What you’ll learn

Students will learn exciting and cutting-edge techniques from world-renowned faculty who engage in contemporary classroom-based research. Through coursework and extensive clinical experiences, students have the opportunity to master content, gain pedagogical expertise, and practice their teaching craft in their respective certification area. The course sequence is purposeful and has been created so that students build on their knowledge each semester in meaningful ways. The curriculum aligns with the Michigan Department of Education standards to ensure students become highly prepared educators.

Curriculum for the MAT in Middle Childhood Education

Mathematics, Grades 5-9: This program prepares teacher students to earn a mathematics teacher certification that addresses all the necessary knowledge and skills that well-prepared middle-grade mathematics teachers need to teach coursework addressing Michigan Mathematics Standards for grades 5-9.

Science, Grades 5-9: This program prepares teacher students to earn a broad science teacher certification that addresses all the necessary knowledge and skills that well-prepared science teachers need to teach coursework addressing Michigan Science Standards for grades 5-9. This certification prepares students to teach biology, earth/space science, and physical science. The program includes the three dimensions of Disciplinary Core Ideas, Science and Engineering Practices, and Cross-Cutting Concepts across the disciplines of Life Science, Physical Science, Earth and Space Science, and Engineering Design and Technology.

The M.A.T program is offered as a master's Plan B or C and requires a minimum of thirty (30) credits. Total credit requirements vary based on the applicant's background in his/her teaching field at the undergraduate level and specialized requirements. The overall middle childhood program requirements.

Clinical Experiences

In addition to classroom experiences, students will engage in multiple clinical experiences at varying points throughout the program. Clinical courses are co-requisites with methods courses, allowing students to engage in real-world application of the content they learn in courses. In their final semester in the program, students will engage in full-time student teaching, during which they will take the lead in a middle-level classroom environment for an extended period of time. Students will be supported by cooperating teachers, university supervisors, and the clinical office during their clinical experiences. Students are required to complete an application for all clinical courses the semester prior to enrolling in a clinical course.

Career outlook for individuals with an MAT in Middle Childhood Education

Students who successfully complete the certification program and pass the required Michigan Tests for Teacher Certification (MTTCs) will be eligible to be hired as a certified teacher in their grade band and content area within the state of Michigan. Currently, Michigan is experiencing a significant teacher shortage. Students will be entering a job market with many opportunities. Wayne State University teacher certification graduates are sought out by school districts statewide. Many of our graduates continue their education to become school administrators, district administrators, counselors, etc. Program graduates are qualified to work in the non-profit sector as well.

Admission Requirements for the MAT in Middle Childhood Education

In addition to meeting all WSU Graduate School requirements, applicants must complete content-specific coursework in their respective concentration area prior to being admitted into the MAT program. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher to be eligible for the degree; students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher to be eligible for a Michigan Standard Teaching Certificate.

Learn more

Develop the knowledge and skills that are essential for success as a future educator. With an MAT in Middle Childhood Education, you'll be one step closer to making a difference in the lives of children.

• Want to learn more about the MAT in Middle Childhood Education at Wayne State? Request more information
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