MAT in Middle Grades Education Program

The M. A.T. in Middle Grades Education Program is designed for students holding a Bachelor's degree who are seeking North Carolina Middle Level teaching licensure while simultaneously earning a graduate degree. This 33‐hour program prepares teacher candidates to teach middle grades language arts, math, science and/or social studies.

The program of study is available through face to face and distance education formats. Students may enroll in the program part-time or full-time. Most full-time students complete this program within two years.

UNCW Graduate Catalog

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MAT Program Goals and Learning Outcomes

The mission of the Middle Grades MAT program is to prepare developmentally responsive and effective middle grades educators. 

We address this mission by providing: a.) coursework aligned to the NC Professional Teaching Standards and Association for Middle Level Education standards and b.) Field experiences in a variety of settings. 

Upon completion of the program, candidates will:

  • SLO 1 - Teacher Candidates will demonstrate leadership by applying the major constructs (concepts, principles, theories, standards, and research) related to young adolescent development and developmentally responsive middle schools
  • SLO 2 - Teacher Candidates will establish a respectful educational environment for diverse learners by adapting instruction based on analysis of the individual needs (e.g., learning, social, emotional) of young adolescents and their community contexts
  • SLO 3 – Teacher Candidates will demonstrate content knowledge by applying major content-specific constructs (concepts, principles, theories, language, standards, and research) during field experiences and internship
  • SLO 4 - Teacher Candidates will facilitate student learning through the learning cycle (planning, instruction, and assessment) by applying a variety of developmentally appropriate strategies and technologies to meet the learning needs of young adolescents
  • SLO 5 - Teacher Candidates will reflect on their practice by analyzing student learning to inform their instruction and professional development

Graduate school deadlines and requirements link:
https://uncw.edu/gradschool/admissions/deadlines.html