Traditional Pathway
The School of Education offers candidates with a bachelor’s degree a traditional route to attaining an initial Professional Educator License (PEL) in the state of Illinois in Elementary Education. Upon successful completion of the program, candidates are eligible for the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree and recommendation for licensure.
The MAT in Elementary Education prepares teacher candidates to teach students in grades 1-6, with options for Early Childhood Education and Middle Level endorsements extending preparation across Pre-K-8 settings. The program combines rigorous coursework, supervised field experiences, and student teaching to prepare reflective educators committed to equity, inquiry, and student-centered teaching.
Unlike alternative licensure programs, candidates in the traditional MAT pathway complete coursework and supervised field experiences prior to full-time student teaching. Throughout the program, candidates participate in structured field experiences in diverse educational settings that connect theory and practice while supporting the development of instructional expertise.
The program is designed for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree and seek preparation for teaching in elementary school settings while earning a graduate degree in education.
Admission Requirements
Candidates seeking admission to the MAT in Elementary Education must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Submit a completed graduate application
- Meet all School of Education admission requirements
- Meet Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) content-area and student teaching requirements
Additional requirements may apply for candidates pursuing endorsements in ESL or Bilingual Education.
Student Teaching
Candidates complete supervised field experiences throughout the program prior to student teaching. Field experiences are embedded within coursework and provide opportunities to work directly with students and teachers in classroom settings.
The culminating student teaching experience occurs during the final semester of the program and includes full-time student teaching and participation in a student teaching seminar. Candidates must meet all School of Education and ISBE requirements in order to be approved for student teaching.
Program of Study
Traditional Master of Arts in Teaching with Licensure
Elementary (Grades 1-6) with ECE and Middle Level Options* (Grades Pre-K-8)
| Course Number |
Course Title |
Credit Hours |
| Summer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| SPEA 521 |
Exceptional Children: Characteristics and Methods for Supporting Learning in General Education |
3 |
| SPEA521F |
Exceptional Children: Characteristics and Methods for Supporting Learning in General Education Fieldwork (25 fieldwork hours) |
0 |
| |
Total Summer Credit Hours |
6 |
| FALL |
|
|
| EDU 534 |
|
Literacy Development & Reading Methods
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
Literacy Development & Reading Methods Fieldwork (25 fieldwork hours)
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
Methods of Teaching Mathematics, PreK-8
|
|
3 |
| EDU 526F |
Methods of Teaching Mathematics, PreK-8 (25 fieldwork hours) |
0 |
| |
Total Fall Credit Hours |
6 |
| Spring |
|
|
| EDU 561 |
|
Content Area Reading & Social Studies Methods, PreK-8
|
|
3 |
| EDU 561F |
|
Content Area Reading & Social Studies Methods, PreK-8 Fieldwork (25 fieldwork hours)
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
The Arts & Physical Education
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
Methods for Teaching Science, PreK-8
|
|
2 |
| |
Total Spring Credit Hours |
6 |
| Summer 2 |
|
|
| EDU 657 |
|
Foundations of Language Teaching and Learning
|
|
3 |
|
|
Language and Culture |
3 |
| EDU 579 |
|
School & Society: Critical Issues in Education
|
|
3 |
| |
|
Total Second Summer Credit Hours
|
|
9 |
| Fall |
|
|
| EDU 701 |
|
1 |
|
|
|
5 |
| |
|
MAT/PEL Total Program Credit Hours
|
|
33 |
| Optional for ESL and Bilingual Endorsements (100 fieldwork hours) |
|
|
| EDU 656 (ESL & Bilingual) |
|
3 |
| EDU 654 (ESL & Bilingual) |
Assessment of English Language Learners |
3 |
| EDU 653* (Bilingual) |
|
Methods of Bilingual Education (+ Target Language Proficiency Exam)
|
|
3 |
| |
|
Total Endorsement Credit Hours in addition to MAT coursework
|
|
6-9
|
|
* Candidates must meet ISBE coursework and testing requirements to determine eligibility for student teaching and endorsement entitlement.
|
|
|
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