Field experiences in at least three middle schools
A choice of one or two academic concentrations
Small class sizes and dedicated faculty with middle grades teaching experience
Eligible for loan forgiveness
Flexibility to complete the program in 16 months to five years
“ I would recommend Watson's MAT program because from the minute that you enroll, you are surrounded by faculty and staff that go above and beyond to support you on your academic journey. All classes you take are purposeful, rigorous and enriching, and will prepare you for a successful career in education. ”
Welcome to the Watson College and the Middle Grades Program. My name is Jeremy Hilburn and I'm a faculty member in the Middle Grades Program and the MAT program coordinator. Joining the faculty is actually a homecoming for me since I earned my B.A. in History at UNCW in 1999. It's good to be back!
A little background... between my stays in Wilmington, I taught middle grades social studies in Fayetteville, NC for seven years. While teaching, I took summer classes at Teachers College, Columbia University where I earned an M.A. in Social Studies Education. I then completed my Ph.D. at UNC Chapel Hill.
Today, I enjoy teaching a variety of graduate and undergraduate courses, but Social Studies Methods is probably my favorite. My research pursuits fall into several interconnected strands, broadly related to immigration and social studies education. In my spare time, I enjoy reading fiction and historical fiction, working out, going to the beach, and spending time with my two kids.
Again, welcome to Watson College and the Middle Grades program. I hope you enjoy it here as much as I do. If I can be of any service, please let me know.
Dr. Jeremy Hilburn
WCE’s cohort learning model is designed to provide a strong community of support for graduate students pursuing a teaching degree. Whether you’re on campus or online, you will attend classes together, share field experience opportunities, and build close connections with faculty, teachers in the field and other students pursuing a teaching degree.
WCE MAT students participate in field experiences throughout the program, and complete a full-time student teaching internship during the final semester. These applied learning opportunities coupled with rigorous academics result in well-rounded, prepared teachers ready to impact the world around them.
Through our international study abroad programs, you’ll have the opportunity to expand your horizons and gain a global perspective as you both work and study in schools throughout the world.
Watson Student Leaders and Kappa Delta Pi, an international honor society dedicated to scholarship and excellence in education, are just two of the many organizations that give students an opportunity to connect with other pre-service teachers and professionals in the field.
