Mar 28, 2024  
2018-2019 Shepherd University Catalog 
    
2018-2019 Shepherd University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Teaching—Elementary Strand, M.A.T.


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The Master of Arts in Teaching Program is a 39-credit hour program of study that provides students with a comprehensive education that will enable them to become successful educators. This program will lay the foundation to produce graduates who are knowledgeable, competent, accountable, and ethical. The overall goal of this program is to provide an opportunity for prospective teachers to engage in professional education and decision-making based on inquiry and reflective practice in order to meet the challenges of the ever-expanding educational, social, and political responsibilities of the teaching profession.

Curriculum for a Master of Arts in Teaching—Elementary Strand


Total credit hours, 39 Hours:


Retention Review



An MAT retention review will be implemented following completion of the first 9 MAT (EDUC) course hours, OR following completion of the first EDUC graduate course with a field placement, whichever occurs later.

The retention requirements are as follows:

  • Satisfactory academic standing (GPA of at least 3.0 in graduate level coursework)
  • Satisfactory Pro-05s in all EDUC graduate coursework
  • All responses of “yes” to the question “Do you feel this student belongs in teacher education?” In the event that any instructor has answered this question with “No” or Not sure,” the student must submit a written response, indicating how concerns raised by this assessment have been addressed. This response will be considered by an ad hoc PEUC committee, who may also request an interview with the student before retention in the
    program is determined.
  • The ad hoc committee will make recommendations to the PEUC, who will vote on the student’s retention in the MAT program.
  • Satisfactory feedback from the public school educator(s)/administrators with whom the MAT student has worked [approval to be determined by the MAT coordinator and instructor of the field course(s)]. In the case of unsatisfactory feedback, the review process listed above will be followed.
  • Approval of a preliminary portfolio (including a Philosophy of Teaching) by the student’s advisor (MAT coordinator).

Student teaching, 6 Hours:


Pre-Student Teaching Field Experiences


The State of West Virginia requires that each teacher candidate complete 125 hours of pre-student teaching field experiences.

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