Graduate Academic Catalog 2012-2013

2012-2013 Graduate Programs Academic Catalog

Overview

In keeping with the institutional mission of

Columbia International University, the Master of

Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) program seeks to create a

learning environment that provides models, growth

experiences and communities of practice for equip-

ping Christian educators who make wise decisions

as they create effective learning communities. We

are “Equipping Discerning Educators.” The entire

early childhood and elementary school curricula are

addressed. Content knowledge is a prerequisite for

methodology courses.

Students (referred to as candidates herein) com-

pleting the specified requirements will be recom-

mended for initial teacher certification in South

Carolina, which has a reciprocal agreement with

many other states. Since certification requirements

vary from state to state, candidates are advised to

make themselves familiar with the requirements of

the states in which they may want to teach.

Candidates completing the program requirements

will be eligible for recommendation for initial South

Carolina certification in the following areas: Early

Childhood (PreK-3) and Elementary (2-6).

Candidates will also be recommended for

Association of Christian Schools International

(ACSI) certification.

The M.A.T. program is also designed to meet the

scheduling needs of individuals. Candidates may

begin the course of study at the beginning of the

Fall or Spring semesters. The program may be

completed in four terms of full-time study or

candidates may extend the time to complete the

program. The M.A.T. program director is available

to assist candidates in planning their degree

program.

Purpose and Unit Outcomes

We strive to produce Christian educators who are

involved LEARNERS, effective PRACTITIONERS,

and authentic PROFESSIONALS so they can

make wise decisions as they create effective

learning communities.

Candidate Proficiencies

Candidates will demonstrate that they are becom-

ing “Discerning Educators” when they demon-

strate the competencies that show they are:

• Learners who know content, children, and

pedagogy.

• Planners who demonstrate effective planning

and preparation for instruction.

• Presenters who model effective educational

methodology, communication, and technology

techniques.

• Evaluators who assess, diagnose, and monitor

individual needs to implement differentiated

instructional opportunities.

• Managers who create and effectively manage a

nurturing environment.

• Partners who collaborate with the child, family,

community, and other professionals.

• Professionals who are committed, reflective,

model educators who learn from experience

and contribute to the profession.

Admission Requirements

Candidates must fulfill specific admission require-

ments (see M.A.T. Admissions for detailed infor-

mation).

Program 1............................................46 hours total

• M.A.T. Orientation ......................................0 hours

EDU 5101 Program Orientation

..........................0

• Fall..............................................................14 hours

EDU 5331 Understanding the Learner

................3

EDU 5541 Learning Environment and Classroom

Management ......................................2

EDU 6140 Connecting with Families and

Communities ......................................2

EDU 5600 Teaching the Content Areas

..............6

EDU 6901 Authentic Professional Experiences....1

MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING – EARLY

CHILDHOOD AND ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

Course of Study