Master of Arts in Teacher Education with Initial Teacher Certification (MAT)
Dean of the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences: Dr. David Biek
Chair of the Department of Teacher Education and Social Work: Dr. Loleta Sartin
Graduate Program Coordinator, Education: Dr. Sumitra Himangshu
(478) 757-2544, office
(478) 471-2501, FAX
(800) 272-7619, toll-free
sumitra.himangshu@mga.edu
School of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Middle Georgia State University
100 University Parkway
Macon, Georgia 31206
Teacher Education Program Mission Statement
We are committed to preparing adaptive professionals who are competent, accountable, reflective, and engaged in a diverse and changing world. Our highly experienced faculty is dedicated to the development of each student through a vibrant curriculum that integrates superior academic training and supervised clinical experiences. Completion of the program ensures that candidates emerge as well-rounded professionals who understand the complexities of educating all students in Central Georgia as part of a rapidly changing global environment.
Conceptual Framework (MAT)
The Department of Teacher Education and Social Work’s philosophy consists of four essential elements that constitute a highly qualified, adaptive professional who will contribute to the field of education and affect the lives of children and communities in positive and meaningful ways. Pre-service teachers will exemplify the following four essential elements: (C)ompetent, (A)ccountable, (R)eflective, and (E)ngaged adaptive professionals in the field, otherwise known as CARE.
Accreditation (MAT)
Programs in the Department of Teacher Education and Social Work are accredited under the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC).
Master of Arts in Teacher Education with Initial Teacher Certification Program Mission
The mission of Middle Georgia State University’s Master of Arts in Teacher Education with Initial Teacher Certification Program is to prepare adaptive professionals who are competent, accountable, reflective, and engaged. Aligned with the mission statement of the University and the Office of Graduate Studies, this program builds on successful baccalaureate degrees in a wide variety of content areas, as indicated on the Office of Graduate Studies and Teacher Education websites.
The MAT program is designed to address a continuing teacher shortage in Georgia and to provide initial teacher certification for graduate program candidates. This proposed graduate degree program will produce pedagogically well prepared and competent candidates to meet the critical need for highly qualified and effective secondary school teachers in the state of Georgia; hence, these well trained MGA graduates will strengthen the faculty of area school systems.
Program Format and Degree Requirements (MAT)
The Master of Arts in Teacher Education with Initial Teacher Certification (MAT) program prepares the student who holds a Bachelor’s degree from a Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) recognized institution the opportunity to provide educational services for all students in grades 6-12. The program is offered as a full-time program of 30 credit hours. There are two practicum experiences. The first practicum consists of two experiences: one half semester in a middle grades setting and one half a semester in a high school setting, respectively. The second practicum consists of teaching a full semester in a high school setting. Graduate interns will be placed in secondary classrooms for 900 hours; it is important to note that the Georgia Professional Standards Commission requires a minimum of 700 hours.
During Practicum I, the graduate interns will co-teach all-day two days per week. During Practicum II, the graduate interns will teach all-day, every day in a school setting. The MAT program is an online program administered from the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences from the Macon Campus with off-site housing of its graduate students in individual schools within the state of Georgia. The MAT program directs graduate interns to complete the program in three consecutive semesters. The program is currently 30 credit hours.