Elementary Education (M.A.T.)
The Master of Arts in Teaching degree in Elementary Education is designed for students with baccalaureate degrees who desire the Illinois Initial Elementary (K-9) teaching certificate. This is considered a basic program, with emphasis on entrance requirements to the profession. Advanced specialization in a subject area may be achieved within the elective hours. Professional study is combined with practical classroom experience. The focus of the program is on the preparation of prospective teachers who will provide learning opportunities for children, with concern for them as human beings and for their unique learning styles. The course work and degree requirements must be met within a six year period.
After having transcripts reviewed for general education requirements, students must meet with a program advisor within thirty days after admission to the graduate school in order to plan their degree program. Any general education deficiencies must be made up prior to taking corresponding methods course work in the M.A.T. program. Students cannot student teaching with remaining general education deficiencies.
PLEASE NOTE: The M.A.T. Program in Elementary education presented here follows a new format beginning in Fall 2006. Students admitted to the Master of Arts in Teaching Program in Elementary Education prior to Fall 2006 will follow the study plans developed with their advisors that meet previous program requirements. New and previous program requirements cannot be combined or interchanged.
Traditional M.A.T. Course Requirements 36 SH
Core Requirements 9
| ESR514* |
Research in Action: Becoming Practitioner Researchers |
3 |
| EPS511* |
Human Learning and Development in Instructional Contexts |
3 |
| FND510* |
Social Justice Perspectives on the History and Philosophy of American Education |
3 |
Program Requirements 27
| ELE500 |
Practicum I |
3 |
| ELE510 |
Practicum II |
3 |
| SPE500 |
Introduction to Exceptional Children and Adolescents/Special Education |
3 |
| RLR500 |
Survey of Reading Methods and Materials |
2 |
| RLL480B |
Methods for Teaching Language Arts |
2 |
| MHE480B** |
Methods for Teaching Elementary School Mathematics |
2 |
| SCE480B |
Methods for Teaching Elementary School Science |
2 |
| CIS480B |
Methods for Teaching Social Studies |
2 |
| ELE545 |
Methods of Teaching Arts Education |
1 |
| ELE547 |
Methods of teaching Health and Physical Education |
1 |
| ELE590 |
Student Teaching |
6 |
* Only nine hours may be taken before admission to National College of Education's Graduate School. For initial course selection, choose from these courses.
** Students may not register for MHE 480B until completing six semester hours of mathematics. This includes a two semester hour general education requirement and a four semester hour course prerequisite.
