The Master of Arts in Teaching – PK-Grade 12 (MAT)
Program of Study
The program of study leading to the Master of Arts in Teaching – PK-Grade 12 consists of graduate coursework and other learning activities. Total credit hours earned at the 600 level are 36-42.
Major Program Requirements
Required
Note: Students are strongly encouraged to take both the Praxis Content and PLT exams prior to the student teaching semester (EDUC 601).
Total Credit Hours: 24
Major Program Additional Requirements
Graduate-level Art History (select 3 hours)
| ART 651 | Theories of Modernist Art | 3 |
| ART 652 | Theories of Contemporary Art | 3 |
| ART 653 | Aesthetics and Art Criticism | 3 |
Required
Additional Teacher Certification Requirements
Required
EDUC 678 and READ 655: Current Lander BA or BFA students can satisfy additional teacher certification requirements prior to beginning the MAT program in one of two ways:
Total Credit Hours: 36-42
Master of Arts in Teaching - Visual Art K-12 (MAT)
Lander University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). The MAT program at Lander University is a graduate degree program with a focus in art education. This degree is designed for the practical preparation of qualified individuals seeking initial certification in PK-Grade 12 art in South Carolina. In addition, graduates will be prepared to seek additional advanced degrees, including an MFA or Ph.D. The Lander MAT degree targets exceptional art students who aspire to be accomplished artists as well as artist educators, known as “Artist Teachers.”
Candidates must have earned a BA or BFA degree in visual art. Students pursuing an undergraduate BA or BFA degree in visual arts from Lander University will have the opportunity to enter the MAT program on an accelerated track, completing both degrees within a 5-year period.
The MAT program of study provides:
• development of skills and sensitivities needed by art and design professionals and scholars
• conceptual development in art
• communication in and about the visual arts
• pathway to initial PK-Grade 12 certification in South Carolina
• advanced inquiry and study in art education areas of curriculum, teaching practices, and contemporary issues
• exploration of the relationship between the teaching and creative processes
• specialized graduate level studio work in studio and art history
Admission
There are three major steps in the process of degree attainment for the MAT degree program: admission to MAT program, admission to Clinical Practice, and Program Completion.
1. Admission to the MAT Program
Students seeking admission to the MAT program must:
• have earned a BA or BFA in visual art from an accredited college or university, or
• be in the process of completing a BA or a BFA degree from Lander University, and
• provide a portfolio of 20 images of cohesive work and an artist statement.
Current Lander University BA or BFA students may be admitted to the MAT degree program (600 level coursework) as early as their senior year of study. Students wishing to begin MAT coursework in their senior year must have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA and meet all requirements for taking graduate coursework with senior standing.
2. Admission to Clinical Practice
Admission to Clinical Practice requires:
1. Application to the South Carolina Department of Education for certification which requires fingerprint and background check approval;
2. Application to the Department of Teacher Education for admission to Clinical Practice;
3. Acceptance during the semester prior to the student teaching experience;
4. Completion of specified courses in the MAT program of studies with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Two grades of “C” in any graduate courses preclude continuation in the program. Any grade lower than a “C” must be replaced by retaking the course with a grade of “B” or better before advancing to the next course in the program of studies. Failure to earn a replacement grade of “B” or better means discontinuation in the program.
5. Completion of 100 hours of field experience including a two-week placement at a single site; and
6. Favorable recommendation by the MAT Art Education Faculty and by the Dean of the College of Education.
3. Program Completion
To complete requirements for the MAT degree program, teacher candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on all graduate work, successfully complete student teaching, and demonstrate competence with the four learner outcomes of the unit’s conceptual framework as evidenced by observed teaching and compilation of a Professional Education Portfolio.
MAT Program completion requirements include:
• MAT Final Exhibition;
• Successful presentation and summative defense evaluated by professionals in the fields of art, art education and education.
• All coursework for the Master of Arts in Teaching must be completed within a period of 6 years.
Master of Arts in Teaching Program Requirements:
1. Demonstration of knowledge in the content area, scholarly inquiry, and pedagogy
a. must complete an approved program of study, have no more than six semester hours with grades of “C” and have a GPA of 3.0 or above;
b. upon receiving the first grade of “C”, the student will be required to meet with the director of the MAT program to develop an academic progress plan. Upon receiving a second grade of “C” the student will not be permitted to continue in the degree program;
c. all work for the Master of Arts in Teaching degree must be completed within a period of six years;
d. any remedial course work needed to meet the requirement required undergraduate coursework must be completed before admission to student teaching; and
2. Successful completion of Clinical Practice
a. observation of lessons taught and
b. Teacher Education assessment requirements demonstrating an acceptable level of competence in all learner outcomes of the Professional Educator
3. Exhibition
a. professional presentation of studio products of MAT courses and
b. preparation, installation, and publicity for a meaningful exhibition of PK-Grade 12 student artworks from the student’s Clinical Practice.
4. Program Defense
a. reflective demonstration of achievement for the learner outcomes of the Professional Educator and
b. effective communication incorporating technology and oral response to questions.