Admission to the program is during the fall semester only and both full-time and part-time tracks exist. Courses are scheduled in the evenings (4:30–7:20 p.m. or 5–7:50 p.m.) on campus.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Education is to prepare educators who have the knowledge, skills and values to effectively teach all students. Meredith College students are transformed by a rigorous education that fosters leadership, promotes reflective practice, and cultivates passion for learning and the art of teaching. We develop teachers who appreciate their significant role in a diverse society.

Purpose of the Meredith College MAT Program

The Meredith College MAT program serves the woman or man who has a bachelor’s degree in a discipline other than education, who is committed to becoming a teacher, and who is seeking initial NC teaching licensure in elementary education for K–6 or special education (general curriculum) for K–12. The goal of the program is to prepare highly qualified beginning teachers who know how to teach all students, who have the skills to collaborate with professionals and families, who know the content areas, and who understand their roles in local, national and global contexts.

Program Goals of the Master of Arts in Teaching

The candidate will:

1. critically examine the purpose of education and articulate a personal philosophy of education;
2. demonstrate instructional expertise by applying the theoretical, philosophical and research bases for educational practice in K–12 settings to improve student learning;
3. incorporate knowledge of the nature of the learner, learning processes, variations in learning abilities and learning styles, and strategies for evaluating learning, the planning, delivery, reflection on, and evaluation of instruction;
4. conduct and use research to examine and improve instructional effectiveness and student achievement;
5. demonstrate advanced depth and breadth of knowledge and skills in the academic discipline and in education;
6. engage in continued professional development and provide leadership at the classroom, school, and community levels, and within the profession.

The program consists of professional studies courses and courses in a concentration (Elementary education or Special education). The area of concentration enables you to develop expertise in one of the instructional areas of the school curriculum. A concentration in a licensure area will result in a master's level (M-level) license in that area.

Culminating Experiences

During your last semester of study, you must complete a semester-long practicum, student teaching in the public schools. You will also complete a professional reflections portfolio. Before applying for licensure, you must have earned a minimum score on PRAXIS II in your licensure area.

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