What Will I Learn in a Master of Arts in Teaching - Elementary Education Program?

Getting your advanced Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) - Elementary Education is a great choice if you’re looking to advance your career in education. That’s because a high-quality MAT degree program—such as the one offered by Walden University—can give you access to a robust curriculum focused on the 21st-century competencies you need to make a difference in the lives of future students. If you want to eventually pursue teacher certification, earning your MAT can help you acquire the skills and knowledge you need to become a licensed teacher.

What You Will Learn in a Master of Arts in Teaching - Elementary Education Program

The latest classroom and learning technologies.
To be an effective early childhood educator, you must stay up to date on the tools and technologies used to keep students engaged. In Walden’s Master of Arts in Teaching - Elementary Education degree program, you will explore a wide variety of technology resources, including their implementation in the classroom and how each can be leveraged to meet the various needs of students. By understanding how to use technology to enhance the classroom experience, you can position yourself to excel in your role as an elementary educator.

Teaching strategies for diverse learners.
As a teacher, it’s important to provide equal learning opportunities for all students, regardless of their abilities and differences. As you pursue your Master of Arts in Teaching - Elementary Education, you’ll study the different factors that influence student learning, from individual experiences to culture and family to community values. You’ll also examine laws and policies in special education, language diversity, and practical instruction strategies that can be used to appeal to the different learning styles of students.

Effective communication and collaboration.
Another way elementary educators provide student support is by directly working with other teachers, specialists, administrators, families, and community agencies as needed. This is particularly true for special education teachers involved in the individualized education plan (IEP) process. In the Master of Arts in Teaching - Elementary Education degree program at Walden, you will explore collaboration strategies that promote the growth and learning of elementary students. Additionally, you will learn how to effectively communicate with colleagues and other key stakeholders involved in student learning.

Child development and motivation.
The social, physical, emotional, and intellectual development of students affects learning and motivation in the classroom. As a Master of Arts in Teaching - Elementary Education degree candidate, you’ll examine this connection as you learn about key child development theories and philosophies. By the end of the program, you should be able to identify developmental patterns, both typical and atypical; the effectiveness of classroom teaching strategies; and whether there is a need for intervention by specialists, family members, and/or community agencies to better support a student’s development.

K–6 instruction and assessment.
The teachings in Walden’s MAT degree program center on core subjects in elementary education: literacy, social studies and the arts, math, and science. Explore the major concepts, themes, and modes of inquiry for each content area, informed by the latest research and most successful methods for elementary school teaching. Prepare to become a well-rounded educator as you gain the multidisciplinary skills and knowledge you need for effective planning, instruction, and assessment in the classroom.

Pursue Your Master of Arts in Teaching at Walden—The Educator of Educators^®

Walden has provided working professionals with the support they need to advance their careers and inspire social change for more than 50 years. And because Walden is an accredited online university, you can pursue your Master of Arts in Teaching - Elementary Education while you continue to work full time. That means you don’t have to put going back to school for your master’s on hold. With online education, you can balance work and family life by taking classes at whatever time of day works best for you. Prepare to sit for your teacher licensure exam and make a meaningful difference in the lives of your students when you earn your MAT degree in Elementary Education at Walden.

Walden University is an accredited institution offering a Master of Arts in Teaching - Elementary Education degree program online. Expand your career options and earn your degree using a convenient, flexible learning platform that fits your busy life.

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org.

Note on licensure: Walden is approved by the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) to offer a program leading to a Minnesota Tier 3 license in Elementary Education. All candidates must pass the required Minnesota Teacher Licensure Exams (MTLEs) in order to complete the program. Candidates seeking licensure in Minnesota are responsible for completing any other Minnesota requirements beyond Walden’s state-approved program. The Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) is solely responsible for reviewing applications and issuing licenses.

Individuals interested in licensure in states other than Minnesota may qualify by virtue of completing a state-approved educator preparation program; however, individuals must review their state’s regulations to ensure the program meets all requirements, paying particular attention to any requirements specific to out-of-state program completers. Individuals who reside in certain states may be ineligible to enroll in this program. Walden Enrollment Specialists can provide guidance on licensure questions; however, it remains the individual’s responsibility to understand and comply with all state licensure requirements. Walden makes no representation or guarantee that completion of Walden coursework or programs will permit an individual to obtain state licensure.