Master of Arts in Teaching Elementary Education
Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Teaching Elementary Education program prepares individuals with non-education backgrounds to become certified teachers. It combines theoretical foundations with practical experiences, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to effectively teach in elementary schools. The program culminates in a master's degree and standard teaching licensure in Nevada.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Master of Arts in Teaching Elementary Education is designed for individuals with a bachelor's degree outside of education who wish to become certified teachers. The program provides a pathway to teaching, offering a conditional teaching license in Nevada after one semester and leading to both standard teaching licensure and a master's degree upon completion.
Objectives:
The program aims to prepare educators who possess a deep understanding of learners' growth and development, can create inclusive learning environments, and use effective instructional strategies to engage students in deep learning. Graduates will also be equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills, and dispositions to lead and collaborate in the field of education.
Description:
The program combines theoretical foundations with practical experiences to equip students with the competencies required for effective teaching in elementary schools. Students will engage in coursework covering child development, learning theories, curriculum development, assessment, instructional strategies, special education, literacy instruction, and multicultural education.
Outline:
Content:
The program covers a wide range of topics essential for teaching at the elementary level, including:
- Child Development and Learning
- Classroom Management
- Teaching Elementary School Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Language Arts
- Literacy Instruction
- Special Education
- Multicultural Education
Structure:
The program consists of 36 credit hours, including 33 required courses and a 3-credit culminating experience. The required courses provide a comprehensive foundation in the core areas of teaching and learning. The culminating experience allows students to demonstrate their mastery of the program's learning outcomes through a research project or portfolio.
Course Schedule:
The program is typically completed in 4 semesters, with coursework offered in both traditional and online formats. Students can expect to take 9-12 credits per semester.
Assessment:
The program employs a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning and progress, including:
- Exams and Quizzes
- Projects and Presentations
- Classroom Observations
- Portfolios
- Final Projects or Research Papers
Teaching:
The program is taught by experienced faculty members who are dedicated to providing high-quality instruction. Faculty use a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, simulations, and project-based learning. They are approachable and supportive, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
Careers:
Graduates of the MAT Elementary Education program are prepared for various teaching positions in elementary schools. They are eligible for certification in Elementary Education K-6 in the state of Nevada and may pursue additional endorsements in specific subject areas. Potential career paths include:
- Elementary School Teacher
- Resource Teacher
- Literacy Coach
- Educational Specialist
- School Administrator
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Overview:
University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is a public research university located in the heart of Las Vegas, Nevada. It is known for its diverse student body, innovative academic programs, and its unique location in a vibrant and dynamic city.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
UNLV offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience. Students can expect to find a welcoming community with a strong sense of belonging. The university boasts a wide range of student organizations, clubs, and activities, catering to various interests. UNLV also emphasizes the importance of community engagement and provides opportunities for students to connect with the local community.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Diverse and Inclusive Environment:
UNLV prides itself on its diverse student body, with one-third of students being first-generation college attendees. This creates a welcoming and inclusive environment for students from various backgrounds.Unique Location:
Situated in Las Vegas, UNLV offers students access to a vibrant city with numerous cultural, entertainment, and professional opportunities.Innovative Academics:
UNLV offers a wide range of academic programs, including 78 majors, 84 minors, and over 197 graduate degree and certificate programs. The university also boasts its own law, medicine, and dental medicine schools.Strong Community Engagement:
UNLV encourages students to engage with the local community and provides opportunities for service learning and volunteer work.Academic Programs:
UNLV offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:
Arts and Sciences:
Humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics.Business:
Accounting, finance, marketing, management, and entrepreneurship.Education:
Teacher education, educational leadership, and special education.Engineering:
Civil, mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering.Health Sciences:
Nursing, medicine, dentistry, public health, and biomedical sciences.Hospitality:
Hospitality management, tourism management, and culinary arts.Law:
Juris Doctor (JD) degree.Fine Arts:
Music, theatre, dance, and visual arts.Other:
UNLV is a relatively young university, established in 1957. It has grown significantly over the years and is now one of the largest universities in Nevada. The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, focusing on areas such as healthcare, technology, and sustainability.
Entry Requirements:
An overall undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 is required for admission. Students with a GPA of less than 3.00 but greater or equal to 2.75 may be admitted to the graduate program upon review of the Admissions Committee. A completed on-line application for admission submitted to the Graduate College through the Grad Rebel Gateway including: A one-to two-page letter of intent of professional goals and rationale for pursuing the degree. The names and contact information of two professional references are required in the online application. The professional references will be contacted to submit a letter of recommendation. Unofficial or official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities will need to be submitted in the online application. Official transcripts are required once given an offer of admission into the program. A pdf copy of testing results demonstrating core knowledge, which includes one of the following: Praxis Core, CBEST, GRE scores. GRE scores are only accepted if the applicant has completed a master's or more advanced degree within the past 5 years. All test scores must have been completed within five years immediately preceding application date. If you are submitting CBEST or GRE scores, please email tl.arl@unlv.edu to request a Praxis Core Waiver form.
