Introduction
The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Elementary Education program is designed for students with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education and who want to become elementary school teachers. Upon successful completion of our M.A.T. program and passing scores on all required state proficiency tests, students will obtain a graduate degree and State of Illinois 1-6 teaching license. All M.A.T. courses meet in the late afternoon and evening with a pre-set class schedule and sequence to allow students to complete the program in six semesters.
The M.A.T. in Elementary Education is designed to prepare teachers with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to create dynamic, student-centered classrooms for the 21st century. As designers of creative and critical curriculum, students will learn to truly engage their students in an exploration and understanding of our fascinating, complex, and diverse world. The M.A.T. program has an emphasis on teaching for cultural diversity, teaching diverse students, project- and inquiry-based teaching, authentic literacy across the curriculum, technology integration, and 21st century skills.
Each semester has students focusing on a specific educational theme:
- Teacher as Learner
- Literacy Across the Curriculum
- Teaching for Human Diversity
- Curriculum & Schooling Past, Present, and Future
- Inquiry Through the Content Areas
For two semesters, students are connecting those themes to their clinical teaching experiences in 1-6 classrooms. In total, the M.A.T. program includes 200 hours of clinical teaching prior to a semester of full-time student teaching within a 1-6 grade level range.
Credit hours required: 48
ADMISSION INFORMATION
The program admits students for the fall semester only.
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Program Benefits
The Goodwin College of Education offers flexible day, evening and weekend classes.
Students get personalized attention from skilled professors in small class sizes, and gain connections to internships, career fairs and educational conferences.
Northeastern offers an affordable tuition and convenient urban locations accessible by car or public transportation.
Completion of the Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education will satisfy all standards for teacher licensure as required by the Illinois State Board of Education. Northeastern Illinois University has not made a determination as to whether this education degree program meets the educational requirements for licensure or certification in any of the other 54 U.S. states and jurisdictions. Specific requirements for licensure or certification in states other than Illinois vary from state-to-state. In some cases, you may need to take additional coursework or exams to meet individual state requirements and/or you may need to complete background checks.
Career Options
Academic Catalog Information
Take a closer look at the Elementary Education, M.A.T. and the courses offered toward the degree.
Department and Contact Information
If you are interested in the program or have questions, please contact Teacher Education at (773) 442-5380.
About Northeastern
Northeastern Illinois University is home to students from all corners of the world and is one of the most ethnically diverse universities in the nation. Our small class sizes, flexible schedules and dedicated faculty can help you succeed in your studies.
We offer an education with value.
