The MAT in Early Elementary Education enables graduate students to earn their initial teaching certificate for grades P-5 in Kentucky. Candidates learn to teach through instruction in pedagogy, child development, special education, gifted education, technology and diversity. They develop their skills in field experiences in local area schools. The Early Elementary Education program emphasizes meeting the needs of the individual learner using best instructional practices in a standards-based environment. Through coursework and clinical field experiences, teacher education students become critical thinkers who are prepared to meet the demands of 21st century elementary education.

Initial Assessment: Admission to Education, Minimum GPA 2.75, GRE 800 (V+Q), three letters of recommendation, professional statement, bachelor’s degree, C or higher in English 102 and oral communication. Completion of prerequisite courses with 3.0 overall gpa, and no grade lower than a “C.” Prerequisite courses include: Biology, Physical Science, Science Lab, MATH 151, MATH 152, ART 407, MUSE 525, and HSS 274.

Mid-Point Assessment: Prior to Student Teaching: No lower than 2.0 in each content methods class; all pre-requisites met; all courses listed above passed; Positive recommendation from Elementary Program Committee (including assessment of dispositions and mid-program portfolio).

Certification Assessment: After Student Teaching: All certification course work* completed with 2.5 cumulative GPA; 2.0 or higher in each student teaching course; Passing scores on required PRAXIS and PLT exams; Positive recommendation from Elementary Program Committee (including assessment of dispositions and final certification portfolio).

Degree Assessment: All program course work with 3.0 cumulative GPA(and no more than a total of two “C’s” in degree courses); Positive recommendation from Elementary Program Committee (including assessment of dispositions and final degree portfolio).