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The master of arts in teaching (MAT) program provides candidates with a strong knowledge base of content, child and adolescent development and current research that supports best practices in education. This program is centered around contemporary design-based research principles with a focus on how students learn within inquiry-based environments.

This graduate degree program is designed to provide the foundation for teacher preparation leading to initial Missouri teacher certification in the following emphasis areas: elementary education, middle school education, secondary school education, or special education.

Learning Outcomes

The goals of the MAT with an emphasis in elementary education are to cultivate graduates who are:

Knowledgeable of the history of primary and intermediate education, characteristics of students in this age range and principles and foundations underlying best practices.
Proficient in designing, adapting and modifying effective assessment plans, instructional strategies and curricula and/or intervention plans based on current research regarding cognitive, social and emotional development in elementary school children.
Reflective about their roles as educators to improve learning outcomes, and who collaborate with families and other members of the community to advocate for inclusive and equitable educational opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds.
Capable of recognizing, valuing and responding to the unique individual abilities and differences of elementary age students.