If you love to learn, want to help children and young adults, and desire to make a positive difference in this world, then perhaps teaching is the profession for you, and Thomas University should be the university you choose for your educator preparation. If you already hold a bachelor’s degree, then Thomas University’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) programs are a perfect match!
The MAT in Elementary Education and the MAT in Pedagogy lead to an advanced degree and initial teaching certification. The MAT program is designed for:
- paraprofessionals who already have a bachelor’s degree.
- career-changing professionals with a bachelor’s degree.
- teachers who hold a Provisional certificate and would like to earn an Induction certificate at the master’s degree level.
While the MAT programs at Thomas University are similar, there is a distinct difference between the two. The MAT in Elementary Education leads to an advanced degree and initial certification in elementary grades (PK-5). The curriculum provides knowledge of the content as well as instructional strategies required of PK-5 educators. Instead of completing a traditional undergraduate teaching preparation program, the MAT in Elementary Education allows the student to obtain certification in grades PK-5 while completing an advanced degree.
The Master of Arts with a concentration in Pedagogy program results in an advanced degree with initial teacher certification in middle grades (4-8), secondary (6-12), or a P-12 field (excluding special education). The program is designed for those who have demonstrated content expertise in one of the teaching areas for middle grades (4-8), secondary (6-12), and all P-12 fields (except special education) and want to now become certified to teach that subject.
The goals of the Master of Arts in Teaching programs are to develop teacher candidates who:
- Recognize that learning and developmental patterns vary among individuals, that learners bring unique individual differences to the learning process, and that students need supportive and safe learning environments to thrive.
- Make content accessible to students by using multiple means of communication, including digital media and information technology, and integrate cross-disciplinary skills (e.g., critical thinking, problems-solving, creativity, communication) to help learners use content to propose solutions, forge new understandings, solve problems, and imagine possibilities.
- Integrate assessment, planning, and instructional strategies in coordinated and engaging ways.
- Demonstrate professional responsibility through continuous professional learning, ethical decision-making, collaboration with all stakeholders (learners, families, other professionals, the community), and who seek opportunities for leadership.
Students starting this program may be working full-time in schools or another career, so we understand that our program must be high quality as well as flexible. Because highly experienced faculty deliver courses in the MAT programs synchronously and asynchronously online, students will be a part of an educational program tailored to meet both their personal and professional needs.
Thomas University employs a cohort model with Fall and Spring semester courses meeting every other week on Saturdays for 16 weeks, with independent online coursework during the off weeks. So if you have a full-time job during the week you can participate! In the Summer semester, courses meet each Saturday for eight weeks. Field experiences will be offered in localities where students live. The MAT in Elementary Education requires 48 credit hours, however 9 hours can be exempted with the presentation of a passing score on the Elementary Education GACE examination. The MAT with a Pedagogy concentration can be completed in 4 semesters with 33 credit hours.
There are many reasons why you should choose Thomas University as your school of choice, but here are a few to consider:
- Thomas University Division of Education has a 100% pass rate on all initial teacher state certification exams (edTPA and GACE)!
- The MAT programs can be completed in less time than traditional teacher certification programs.
- Field experiences can be completed in the localities where students live.
- Curriculum is built on research-based best practices, relevant professional learning, and applied experiences with a student-learning focus.
- Coursework involves job-embedded assignments designed to move a student from theory to practice.
- Small class sizes provide more individual attention and support.
- Faculty are experienced in PK-12 education, highly credentialed, and supportive of students.
- The GRE is not required for admission.
- A thesis is not required for graduation.
- Thomas University offers teachers a discounted tuition rate.
- Financial aid and monthly payment options are available.
- Thomas University is ranked as one of the most affordable private institutions in Georgia, according to the Georgia Independent College Association.
- Thomas University’s Division of Education is accredited by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.
Georgia Wants YOU to be a teacher! So come join us at Thomas University and fulfill your dream of becoming a teacher. Don’t delay…do it today!