Teacher Education, M.A.T., Concentration in Elementary Education

The Master of Arts in Teaching with a concentration in Elementary Education is a 36-credit hour program of study delivered primarily online, with field experiences in public schools, and leads to a master’s degree with teaching certification in grades PK-5. This program leads to initial teacher certification in Georgia in grades PK-5. Students must be able to complete practicum and internship requirements for program completion within the state of Georgia.

Learning Outcomes:

1. The teacher candidate uses understanding of the curriculum, subject content, pedagogical knowledge, and the  needs of students by providing relevant learning experiences (Georgia TAPS Standard 1: Professional Knowledge).
2. The teacher candidate uses state and local school district curricula and standards, effective strategies, resources, and data to address the differentiated needs of all students (Georgia TAPS Standard 2: Instructional Planning).
3. The teacher candidate promotes student learning by using research-based instructional strategies relevant to the content  to engage students in active learning and to facilitate the students’ acquisition of key knowledge and skills (Georgia TAPS  Standard 3: Instructional Strategies).
4. The teacher candidate demonstrates the ability to challenge and support each student’s learning by providing appropriate content and developing skills which address individual learning differences. (Georgia TAPS Standard 4: Differentiated Instruction).
5. The teacher candidate systematically chooses a variety of diagnostic, formative, and summative assessment strategies and instruments that are valid and appropriate for the content and student population (Georgia TAPS Standard 5: Assessment  Strategies).
6. The teacher candidate gathers, analyzes, and uses relevant data to measure student progress, to inform  instructional content and delivery methods, and to provide timely and constructive feedback to both students and parents (Georgia TAPS Standard 6: Assessment Uses).
7. The teacher candidate provides a well-managed, safe, and orderly environment that is conducive to learning and  encourages respect for all (Georgia TAPS Standard 7: Positive Learning Environment).
8. The teacher candidate creates a student-centered, academic environment in which teaching and learning occur at high levels and students are self-directed learners  (Georgia TAPS Standard 8: Academically Challenging Environment).
9. The teacher candidate demonstrates a commitment to professional ethics and the school’s mission, participates in professional  growth opportunities to support student learning, and contributes to the profession (Georgia TAPS Standard 9: Professionalism).
10. The teacher candidate communicates  effectively with students, parents or guardians, district and school personnel, and  other stakeholders in ways that enhance student learning (Georgia TAPS Standard 10: Communication).