Elementary Education, MAT

Choose passion. Choose Piedmont.

Elementary education graduate candidates (MAT) can experience a flexible and convenient pathway to certification when they choose Piedmont. Students are able to begin in fall, spring, or summer semesters, complete courses online, and design course schedules that fit their needs. Through coursework and internships, candidates develop a deep understanding of and empathy for the diverse social, emotional, and instructional needs of young people in Pk-5^th grade. Our MAT program prepares educators to be determined, ethical, and compassionate classroom teachers, ready to meet the challenges and promises of the 21^st century. Graduates join an accomplished coalition of Piedmont alumni who year after year pursue excellence in Georgia schools.

The program, which is for initial certification in elementary education, requires coursework in assessment, research, critical skills for 21^st century classrooms, and the content methods needed to implement best classroom practices. The progression of courses begins with candidates learning how to develop effective lesson plans, how to then apply content knowledge to instructional planning through methods course work, and how to expand their planning to include data management and inclusive practices for a thriving classroom environment.

Similarly, our dynamic, three-internship model, which results in more than 1000 clinical hours in Georgia classrooms, connects candidates with supervising faculty and mentoring practitioners in schools around Georgia. Out in the field, candidates develop or further their abilities to work with learners from all backgrounds and abilities in private or public schools situated in urban, rural, and suburban areas. During internships, students monitor and sharpen their professional dispositions to build lasting relationships with colleagues, students, and families.

Program Completion Requirements

• For entry into the MAT program, candidates must already hold a BA or BS degree
• Successful admission to teacher education (ATE) and attainment of a preservice certificate (even if candidates have a provisional certificate, they must still successfully complete ATE requirements)
• Earn passing GACE content exam scores the semester before final internship
• Earn an overall 3.0 or higher in all graduate courses attempted (inability to meet this GPA requirement may result in students being excluded from the graduate program at Piedmont. This policy can reviewed at https://piedmont.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2022-2023/graduate-catalog/student-academic-records-undergraduate-and-graduate/)
• Submission and approval of a graduation application the semester before graduation
  
  

What classes will I take?