Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

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The Graduate Program in Education embodies UDC’s longstanding commitment to preparing future educators to provide an exceptional education to the residents of the District of Columbia. The program has an intensive focus on practical classroom training and is closely aligned with trends and curricula at local schools. Students will learn how to teach from experienced educators with a deep understanding of local context and practical concerns, not scholars who are far removed from practice. Many of our adjunct faculty members are active principals in D.C. public schools who have their fingers on the pulse of current issues and trends. In addition, UDC works closely with D.C. public schools to pair candidates with outstanding professional mentors and opportunities for hands-on learning.

CAEP Annual Reporting Measures

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree prepares students to become socially conscious classroom practitioners. The program embraces the demands, challenges, and opportunities that teachers encounter in high-poverty, high-need schools. While completing professional requirements, students will learn firsthand how be a positive force for change in urban schools and communities, with a focus on the District of Columbia. To that end, the curriculum highlights three key areas of need:

  • Honoring and integrating students’ home languages and cultures into the classroom
  • Early childhood education and school readiness
  • Instructional support and interventions for children with special needs

The Division of Education Student Outcomes and Proficiencies

The outcomes below were created to articulate the knowledge and skills that each student should acquire upon completion of the Educator Preparation Program. During the program sequence, all 9 of the teacher education outcomes are addressed and monitored through multiple assessments. These outcomes are aligned with the division’s Conceptual Framework, CAEP Standards, the INTASC principles, essential knowledge, skills, and dispositions. Graduates will be able to:

  1. demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the subject matter to be taught, and skill in applying the basic principles of teaching and learning in a primarily urban community setting;
  2. demonstrate a command of fundamental communication skills and skill in effectively communicating diverse perspectives;
  3. utilize classroom and behavior management techniques that nurture a positive learning environment to enhance the growth and development of all students;
  4. create developmentally appropriate objectives in terms of expected outcomes that meets the needs of diverse learners;
  5. design, implement, and assess developmentally appropriate teaching and learning activities utilizing performance criteria with a variety of assessment techniques;
  6. integrate principles that are critical to academic and social development, such as:
    • respect for the learner as an individual by considering differentiated learning needs, abilities, and ethnic and cultural backgrounds
    • a commitment from the student to meet challenges and high academic expectations while exacting a commitment from the students to strive to meet high expectations;
  7. design and apply technology applications that are appropriate for diverse learners in the classroom to meet the demands of the global society;
  8. pursue ongoing knowledge and professional growth to enhance student achievement; and,
  9. cultivate a high level of social and emotional maturity and a sense of professionalism in collaborating and communicating with students, colleagues, school administrators, parents, and members of the school community at large.

Related:

Curriculum and Requirements in the UDC Master of Arts in Teaching

Students can pursue a Master of Arts in Teaching degree in one of the following concentrations:

Foundations of Urban Education Strand:

Courses that prepare students to make a difference with diverse, high-needs learners include:

  • EDUC 500: Introduction to Urban Teaching (1 credit, Fall I)
  • EDUC 501: Human Development, Learning, and Motivation in Classroom Context (3 credits; Fall I)
  • EDUC 502: Case Studies in Effective Urban Teaching (3 credits; Fall I)
  • EDUC 503: Culture, Context, and Critical Pedagogy in Urban Classrooms (3 credits; Spring I)
  • EDUC 504: Portfolio Capstone: Planning, Reflection, and Professionalism (3 credits; Summer I/Session II)

Content-Area Pedagogy Strand:

Courses that prepare students to teach specific grade levels and/or subject areas:

  • EDRD 501: Teaching Reading & Language Arts (3 credits; Fall I)
  • EDCI 521: Teaching Mathematics (3 credits; Fall I)
  • EDCI 522: Teaching the Content Areas through Inquiry (3 credits; Spring I)
  • EDCI 523: The Integrated, Collaborative Curriculum (3 credits; Spring I)

Field Experiences Strand:

Courses that build effective teaching skills through first-hand observations and teaching in P-12 settings:

  • EDTE 501: Practicum I: Observation in Diverse Urban Classrooms (3 credits; Spring I)
  • EDTE 502: Practicum II: Student Teaching (6 credits: Summer I/Session II)
  • EDTE 601: Supervised Teaching I (3-6 credits; Fall II)
  • EDTE 602: Supervised Teaching II (3-6 credits; Spring II)

Click here for course descriptions

The MAT programs offered by the Graduate Education program can be completed in one academic year. This allows students to engage in the classroom almost immediately.

Career Pathways and Prospects

The six concentrations in the Master of Arts in Teaching degree program prepare students for a teaching career in Elementary Education, Secondary English, Math, Science, Social Studies, or Music. The first-hand teaching experience gained during the program gives students a competitive edge upon entering the workforce.

Contact info:

Dr. Anika Burtin | E: anika.burtin@udc.edu | T: 202.274.6172

Prof. Ayanna C. Kelley | E: Ayanna.kelley@udc.edu | T: 202-274-2741