Wesleyan’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) hybrid program is designed for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree and seek initial teacher certification in elementary education (P-5). This 24-month program blends theory, practice, and research to prepare candidates as reflective practitioners who can plan, teach, and assess effectively in today’s diverse classrooms. Through coursework and guided field experiences, candidates develop foundational skills aligned with Georgia’s Teacher Assessment on Performance Standards (TAPS), while also deepening their knowledge of evidence-based instructional strategies, curriculum design, and classroom management.
The MAT program highlights:
- Preparing candidates for initial teacher certification in Georgia.
- Building expertise in elementary content, methodology, and pedagogy.
- Applying evidence-based best practices and current research to teaching.
- Designing instruction that is responsive to the needs of all learners.
- Developing professional skills for collaboration, communication, and continuous improvement.
MAT Program Goals
The MAT program is designed to prepare current elementary teachers of record in need of initial certification to become effective educators. They will leave the program with a commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of content, methodology, and pedagogy, grounded in research and evidence-based practice. The program will equip them to create engaging, academically challenging classrooms where all students can thrive.
MAT Program Student Learning Objectives
A. Foundational SLOs (Per the required state of GA TAPS standards)
1. Professional Knowledge. The teacher demonstrates an understanding of the curriculum, subject content, pedagogical knowledge, and the needs of students by providing relevant learning experiences.
2. Instructional Planning. The teacher plans using state and local school district curricula and standards, effective strategies, resources, and data to address the differentiated needs of all students.
3. Instructional Strategies. The teacher promotes student learning by using research-based instructional strategies relevant to the content area to engage students in active learning and to facilitate the students’ acquisition of key knowledge and skills.
4. Differentiated Instruction. The teacher challenges and supports each student’s learning by providing appropriate content and developing skills which address individual learning differences. Assessment Of And For Learning
5. Assessment Strategies. The teacher systematically chooses a variety of diagnostic, formative, and summative assessment strategies and instruments that are valid and appropriate for the content and student population.
6. Assessment Uses. The teacher systematically 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.
7. Positive Learning Environment. The teacher provides a well-managed, safe, and orderly environment that is conducive to learning and encourages respect for all.
8. Academically Challenging Environment. The teacher creates a student-centered, academic environment in which teaching and learning occur at high levels and students are self-directed learners.
9. Professionalism. The teacher exhibits a commitment to professional ethics and the school’s mission, participates in professional growth opportunities to support student learning, and contributes to the profession.
10. Communication. The teacher communicates effectively with students, parents or guardians, district and school personnel, and other stakeholders in ways that enhance student learning.
B. Enhanced Educational Knowledge SLOs
11. The teacher evaluates and applies current educational research to design evidence-based instruction and inform teaching practices.
12. The teacher demonstrates enhanced knowledge of elementary content, methodology, and pedagogy.
13. The teacher designs interdisciplinary units aligned to cross-curricular elementary standards.
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