5. Adapt instructional strategies to the developmental and learning needs of individuals, including students with special needs and students from culturally diverse backgrounds.
6. Establish a classroom climate conducive to the learning, social, and emotional needs of students.
7. Choose objectives consistent with state and local curriculum guidelines, the learning needs of students, and guidelines established by learned societies.
8. Utilize technology in ways that enhance teaching and learning experiences.
9. Employ and analyze appropriate assessments and evaluative procedures.
10. Establish a pattern of reflective practice and scholarly inquiry culminating in confidence, professionalism, and effectiveness in the role of teacher.
11. Demonstrate knowledge of the history, philosophy, and sociology of public education pertaining to the demonstration of best practices in education.
12. Meet departmental requirements for a capstone course, product, and/or examination.

The MAT program has two phases:

Phase I will allow students to apply for the NC Standard Professional I License. In most concentrations, this phase consists of the Professional Core courses: EDN 5040 , An Introduction to the Tenets of Education; EDN 5120 , Advanced Study of the Exceptional Child; EDN 5440, Survey of Educational Research, or EDN 5660 , Applied Educational Research; and EDN 5450 , Curriculum Design and Best Practices. An additional Field Experience course-EDN 5460  , Field Experience-for 0 credits is also required so that candidates may complete field based assignments in a K-12 environment. See courses of study below for an exact listing of Phase I courses for each concentration. 

Phase II consists of Content Specific courses to complete the Academic Specialization, and Pedagogical Expertise, and in some cases remaining Professional Core courses. (Please see each program for specifics). Successful completion of Phases I and II will allow the candidate to apply for the NC Professional M License.

Descriptions of the courses included in the M.A.T. program are listed below or under the M.A.Ed. program (for EDN courses) and under the M.A. programs in Art Education, English Education, Health and Physical Education, Mathematics Education, Science Education, and Social Studies Education (for ART, ENG, EED, MAT, MATE, MATH, EXER, BIO, CHM, GLY, PHY, HST, and SSE courses).

Programs

• Teaching with Art Specialization, M.A.T.
• Teaching with Elementary Education Specialization, M.A.T.
• Teaching with English Education (9-12) Specialization, M.A.T.
• Teaching with Health/Physical Education Specialization, M.A.T.
• Teaching with Mathematics Education (9-12) Specialization, M.A.T.
• Teaching with Middle Grades Language Arts Specialization, M.A.T.
• Teaching with Middle Grades Mathematics Specialization, M.A.T.
• Teaching with Middle Grades Science Education Specialization, M.A.T.
• Teaching with Middle Grades Social Studies Education Specialization, M.A.T.
• Teaching with Science Education (9-12) Specialization, M.A.T.
• Teaching with Social Studies Education (9-12) Specialization, M.A.T.
• Teaching with Special Education Specialization, M.A.T.

Courses

• EDN 5040. Basics Tenets of Education (3 credits)
• EDN 5120. Advanced Studies of Exceptional Children (3 credits)
• EDN 5450. Introduction to Curriculum Design and Best Practices (3 credits)
• EDN 5460. Field Experience (0 credit)
• EDN 5470. Advanced Classroom Management (3 credits)
• EDN 5480. Advanced Foundations of American Education (3 credits)
• EDN 5490. Effective Educational Leadership (3 credits)
• EDN 5620. Advanced Educational Assessment (3 credits)
• EDN 5660. Applied Educational Research (3 credits)
• EDN 5800. Effective Instructional Practices (3 credits)
• EDN 5810. Internship (3 credits)
• EDN 5820. Instructional Development (3 credits)
• EDN 5990. Independent Study (3 credits)
• EDN 6000. Thesis in Education (3-6 credits)

• EDNS 5xxx. Special Topics (1-3 credits)

• SED 5810. Internship in Special Education (3 credits)

• SED 5000. Internship in Special Education (3 credits)
• SED 5010. Policies and Procedures in Special Education (3 credits)
• SED 5020. Teaching Students with Mild to Moderate Disabilities (3 credits)
• SED 5030. Differentiation and Meeting the Needs of Academically or Intellectually Gifted (AIG) Students (3 credits)
• SED 5040. Contemporary Issues In Special Education (3 credits)
• SED 5050. Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (3 credits)
• SED 5060. Assessment in Special Education (3 credits)
• SED 5070. Mild to Moderate Disabilities: Reading/Written Language Strategies and Instruction (3 credits)
• SED 5080. Mild to Moderate Disabilities: Math Strategies and Instruction (3 credits)
• SED 5120. Advanced Study of Exceptionality in Children (3 credits)

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