Master of Arts in Teaching, M.A.T. Elementary Education Concentration

The Master of Arts in Teaching with a concentration in Elementary Education program prepares candidates for a career as an elementary classroom teacher with an initial license in Kindergarten through 6th grade. The program is set up as a cohort model in which you take all of your classes as a team.

This program is designed for people who have a Bachelor’s Degree in another discipline other than education.

Our teaching candidates come from a wide variety of educational backgrounds including communication, business, psychology, political science, etc., as well as a wide variety of careers in retail, engineering, social work, homemakers, etc. The common denominator is a strong interest to teach young students and to have a direct impact on the lives of others.

Program Distinctions

• Cohort based/team approach
• Supportive and knowledgeable faculty
• Teaching methods for all content areas; literacy, math, science, and social studies
• Research-based methodologies
• Partnerships with area schools
• Collaborating with practicing teachers
• Extensive internship experiences during and beyond traditional school hours
• School-based practice of classroom management
• Incorporation of technology and 21st Century Skills
• Leadership opportunities
• Professional development opportunities
• Research opportunities

The Student Experience

Students spend ten (10) hours a week in elementary school classrooms in the fall semester, collaborating with teachers as well as tutoring students and working with parents on a local literacy project. During their final semester, candidates student-teach every day in an elementary classroom.

After Graduation

Graduates of the program are well-prepared for success as classroom teachers, curriculum facilitators, and district level specialists.

The U.S. Department of Education requires that all higher education institutions advise students as to whether their curriculum provides them with the eligibility to apply for a professional license and/or certification in the state for which they plan to practice. As such, please review UNC Greensboro’s status by state for the initial teaching license. You should note whether the program either “meets”, “does not meet”, or if there “has not been a determination” of the program’s status in the state for which you plan to practice. Licensure Reciprocity Information

PROGRAM OF STUDY

Total hours: 33 hours

Core: (6 hours)

• TED 545 (3) Diverse Learners
• TED 636 (3) Educational Psychology and Differentiated Instruction

Pedagogical Expertise: (18 hours)

• TED 641 (3) Literacy I: Reading Instruction
• TED 518 (3) Mathematics in the Elementary School I
• TED 519 (3) Science in the Elementary School
• TED 520 (3) Social Studies in the Elementary School
• TED 625 (3) Mathematics in Elementary School II 
• TED 642 (3) Literacy II: Language Arts Instruction

Professional Development/Leadership: (9 hours)

• TED 680a (6) Clinical Experience in Teaching
• TED 680b (3) Clinical Experience in Teaching

MINIMUM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in any field with a GPA of 3.0 or better

LICENSURE PROCESS

• Successful completion of program of study and student teaching
• Successful evaluation of all required assessments (Proficiency in North Carolina Professional Teaching Standards and Proficiency in Dispositions) during the Spring and Fall semesters
• Complete and submit edTPA Portfolio
• Complete and submit Math and Reading Licensure Exams
  1. Math: Praxis Test 7812 – CKT Math Subtest
  2. Reading: Pearson Test 090 – Foundations of Reading
• Application for licensure through School of Education Office of Student Success