Middle Grades Education Specialization, M.A.T.

Program Objectives

​Upon completion of the graduate MAT in Middle Grades Education, the candidate should be able to:

1. Demonstrate leadership by applying the major constructs (concepts, principles, theories, standards, and research) related to young adolescent development and developmentally responsive middle schools
2. Establish a respectful educational environment for diverse learners by adapting instruction based on analysis of the individual needs (e.g., learning, social, emotional) of young adolescents and their community contexts
3. Demonstrate content knowledge by applying major content-specific constructs (concepts, principles, theories, language, standards, and research) during field experiences and internship
4. Facilitate student learning through the learning cycle (planning, instruction, and assessment) by applying a variety of developmentally appropriate strategies and technologies to meet the learning needs of young adolescents
5. Reflect on their practice by analyzing student learning to inform their instruction and professional development

Admission Requirements

To ensure that prospective teachers applying to the M.A.T. program offered by the Watson College of Education know the content they will be teaching, applicants seeking admission to the M.A.T. program in middle grades education are required to submit the following to the Graduate School:

1. An application for graduate admission
2. Transcripts of college work (graduate and undergraduate)
3. Three recommendations by individuals in relevant professional fields
4. In addition to materials required as part of the Graduate School application process, a letter of interest describing commitment to the teaching profession, prior experiences working with young adolescents, prior experiences in middle level schools, and philosophy of teaching and learning
5. Application and supplemental documents must be submitted by the published deadline.

Experience working with young adolescents (such as volunteer work, tutoring, substitute teaching, youth group leadership, serving as a teacher assistant) is welcomed but not required.

An undergraduate grade average of “B” (GPA = 3.0) is a minimum requirement for graduate admission. However, admissions decisions are based upon several factors, and where other indicators of success warrant, individuals who fall below the established criterion in one of the areas may be considered for admission.

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university must be completed before graduate study begins. The admissions process for this program may require an interview. Final selection will be based upon consideration of academic record, writing samples, recommendations, and possible interview performance.

NOTE: Students who have successfully completed the UNCW Middle Grades Education Clinical Residency Post-Baccalaureate Certificate may count certificate hours with shared MAT courses towards the MAT.

NOTE: Licensure requirements change and requirements must be adjusted to accommodate new mandated competencies and guidelines.

Degree Requirements

The program leading to the Master of Arts degree (M.A.T.) with middle grades education specialization seeks to prepare candidates for teaching young adolescents and addresses the North Carolina Professional Teaching Standards, the masters/advanced competencies which include standards in instructional expertise, knowledge of learners, research expertise, connecting subject matter and learners, and professional development leadership, as well as the North Carolina Standard Course of Study for middle grades teachers. Middle grades teacher candidates earn licensure in one or more of the following middle grades content areas: language arts, mathematics, social studies, science.