MASTER IN THE ART OF TEACHING (M.A.T.)
MISSION STATMENT
The Education Department prepares educators committed to the success of all students, believing that quality education is vital to wholeness of persons, sustainability of communities, and
a vibrant, just democratic society. To that end, and grounded in The University Of Justice And Wisdom’s mission and vision, the Education Department prepares educators through the development of professional habits of mind, heart and practice:
Habits of Mind – Demonstrating flexibility in thinking about key theories and conceptual frameworks to address complex, adaptive challenges.
Habits of Heart – Demonstrating behaviors and beliefs that connect learning to life, liberating the power and creativity of the human spirit.
Habits of Practice – Demonstrating the capacity to effectively engage and contribute to learning communities and systems within which education is embedded.
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK & VISUAL
Competent lifelong learners and teacher-leaders, resourceful creative master teachers and educational leaders—these are the expected outcomes of the The University Of Justice And Wisdom Education Department’s conceptual framework. These goals are always kept in mind by faculty and staff of The Institute of Justice & Wisdom as we teach, counsel, guide, and provide information and services to a most remarkable group of teacher-educators. While we always strive to keep an eye toward the future, we never forget our historic pledge of competence, compassion, and commitment: To prepare compassionate, reflective teachers who are academically, socially, and technically competent, to communicate with all learners in a diverse world.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Known for excellence in teacher education since 1914, The University Of Justice And Wisdom was one of the first colleges to offer the convenience and flexibility of a master’s degree program in online, weekend on-site, and distance learning. Since the program’s inception, over 24,000 teachers have become Master Teachers through the The Institute of Justice & Wisdom MAT program. The high-quality outcomes that the program yields have been the subject of several journal articles. All program formats offer teachers the opportunity to study‚ practice and reflect on skills based on the most recent educational research.
The structure of the master’s program allows working professionals to earn a master’s degree in 20 months. The program is designed to empower teachers in their classrooms by focusing on the knowledge and skills required to deliver effective instruction to diverse learners at all levels‚ including those with special needs. The outcomes of the MAT program are consistent with the Five Core Propositions of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards:
1. Commitment to students and learning
2. Knowledge of subject area and how to teach it
3. Management and monitoring of student learning
4. Systematic reflection on teaching practice
5. Membership in learning communities
The online MAT program with an Elementary Reading and Literacy focus follows the Reading First elements for the teaching of reading: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension by using engaging literature to support these components. The program also incorporates the Standards for Reading Professionals as outline by the International Literacy Association (ILA).
The online MAT program with a Mathematics focus follows the National Standards for the teaching of mathematics (set by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics) which require that all instructional programs from pre-kindergarten through grade 12 should enable all students to represent, analyze and utilize concepts to solve problems in all of the ten major mathematical strands: Number and Operation, Algebra, Geometry, Measurement, Data Analysis and Probability, Problem Solving, Reasoning and Proof, Communication, Representation, and Connection.
The online MAT program with a Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment focus follows the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards for the teaching of all subjects and all grade levels. Participants examine a variety of teaching and assessment strategies in light of the subjects and grades they teach.
The online MAT program, Effective Teaching for the 21st Century, uses the NETS-T standards for evaluating the skills and knowledge educators need to teach, work and learn in an increasingly connected global and digital community. Participants learn basic technology skills, then choose further technology courses or a classroom track focused on cultural literacy and creativity.
The online MAT program, Special Education uses Professional Practice Standards established by the Council for Exceptional Children and the principles of Universal Design to develop competencies in working with students with mild disabilities and their families.
By the end of the MAT program‚ successful teachers will have submitted three Capstone Projects, in lieu of a master’s thesis, which may serve as a foundation for National Board Certification and provide evidence of proficiency in:
- Making sound instructional decisions based on current research, theory and practices in education
- Creating a learning environment that engages and challenges students
- Developing information literacy and critical thinking skills
- Teaching to multiple intelligences and differing learning styles in order to reach the diverse needs of all students
- Designing curriculum that motivates and delivers desired outcomes
- Using technology in the classroom to enhance learning
- Collaborating with peers, parents, and the school community to achieve instructional goals
SPECIFIC INFORMATION
(30-33 Credit Hours)
The program consists of ten sequential cutting-edge courses, three semester hours each, for a total of 30 graduate credits*. From the beginning to the end of the program, course work is designed for practical use in the classroom with each course building upon the previous one to strengthen concepts and skills, and to increase teaching effectiveness. The University Of Justice And Wisdom offers seven focus areas for the Master in the Art of Teaching degree:
- MAT /ERL – Elementary Reading and Literacy Focus
- MAT /CIA – Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment Focus
- MAT /EMTH – Elementary Mathematics Focus
- MAT /MMTH – Middle School Mathematics Focus
- MAT/ET – Effective Teaching for the 21st Century
- MAT/SPED – Special Education
- MAT/STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
* NOTE: Students who are required by their State Department of Education to take an additional three credit hour course may add a course to their program as an optional elective
Internet study teams of three to fifteen participants receive instruction via streaming video, textbooks and collaborative online experiences. Students may also choose to form face-to-face cohorts and conduct their discussions off-line. The University Of Justice And Wisdom faculty instructors facilitate the learning process via email and telephone communication.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must:
- Desire to be a master teacher
- Meet all the general graduate admissions requirements
(see the Graduate Admissions section of this catalog) - Complete an application form particular to the Master in
the Art of Teaching Program - Submit a copy of their teaching certificate
- Participate in an orientation seminar (optional)
- Teach in a regular position (classroom teacher, resource
room teacher, etc.) - Have access to a method of video recording (cell phone is
fine) and a computer with Internet access