Master of Arts in Teaching

Major Information

The College of Education’s Department of Middle Grades and Secondary Education offers graduate teacher preparation certification programs to prepare students to teach a variety of grade levels and subjects depending on the concentration chosen. The MAT program has a social justice focus and it is designed to prepare elementary school teachers to practice Culturally Relevant Pedagogy. Students learn to teach a specific subject or a broad set of courses. They also learn to plan lessons and design projects that both motivate and challenge students.  

Teachers can have a great impact on the social, personal, and intellectual development of individuals.  Their influence stems from a love of learning; a talent for awakening students to new modes of thinking; an understanding of the human development process; and professional skills.  Teachers can be found in almost every sector of society, and they instruct a wide range of topics.  While specific course requirements vary among disciplines, most teachers will fulfill the academic requirements of a major in a chosen field; be literate in the history, philosophy, psychology, sociology and methodology of education; and have developed initial teaching skills through supervised clinical experiences.  

General Information

Degree(s) Offered:

• Master of Arts in Teaching

Concentrations:

• Elementary Education (P-5) 
• Health & Physical Education
• Middle Grades Education (4-8)
• Secondary Education (6-12)
  • Concentrations in Biology, Broad Fields Science, Chemistry, Economics, English, Geography, History, Mathematics, Physics, or Political Science (must currently hold a bachelor’s degree in one of these areas)
• Spanish Education
• Special Education 

Sample Occupations

_{*Requires additional education}

Sample Work Settings

Sample Employers

Connecting Majors, Skills, and Occupations

• View learning outcomes associated with your major in the Georgia Southern Academic Catalog:

Georgia Southern Academic Catalog

• Explore the connection between occupations and skills in O*Net:

www.onetonline.org

• Use Handshake to upload your résumé and explore internships and jobs. For more information:

www.georgiasouthern.edu/ocpd

Internet Resources

Professional Organizations

Georgia Southern Student Organizations

Graduate Student Organization 

Student Professional Association of Georgia Educators (SPAGE)

Professional Tips

• Make the most of your field experiences in the schools and maintain a high level of professionalism.
• Gain various volunteer experiences, especially in areas working with children such as Boys/Girls Club, Special Olympics, etc. 
• Seek leadership opportunities when available.
• Join professional associations and attend conferences.  
• Consider partnering with a faculty member for additional research experience. 

Résumé Tips

• Include correct degree title –Master of Arts in Teaching 
• Include either in the Education section or a separate certification section information about passing the GACE.  
• Include field experiences and volunteer experience, especially anything working with children.
• Include technology skills such as Microsoft Office, SmartBoards, InterWrite, Google Docs, etc. 
• Education résumés can be 2 pages.

Last updated: 6/26/2013