Spalding University Catalog Graduate (Initial Certification/MAT)

Graduate (Initial Certification/MAT) | Spalding University Catalog

Graduate (Initial Certification/MAT)

Master of Arts in Teaching

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program is designed for persons who have completed an undergraduate degree in an area other than education. The teaching academic area requirements are generally satisfied through undergraduate work. In some instances, additional teaching area academic courses (e.g., Math, English, etc.) will be required. CLEP or DSST tests may be used to demonstrate proficiency on a limited basis.

There are two tracks available within the MAT program.

Traditional MAT Program

Individual decisions about number of courses in each session
Courses usually meet one night each week (5 pm to 8 pm) over a period of 12 weeks during fall and spring (sometimes a course meets on 5 Saturdays)
Many course offerings in summer
Candidates may begin the program during any session

Alternative MAT Program (Option 6 KyEPSB)

Requires employment as a teacher in the area of licensure/certification sought
Completion in a total of 4 to 5 semesters (Summer I, Fall, Spring, Summer II)
Eligibility for temporary provisional three-year teaching credential while enrolled in program
New cohorts usually enter in summer, but other options may be available

Admission
Admission to graduate programs leading to initial teaching certification requires the following:

Application
Satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE): verbal 450, quantitative 490, analytical writing 4.0 or Praxis 1/PPST scores of Mathematics 174; Reading 176; and Writing 174. Scores must be officially reported from ETS.
A minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.75 or a grade point average on the the last thirty (30) hours of credit.
Interview with a faculty member
Resume
Written response to specified topics
Recommendations
Official transcripts from all colleges attended
Authorization for criminal records check (initial programs only)
Passing scores on Praxis II specialty tests, except LBD. Students applying to the traditional track program for initial certification are eligible for a one-semester waiver on the Praxis II requirement.

Degree Requirements
For the MAT, a minimum of 24 hours must be taken at Spalding University.

Two grades of C, one grade of C in a course of six or more hours, or one grade of F, will result in automatic dismissal from the program and the University. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 in all courses, including electives, must be maintained. No grades under that of C will be accepted as transfer credit in any graduate program.

Completion of the MAT within a five-year period is required, including removal of all incomplete grades.

Continuous Assessment
Candidates in the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program are assessed at various stages of their programs. Major transitions occur at each of the following: (Gate 1) admission to College of Education, (Gate 2) admission to student teaching/clinical practice, (Gate 3) exit from student teaching/clinical practice, and (Gate 4) program completion and recommendation for certification/licensure.

Professional Dispositions and Behaviors Growth Process
The College of Education has defined the Educator as Leader as a professional who embodies six (6) specific Functional Dimensions which include: (1) Change Agent/Transformational Leader; (2) Knowledgeable Practitioner; (3) Persevering Advocate; (4) Continuous Assessor; (5) Technologically Astute Practitioner; and (6) Responsible Professional. Educator leaders are visionary, ethical, caring, reflective, creative, and knowing and demonstrate these professional dispositions when interacting with students, families, colleagues, and communities. As a part of assessment at the Gates, satisfactory demonstration of the professional dispositions referenced above must be demonstrated. The Professional Disposition and Behavior Growth Process allows for assessment, feedback and monitoring of growth needs on the part of College of Education initial certification and advanced program candidates. This process is independent of other legal or academic processes taking place at Spalding University.

Admission to Co-Teaching/Clinical Practice
Admission to co-teaching/clinical practice requires:

Written application for admission filed with the Director of Field Experiences one semester before the student teaching experience
A minimum grade point average of 2.75 in University Studies courses
A minimum grade point average of 2.75 in all education courses and a minimum grade of C in all education courses
Completion of all program courses (including removal of incomplete grades) except EDU 441 and 447 or approval for one course from the Dean of the College of Education
Recommendation by the appropriate Education program director or appropriate faculty
Personal interview with the Director of Field Experiences
Proof of having achieved passing scores on all state-required tests for certification/licensure.