Master of Arts Degree in Teaching
K-6 Elementary Education
Our master of arts in teaching degree is designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education. College of Saint Mary offers master’s degrees in elementary, middle and secondary education as well as high-demand endorsement areas allowing you to strengthen your ability to serve students.
College of Saint Mary students experience fieldwork in schools upon starting their education courses to apply what they are learning and to see their impact on children’s lives. This opportunity, combined with the career-relevant endorsements we offer, prepares you to lead and enjoy a fulfilling, fruitful career in education.
One of the highest compliments we receive is from school districts that tell us our graduates “hit the classroom” running because they have had excellent preparation in our classrooms and excel through the fieldwork we provide.
Teacher Education - Mission Statement
As an inclusive, compassionate, and supportive environment, the CSM Teacher Education Department provides pre-service teachers the opportunity to acquire knowledge, skills, and dispositions to become highly qualified teacher leaders within a strategic, intentional, rigorous curriculum that promotes lifelong excellence.
Teacher Education Diversity Statement
As an inclusive, compassionate, and supportive environment, the CSM Teacher Education Department strives to provide students with,
- faculty and course materials representing a wide range of perspectives,
- experiences to develop culturally responsive teaching strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners,
- and a global understanding with which to work toward equity and social justice inside and outside of the classroom.
Requirements for Graduation from College of Saint Mary
K-6 Elementary Education
- 26 credit hours in education program courses
- 24 credit hours in elementary education for the K-6 elementary education emphasis
- 3 credit hours of student teaching
- Content area course work as required by state rule
Teaching Certification
Completion of the education program does not guarantee certification. Students who successfully meet state required competencies may qualify for a Nebraska Teaching Certificate. Continuous growth in knowledge, pedagogy and professionalism, as well as satisfactory performance during student teaching and completion of Praxis II for each content area as required by Nebraska Rule is in the recommendation for certification.
Failure to apply for Nebraska Teacher Certification at the time of program completion/graduation may result in your program not meeting Rule 20 or 24 changes in interim between application and program completion. Rule changes in effect at the time of application will need to be made up as deficiencies.
Since certification requirements of various states differ, a student planning to teach in a state other than Nebraska should inquire about specific requirements for that state.
The Assurance of Accreditation
The assurance of regional accreditation means that our degrees have been evaluated for their outcomes — including how well they prepare you to meet the needs of your employers, yourself and our global society. College of Saint Mary is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
The Teacher Education Department is accredited by the Nebraska Department of Education (888) 285-2556.
Requirements for Admission to College of Saint Mary
Admissions Requirements
- Cumulative GPA of at least 2.75
- Official transcripts from previous institutions
- Resume
- Demonstrate professionalism throughout application process
Additional Requirements for MAT Program
- Completion of background check prior to both field experiences (practicum and student teaching). If a student has felony convictions or misdemeanor convictions involving abuse, neglect or sexual misconduct as defined in state rule section 005.07A he/she will be rejected for admission to the program
- Completion of the minimum number of field experience hours (at least 100 hours) and a passing score on the practicum portfolio
- Demonstration of required professional dispositions throughout the course of the program
Academic Description
Master of Arts Degree in Teaching
K-6 Elementary Education
Our master of arts in teaching degree is designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education. College of Saint Mary offers master’s degrees in elementary, middle and secondary education as well as high-demand endorsement areas allowing you to strengthen your ability to serve students.
College of Saint Mary students experience fieldwork in schools upon starting their education courses to apply what they are learning and to see their impact on children’s lives. This opportunity, combined with the career-relevant endorsements we offer, prepares you to lead and enjoy a fulfilling, fruitful career in education.
One of the highest compliments we receive is from school districts that tell us our graduates “hit the classroom” running because they have had excellent preparation in our classrooms and excel through the fieldwork we provide.
Teacher Education - Mission Statement
As an inclusive, compassionate, and supportive environment, the CSM Teacher Education Department provides pre-service teachers the opportunity to acquire knowledge, skills, and dispositions to become highly qualified teacher leaders within a strategic, intentional, rigorous curriculum that promotes lifelong excellence.
Teacher Education Diversity Statement
As an inclusive, compassionate, and supportive environment, the CSM Teacher Education Department strives to provide students with,
- faculty and course materials representing a wide range of perspectives,
- experiences to develop culturally responsive teaching strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners,
- and a global understanding with which to work toward equity and social justice inside and outside of the classroom.
Accreditation
The Assurance of Accreditation
The assurance of regional accreditation means that our degrees have been evaluated for their outcomes — including how well they prepare you to meet the needs of your employers, yourself and our global society. College of Saint Mary is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
The Teacher Education Department is accredited by the Nebraska Department of Education (888) 285-2556.
Admissions Requirements
Requirements for Admission to College of Saint Mary
Admissions Requirements
- Cumulative GPA of at least 2.75
- Official transcripts from previous institutions
- Resume
- Demonstrate professionalism throughout application process
Additional Requirements for MAT Program
- Completion of background check prior to both field experiences (practicum and student teaching). If a student has felony convictions or misdemeanor convictions involving abuse, neglect or sexual misconduct as defined in state rule section 005.07A he/she will be rejected for admission to the program
- Completion of the minimum number of field experience hours (at least 100 hours) and a passing score on the practicum portfolio
- Demonstration of required professional dispositions throughout the course of the program
Curriculum
Degree Requirements
Requirements for Graduation from College of Saint Mary
K-6 Elementary Education
- 26 credit hours in education program courses
- 24 credit hours in elementary education for the K-6 elementary education emphasis
- 3 credit hours of student teaching
- Content area course work as required by state rule
Teaching Certification
Completion of the education program does not guarantee certification. Students who successfully meet state required competencies may qualify for a Nebraska Teaching Certificate. Continuous growth in knowledge, pedagogy and professionalism, as well as satisfactory performance during student teaching and completion of Praxis II for each content area as required by Nebraska Rule is in the recommendation for certification.
Failure to apply for Nebraska Teacher Certification at the time of program completion/graduation may result in your program not meeting Rule 20 or 24 changes in interim between application and program completion. Rule changes in effect at the time of application will need to be made up as deficiencies.
Since certification requirements of various states differ, a student planning to teach in a state other than Nebraska should inquire about specific requirements for that state.
