Teaching, M.A.T.
Description of Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Program
The MAT program is designed for candidates who are seeking initial teacher certification. The MAT program begins with the Bethel University graduate level Transition to Teaching program (18-24 credit hours) leading to an Indiana teaching license. Transition to Teaching is a one-year cohort program beginning either May or October. The Bethel University Transition to Teaching program is designed for individuals who have completed a bachelor’s degree and want to become licensed teachers. Upon completion of the Transition to Teaching component and passing scores on all required licensure tests, candidates are eligible for an Indiana Teaching license. Transition to Teaching program completers are able to earn the Master of Arts in Teaching degree by taking an additional 12-18 credit hours, for a total of 36 credit hours of graduate study.
Curriculum for Master of Arts in Teaching
Transition to Teaching – Elementary License
Candidates seeking an elementary teaching license will complete the following 24 credit hours.
EDTR 590: Student Teaching is a full-time 15 week experience. It may be one 15-week placement in a single classroom or two placements of 9 weeks & 6 weeks at two different levels.
Transition to Teaching – Secondary License
Candidates seeking a secondary teaching license will complete the following 18 credit hours.
| EDTR 501 | Teaching in the 21st Century | 6 |
| EDTR 502 | Classroom Environment | 3 |
| EDTR 511 | Field Work - Secondary | 0 |
| EDTR 528 | Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum | 3 |
EDTR 5XX
| Methods of Teaching – Secondary Grades | 3 |
| EDTR 590 | Student Teaching | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 18 |
EDTR 590: Student Teaching is a full-time 15 week experience. It may be one 15-week placement in a single classroom or two placements of 9 weeks & 6 weeks in both a middle and high school.
Completion of the MAT
The candidate for the Bethel University MAT is required to earn an additional 12-18 hours (depending on Elementary or Secondary) from among the following courses.
Required Core - 6 credits hrs.
| EDUC 500 | Professional Development & Leadership - Intro | 1 |
| EDUC 555 | Educational Research | 3 |
| EDUC 690 | Professional Development & Leadership - Capstone | 2 |
Electives to complete the degree selected from the following:
| EDUC 521 | Curriculum Development & School Improvement | 3 |
| EDUC 531 | Effective Instruction & Assessment | 3 |
| EDUC 541 | Meeting the Needs of Diverse Learners | 3 |
| Approved Seminars or other courses | 1-3 |
Total Credit Hours: 36
MAT Graduation Requirements and Program Completion
- Successful completion of graduate course work, including any required internships.
- Candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in all coursework required.
- Minimum of C- in all completed coursework.
- Candidates will develop and present a professional portfolio to document knowledge, skills and dispositions characteristic of a wise leader.
- Formative assessment of the portfolio will be conducted throughout the program as part of course requirements.
- The summative assessment of the portfolio will be conducted during the Capstone course, or for the school administration candidates, near the end of the Internship. For candidates who take the Capstone course prior to the final semester of coursework, a summative portfolio assessment will be scheduled during the final semester of courses.
- Candidates who submit an unacceptable portfolio will be required to schedule a meeting with the graduate program director or a faculty member appointed by the director to assist the candidate with portfolio development. The portfolio must be re-submitted according to the remediation plan and schedule established.
MAT Admission Requirements
Individuals who have successfully completed the Bethel University Transition to Teaching program and have a valid teaching license with at least one year of teaching experience will be eligible to complete an application form, submit one additional recommendation letter and a copy of their teaching license to be approved to continue in the MAT program.
MAT Graduation Requirements and Program Completion
- Successful completion of graduate course work, including any required internships.
- Candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in all coursework required.
- Minimum of C- in all completed coursework.
- Content knowledge in the cognate area will be assessed by a complete or partial comprehensive exam near the end of the candidate’s program.
- If a candidate fails the comprehensive exam, a re-take may be scheduled.
- Candidates will be required to complete a review project/assignment prior to re-taking the comprehensive exam.
- Minimum of C- in all completed coursework.
- Candidates will develop and present a professional portfolio to document knowledge, skills and dispositions characteristic of a wise leader.
- Formative assessment of the portfolio will be conducted throughout the program as part of course requirements.
- The summative assessment of the portfolio will be conducted during the Capstone course, or for the school administration candidates, near the end of the Internship. For candidates who take the Capstone course prior to the final semester of coursework, a summative portfolio assessment will be scheduled during the final semester of courses.
- Candidates who submit an unacceptable portfolio will be required to schedule a meeting with the graduate program director or a faculty member appointed by the director to assist the candidate with portfolio development. The portfolio must be re-submitted according to the remediation plan and schedule established.