The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) degree with a major in Middle Grades Education and concentrations in Mathematics and Science Education provides a 100% online initial teacher preparation (except field experiences) at the master's degree level for qualified candidates who hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. The core program is designed for college graduates whose undergraduate degrees did not include professional education preparation and is comprised of a minimum of 36 semester hours of graduate course work in professional education*. Successful completion of the M.A.T. with a major in Middle Grades Education (grades 4-8) leads to a T-5 Georgia Certification in Middle Grades Mathematics and Science.
Students who hold a provisional certificate and are the teacher-of-record in a teaching position that aligns with their program concentration and grade band (i.e., mathematics or science AND a 6-8 classroom) will complete their fieldwork in their own classroom. However, to satisfy state requirements, candidates will have to complete a field experience in a 4th or 5th grade classroom during the program.
* The licensing agency for teacher education requires middle grades teacher candidates to have 15 content hours above the core level in each discipline of certification. Additional hours will be added to candidates’ program of study who do not possess those content hours. Four courses (MAED 5001, MAED 5002, BIOL 5012, PHSC 5012) in the program may be credited towards meeting the content requirements.
Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
Minimum GPA 2.75 or higher
Two professional recommendations
Resume
Pass Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE 360 Ethics)
Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
Obtaining a GaPSC Pre-Service Certificate
First, “claim your program” through your GaPSC account. The College of Education Certification Officer will notify you by email (with instructions) when it’s time to claim your program and apply for the certificate.
Second, apply for the Pre-Service Certificate online*. This process includes:
Submitting to a background check and receiving acceptable results
Answering Personal Affirmation Questions
Verifying your lawful presence using the PSC-required form, an affidavit, and a non-expired driver’s license
*There is no fee for applying for a Pre-Service Certificate.
Your admission to the Middle Grades MAT Program is conditional upon your ability to receive the Pre-Service Certificate in a timely manner. Processing time is typically two weeks but may be longer.
For the Middle Grades MAT
Candidate must be assigned to teach 51+% of the teaching load in the content in which they are seeking certification during EDMG 5960. In EDMG 5001 students must teach the required course hours in the content in which they are seeking certification.
Candidates must hold an IN4T or Pre-Service certification in the area in which they are seeking certification.
All candidates, including those who are teacher-of-record, must complete learning experience in an alternate grade band for a specified period of time.
