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The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Human Sciences:
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Elementary Education

The Master of Arts in Teaching program in Elementary Education is designed for aspiring educators with a bachelor’s degree who wish to become an elementary school teacher. In this program, students focus on creating deep knowledge of children’s development, motivation, and learning. Students also concentrate on skills in the areas of instruction, assessment, cultural responsiveness, technology, relationship-building, and collaboration. Throughout the curriculum, students also focus on designing integrated curriculum, the arts as an essential part of children’s education, literacy learning, and utilizing a wide array of evidence-based approaches and strategies to support the growth and learning of every child.

Licensure

Walden is approved by the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) to offer a program leading to a Minnesota Tier 3 license in Elementary Education. Candidates seeking licensure in Minnesota are responsible for completing all Minnesota requirements beyond Walden’s state-approved program, including passing the Minnesota Teacher Licensure Exams. The Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) is solely responsible for reviewing applications and issuing licenses.

Individuals interested in licensure in states other than Minnesota may qualify by virtue of completing a state-approved educator preparation program; however, individuals must review their state’s regulations to ensure the program meets all requirements, paying particular attention to any requirements specific to out-of-state program completers. Individuals who reside in certain states may be ineligible to enroll in this program. Walden Enrollment Specialists can provide guidance on licensure questions; however, it remains the individual’s responsibility to understand and comply with all state licensure requirements. Walden makes no representation or guarantee that completion of Walden coursework or programs will permit an individual to obtain state licensure.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the MAT in Elementary Education program, graduates will be prepared to:

  1. Demonstrate the skills necessary to create learning environments that facilitate meaningful learning experiences for elementary students.
  2. Demonstrate the professional dispositions of an elementary educator.
  3. Demonstrate the ability to implement differentiated learning experiences that support development in elementary students.
  4. Evaluate assessment data to make informed instructional decisions that promote student development.
  5. Demonstrate the ability to be culturally responsive to foster positive trusting relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
  6. Appropriately integrate a variety of learning technologies in the classroom.
  7. Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with others to improve educational outcomes for elementary children.
  8. Apply the results of research in the field of education to create positive social change.
  9. Demonstrate the skills necessary to be a reflective practitioner who actively seeks opportunities to grow professionally.

Degree Requirements

  • 70 total quarter credits
  • Professional core courses (60 credits)
  • Demonstration Teaching (10 credits)

Curriculum

Professional Core

Demonstration Teaching (10 credits)