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Master of Arts in Teaching – Elementary Education

Take Classes Remotely or at USM-Johnson County

Transition to teaching with the ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ. Our Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is offered to candidates who have earned a bachelor's degree in another field and are interested in a career in teaching. The program invites professionals who have a passion for teaching and are interested in earning an advanced degree at an accelerated pace. The Saint Mary MAT is designed for working adults with accelerated classes and convenient scheduling.

Highlights:

  • Accredited: USM’s MAT in Elementary Ed is accredited by KSDE and CAEP
  • Leads to Licensure: The accredited program leads to recommendation for KS initial teacher licensure
  • Life-Changing: Bring your existing experience to a new career
  • Affordable:  $420 a credit hour

Classes start in January, March, and August. Classes are held remotely or in person at USM-Johnson County.

Apply Now

Concentrations

Pathways 

The MAT program offers pathways for those who are teaching full time under a restricted license and those who continue their current employment while in the program.

  • Traditional Licensure Track: Open to candidates who have a bachelor's degree and are seeking PreK-6 licensure. Students complete one semester of Student Teaching to conclude the program.
  • Limited Elementary Residency Program Track: Open to candidates who have a bachelor's degree and are seeking Kansas licensure while working full time in a school district. Students complete four internship experiences in lieu of Student Teaching to conclude the program (ED 790, ED 791, ED 792, and ED 767).

Curriculum

Our program is designed to meet the needs of busy individuals balancing work and family commitments. The Graduate Education Program Director will advise candidates on the recommended sequence of coursework.

 

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8-Week Accelerated Courses

 

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Courses Meet 1 Night Per Week

 

ED 720 Curriculum Design and Assessment (3 credits)
ED 728 Instructional Technology (3 credits)
ED 744 Methods for Teaching Diverse Learners (3 credits)
ED 7xx Foundations of Education (3 credits)
ED 757 Classroom Management and Positive Behavioral Supports (3 credits)
ED 766 Teacher as Professional Collaborator (1 credit)

ED 746 Teaching Science and Health in Elementary School (3 credits)
ED 747 Teaching Social Studies and Aesthetics in Diverse Settings (3 credits)
ED 749 Teaching Math in Elementary School (3 credits)
ED 755 Reading Practicum (1 credit)
ED 758 Elementary Literacy and Language Arts Methods (3 credits)
ED 765 Advanced Practicum 1 (1 credit)

Traditional Licensure Track
ED 767 Student Teaching: Elementary (traditional licensure track) (8 credits)

Limited Elementary Residency Program Track
ED 790 Internship I (1 credit)
ED 791 Internship II (3 credits)
ED 792 Internship Ill (3 credits)
ED 793 Internship IV (1 credit)

ED 678 ESOL Practicum (3 credits)
ED 682 English Language Learners Methods (3 credits)
ED 683 Linguistics for Educators (3 credits)
ED 724 Cultural Diversity (3 credits)
ED 746 Teaching Science and Health in Elementary School (3 credits)
ED 747 Teaching Social Studies and Aesthetics in Diverse Settings (3 credits)
ED 749 Teaching Math in Elementary School (3 credits)
ED 755 Reading Practicum (1 credit)
ED 758 Elementary Literacy and Language Arts Methods (3 credits)
ED 763 Using Data Literacy for Differentiating Instructional Practices (3 credits)
ED765 Advanced Practicum (1 credit)

Traditional Licensure Track
Student Teaching: Elementary (8 credits)

Limited Elementary Residency Program Track
ED 790 Internship I (1 credit)
ED 791 Internship II (3 credits)
ED 792 Internship Ill (3 credits)
ED 793 Internship IV (1 credit)

SPED 600 Introduction and Characteristics of Students with Adaptive Learning Needs (3 credits)
SPED 602 Instructional Strategies and Methods (3 credits)
SPED 705 Educating Students with Social and Behavioral Needs (3 credits)
SPED 710 Communication/Collaboration and Community Building in the School Setting (3 credits)
ED 746 Teaching Science and Health in Elementary School (3 credits)
ED 747 Teaching Social Studies and Aesthetics in Diverse Settings (3 credits)
ED 749 Teaching Math in Elementary School (3 credits)
ED 755 Reading Practicum (1 credit)
ED 758 Elementary Literacy and Language Arts Methods (3 credits)
ED 763 Using Data Literacy for Differentiating Instructional Practices (3 credits)
ED 765 Advanced Practicum (1 credits)

Traditional Licensure Track
Student Teaching: Elementary (8 credits)

Limited Elementary Residency Program Track
ED 790 Internship I (1 credit)
ED 791 Internship II (3 credits)
ED 792 Internship Ill (3 credits)
ED793 Internship IV (1 credit)

 


Admission Requirements

The following requirements must be met to be considered for full (regular) admission to the Master of Arts in Teaching program:

  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
  • An undergraduate GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.00 scale
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • An essay describing the candidate's philosophy of teaching and learning
  • An interview with the education program director or division
  • Passing Score on Praxis II Content Exam (Secondary Candidates only)
  • An offer for employment as a teacher (LERP/Restricted only)

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Professional Preparation

The Graduate Teacher Education Program is dedicated to professional preparation for teaching, through its critical reflective teacher model. In order to enhance and enrich P-12 student learning, the program seeks to promote critical deliberation through coursework which:

  • Advocates continual growth in knowledge and renewal of commitment to the well-being of others within the context of its Catholic, liberal arts tradition;
  • Gives emphasis to the significance of diversity in American society and in its key social institutions;
  • Underscores the political and moral nature of teaching in a pluralistic society;
  • Integrates the study of education with study in the liberal disciplines and with clinical experiences;
  • Engages candidates in critical inquiry into the social, political, philosophical/ideological, and economic context in which schools are embedded;
  • Emphasizes the interactive nature of theory and practice; and
  • Considers global perspectives.

These program learning outcomes (PLOs) align with the Kansas Professional Teaching and Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (lnTASC). Standards to emphasize the development of well-rounded, effective educators who can meet the needs of diverse students in today's classrooms. The ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ candidates will:

  1. Create and maintain inclusive learning environments that respect and embrace the cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic diversity of their students, while fostering a sense of belonging and equity (CAEP 1.1, KSDE/lnTASC 1).
  2. Be proficient differentiating instruction to meet the diverse needs of all students, using a wide range of teaching strategies to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills (CAEP 1.1, CAEP 1.2, KSDE/lnTASC 2, 3).
  3. Demonstrate a deep and comprehensive understanding of their subject matter and the pedagogical knowledge required to teach and create learning experiences that make the content accessible and meaningful for students (CAEP 1.2, KSDE/lnTASC 4, 5).
  4. Demonstrate their proficiency in employing various assessment methods to actively engage learners in their own learning progress, and continuously monitor learner advancement (CAEP 1.3, KSDE/lnTASC 6).
  5. Be proficient in planning and implementing instruction that supports all students in meeting rigorous learning goals and will implement assessments, collect and analyze data and make informed instructional decisions to promote student growth and achievement (CAEP 1.3, KSDE/lnTASC 7, 8).
  6. Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional growth and ethical practice, engage in self-reflection and collaboration to increase effectiveness as an educator and to contribute positively to their school communities (CAEP 1.4, KSDE/lnTASC 9, 10)
  7. Engage in self-reflection and critical thinking, allowing them to continuously assess and improve their teaching methods to help P-12 students realize their unique gifts and talents (CAEP 1, KSDE/lnTASC 9).

Each candidate demonstrates the fulfillment of the outcomes through coursework, research, and related field experiences.

View Student Outcomes

ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ candidates will demonstrate their commitment to teaching and learning through:

  1. Fostering the learning of all students,
  2. Dedicating themselves to life-long learning and professional training,
  3. Providing leadership in shaping change within learning communities,
  4. Respecting and honoring diversity and global perspectives,
  5. Performing critical analysis and reflective practice,
  6. Fulfilling professional responsibilities with honesty and integrity,
  7. Encouraging and modeling self-assessment, and
  8. Promoting learning utilizing assessments, technologies, and best instructional practices.

A female graduate is hooded by Dr. Gwen Landever at a Commencement Ceremony.

Dedicated Professors

Learn from Faculty who are Practitioners in Their Field

Faculty in ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ Master’s in Teaching programs are true practitioners in the field, combining a wealth of real-world classroom experience with a deep commitment to student growth. Small cohorts and personalized mentoring ensure every candidate receives individual attention.


Partner School Districts

The ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ has partnered with local school districts to offer employee discounts on tuition and a waived application fee. Questions? Contact Graduate Education Program Director Dr. Gwen Landever at Gwen.Landever@stmary.edu

 

Faculty
Gwen Landever, Ed.D.Gwen Landever

Director of Graduate Education Programs
gwen.landever@stmary.edu
913-319-3007
USM-Johnson County

Highlights:

B.S.E. University of Kansas
M.S.E University of Kansas
Ed.D. Baker University


Cheryl Reding, Ph.D.Cheryl Reding

Associate Professor, Unit Head of Education, Division Chair of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Cheryl.Reding@stmary.edu
913-758-6159
Mead 403A

Highlights:

B.S. Saint Mary College
M.A. Benedictine College
Ph.D. University of Kansas


Related Programs

Accredited by the Kansas State Board of Education (KSBoE) and the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), the education unit offers professional courses for elementary (P-6) and secondary teachers (6-12). Through college governance structures, including the Teacher Education Committee, the unit works with all other departments in its interdisciplinary approach to the preparation of teachers.

Since teacher preparation program requirements may change to meet state and/or national standards, students should contact the academic division chair to obtain information concerning the current program. All students interested in teacher education should consult with the department regarding preferred sequence, selection of courses, and specific general education requirements.

CAEP Logo
The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accredits the University of Saint Mary education programs. CAEP promotes excellence in educator preparation through quality assurance and continuous improvement.

Have Questions? Contact Us.

USM-Johnson County
11221 Roe Ave
Leawood, KS 66211
913-345-8288

Joe Perez
Admissions Counselor
joe.perez@stmary.edu
913-319-3003

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