Master of Arts in Teaching - Special Education General Curriculum K-12, MAT

Graduate Coordinator: Cailisha L. Petty Email: mrspetty@ncat.edu Phone: (336) 285- 4417
Department Chair: Gerrelyn C. Patterson Email: gcpatterson@ncat.edu Phone: (336) 285-4411

Situated within the College of Education’s conceptual framework of “21^st Century Professional Educators: Catalysts for Learning,” the mission of the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Special Education: General Curriculum (K-12) degree program is to prepare highly qualified classroom teacher leaders who serve students with mild/moderate disabilities in diverse settings. Through courses which focus on characteristics of learners with special needs, evidence- based special education methods used in inclusive and other settings, diagnostic and prescriptive reading and math, assessment and IEP development, classroom and behavior management, educational and assistive technology and other content, candidates in the Master of Arts in Teaching: Special Education program develop knowledge, skills, dispositions, and professional attitudes that empower them to become lifelong learners and exemplary educational leaders inside and outside K-12 learning contexts. The MAT program in Special Education is aligned with professional standards commensurate with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), The Council for Exceptional Children, and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).. Graduates of the program are licensed by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

Teacher Licensure: Completing the master’s degree and obtaining a teaching license are separate processes. Admission to the master’s program does not guarantee admission to the Educator Preparation Program (EPP). To be recommended for licensure, candidates must first be formally admitted to the EPP. Failure to complete EPP admission requirements during the first semester of enrollment may result in the student’s inability register for required courses. Applicants and current students should review licensure requirements and other EPP requirements at https://www.ncat.edu/ced/departments/educator-preparation/prospective-graduate.php or visit the College of Education for guidance on specific requirements.

Additional Admission Requirements

• 24 credit hours of content-related course work with a grade of C or better
• Criminal background check from county of residence
• Undergraduate GPA of 2.8 or higher
• Completed Graduate College application, including official transcripts from all colleges and/or universities attended, letters of reference submitted online, and application fee

Program Outcomes

• Student Learning Outcome 1- Communication: Teacher candidates in the MAT program will demonstrate effective communication skills to demonstrate rapport with and respect for students and create a positive and challenging learning environment that promotes mutual respect among students.
• Student Learning Outcome 2- Critical Thinking: Teacher candidates in the MAT program will demonstrate the ability to use critical thinking to propose general supports that improves student learning related to assessed learning objectives.
• Student Learning Outcome 3- Disciplinary Expertise: Teacher candidates in the MAT program will demonstrate disciplinary-specific expertise by using content pedagogical knowledge and knowledge of students to inform instructional plans. MAT candidates will also select or design formative and summative assessments that monitor student progress.
• Student Learning Outcome 4-Research/Creative Engagement: Teacher candidates in the MAT program will demonstrate the ability to analyze qualitative and quantitative patterns of learning and use evidence to evaluate and change teaching practice using current research and theories.