Graduate Alternate Certification Pathway
The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) degree is designed to offer candidates with a bachelor degree outside the field of education an opportunity to address the requirements of an initial level teaching certificate within a Master’s degree program.
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Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for MAT Elementary Education & Special Education (Certification in Grades 1-5)
Aligned with Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
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1
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Candidates are able to apply critical concepts and principles of learner development, learning differences, and creating safe and supportive learning environments in order to work effectively with diverse P-12 students and their families. (CAEP Standard R1.1 The Learner and Learning)
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2
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Candidates know central concepts of their content area and are able to apply the content in developing equitable and inclusive learning experiences for diverse P-12 students. (CAEP Standard R1.2 Content )
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3
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Candidates are able to assess, plan for instruction, and utilize a variety of instructional strategies to provide equitable and inclusive learning experiences for diverse P-12 students. Candidates model and apply national or state approved technology standards to engage and improve learning for all students. (CAEP R1.3 Instructional Practice)
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4
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Candidates engage in professional learning, act ethically, take responsibility for student learning, and collaborate with others to work effectively with diverse P-12 students and their families. (CAEP R1.4 Professional Responsibility)
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Master of Arts in Teaching
Programs of Study: The Masters of Arts in Teaching offers certification in elementary (grades 1-5), elementary/mild-moderate, secondary/mild-moderate, and secondary (grades 6-12) in English, math, social studies, biology, chemistry, earth science, general science, and physics. The mild/moderate disabilities certification is offered through an Integrated to Merged program which results in certification in mild/moderate disabilities and in elementary (grades 1-5), or secondary education (grades 6-12). Note that certification in secondary is specific to one content area. The Master of Arts in Teaching program requires 33 graduate credit hours in the following areas: learner and the learning environment, teaching methodology, literacy, and a one-year residency as an intern or student teacher.
Admission: In addition to the admission requirements established by the Graduate School, which include an overall grade point average of 2.5, candidates must achieve passing scores on PRAXIS I as well as the relevant PRAXIS II subject assessment. PRAXIS I is not required for candidates with an ACT composite score of 22, or SAT (Reading/Writing and Math) combined score of 1100 or who already have a Master’s degree. The School of Education must have official scores. All candidates must submit official transcripts from each college and university attended. One transcript with all transfer credits is not acceptable. All initial advising for this program occurs via the Education Advisors. Following initial advising, candidates are advised by a Faculty Advisor in the School of Education for the duration of their program of study.
Field Experiences Requirements
Throughout the program, candidates complete field activities in school and classroom settings. Field work is supported in two ways: through assigned work associated with individual classes and within the year of residency (9 credits) taken at the end of the program of study. Field experience opportunities support candidates in meeting all national and state standards associated with their certification area. The program includes specific requirements for the number and type of field experience hours that must be completed as well as for the development of an electronic portfolio that aligns artifacts resulting from field work with specific professional standards. All candidates must complete the year of Residency [student teaching (9 credits) or capstone internship (9 credits)] during the last year of the program of study. Candidates will not be permitted to enroll in other coursework during the second semester of residency (student teaching/capstone internship). Residency for this program of study must be completed in one of the following parishes: Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, or St. Tammany.
Requirements for Completing Program
All teacher certification programs in the School of Education are performance-based. Candidates develop a professional portfolio to document the knowledge, skills, and dispositions associated with effective teaching. Completion of the program of study requires successful performance in coursework, field experience, and candidate assessments specific to the area of study. In addition to assessments associated with specific courses in the program, candidates must pass a final assessment to complete the program and be recommended for a teaching certificate.
Louisiana Teacher Certification
Candidates who successfully complete all program requirements are recommended to the Louisiana Department of Education for a teaching certificate. All conditions listed above under “Louisiana Teacher Certification” must be satisfied. Candidates enrolled in this program while teaching may be eligible for a Practitioner License upon recommendation by the hiring school district.
PRAXIS Requirements for All Teacher Education Candidates
All candidates pursuing initial teaching certification must successfully pass PRAXIS examinations prior to program completion and recommendation for certification. The point in time that the candidate takes each examination varies according to the certification program option pursued. The following describes when each PRAXIS test is taken:
PRAXIS II (Content Area Exam)
Graduate Alternate Certification (Master of Arts in Teaching): Must be passed prior to admission to the program
PRAXIS II (Principles of Learning and Teaching)
Graduate Alternate Certification (Master of Arts in Teaching): Must be passed prior to Residency I
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