Initial Clear/Renewable Certification
The M.A.T. program is designed for candidates who already have their undergraduate degree and who have satisfied content requirements in the area(s) in which they want to teach. The M.A.T. program offers initial certification to candidates in Middle Grades Education. Candidates select two areas from the following: English, reading, mathematics, social studies, and science.
The M.A.T. is also offered for secondary education programs (grades 6-12) in English, mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, history, or political science. Options are available for teachers currently employed with a temporary certificate and for prospective middle and secondary level teachers who do not currently hold certification.
Selected Educational Outcomes
- Students in initial teacher education programs demonstrate knowledge of the content that they plan to teach and can explain important principles and concepts delineated in professional, state, and institutional standards.
- Students in initial teacher education programs apply content specific pedagogy to the subject area content and demonstrate a broad knowledge of instructional strategies that draws upon content and pedagogical knowledge and skills delineated in professional, state, and institutional standards to help students learn.
- Students in initial teacher education programs analyze educational research findings and incorporate new information into their practice.
- Students in initial teacher education programs assess and analyze student learning, make appropriate adjustments to instruction, monitor student learning, and have a positive effect on learning for all students.
Examples of Outcome Assessments
- Students in initial teacher education programs demonstrate content knowledge through passing the state-required content assessment.
- Students in initial teacher education programs demonstrate pedagogical content knowledge and knowledge of evidence-based strategies through development of lesson plans identifying use of research-validated procedures and effective content pedagogy.
- Students in initial teacher education programs demonstrate skills in assessment, instructional strategies, use of technology, and monitoring and modifying instruction during observed teaching episodes evaluated by a university supervisor and 4-12 mentor teacher.
- Students in initial teacher education programs demonstrate their ability to positively impact P-12 learning through a Teacher Work Sample (TWS).
Prior to admission to any graduate program at Valdosta State University, applicants must first submit a completed application to the Graduate School. A completed application packet includes official transcripts from all institutions previously attended, official test scores (GRE or MAT), completed application form, fee, and any additional program requirements submitted by the admission deadline. To be considered for the preferred term, all required materials must be received by the Graduate School no later than the close of business on the deadline. It is the responsibility of the applicant to allow adequate time for document submission and to ensure receipt of documents.
Go to the Graduate School website and click on Our Programs, then click on Alternative Certification Track for information on:
- Specific M.A.T. (selected option) Program Admission Requirements
- M.A.T. (selected option) Program Retention, Dismissal, and Readmission Policies
- M.A.T. (selected option) Program Graduation Requirements
To Apply Online, click here .
Employed Teacher Track
The Employed Teacher Track is for those who are currently teaching on a non-renewable/induction certificate. It is designed as a two-year program; after successfully completing the first six courses (MSED 5600, MSED 6001, MSED 6002, MSED 6004, MSED 6010, and MSED 6020), passing the GACE at the Induction or Professional level, and earning a passing score on EdTPA, candidates may be recommended for initial certification at Level 4. At the end of the second year (additional 15 credit hours), candidates may earn a master's degree (M.A.T.) and be eligible to upgrade their certification to Level 5.
| MGED 2999 | Entry to the Education Profession | 0 |
| or SEED 2999 | Entry to the Education Profession | |
| MSED 5600 | Content Teaching Methods of Middle Grades or Secondary Education | 3 |
| MSED 6001 | Planning for Middle or Secondary Teaching | 3 |
| MSED 6002 | Assessment in Middle or Secondary Education | 3 |
| MSED 6004 | Content Area Literacy for Middle and Secondary Teachers | 3 |
| MSED 6010 | Employed Teacher Track Internship 1 | 3 |
| MSED 6020 | Employed Teacher Track Internship 2 | 6 |
| MSED 6000 | Written and Verbal Communication for Teachers | 3 |
| MSED 6003 | Differentiation and Multicultural Education in Middle or Secondary Education | 3 |
| MSED 6005 | Educational Philosophy, Law and Ethics | 3 |
| MSED 6300 | MAT Capstone | 3 |
| RSCH 7100 | Research Methodology in Education | 3 |
| Total Hours Required for the Degree | 36 | |
There are requirements in addition to the above that candidates must complete before being recommended for certification, including SPEC 3000 (or equivalent). Technology knowledge and skills are demonstrated through coursework because technology requirements are embedded throughout the program of study.
Full-Time Student Track
The Full-Time Student Track of the M.A.T. is a fifth-year program beyond the bachelor's degree and is a full-time program in which candidates may earn an M.A.T. and be eligible for an induction certificate (once employed) or a certificate of eligibility (while seeking employment) after meeting all program requirements, passing the GACE at the Induction or Professional level, and earning a passing score on EdTPA.
| MGED 2999 | Entry to the Education Profession | 0 |
| or SEED 2999 | Entry to the Education Profession | |
| MSED 6001 | Planning for Middle or Secondary Teaching | 3 |
| MSED 6002 | Assessment in Middle or Secondary Education | 3 |
| MSED 6004 | Content Area Literacy for Middle and Secondary Teachers | 3 |
| MSED 6000 | Written and Verbal Communication for Teachers | 3 |
| MSED 6003 | Differentiation and Multicultural Education in Middle or Secondary Education | 3 |
| MSED 6005 | Educational Philosophy, Law and Ethics | 3 |
| Select one of the following | 3 | |
| Mathematics Methods for Middle Grades or Secondary Education | ||
| Science Methods for Middle Grades or Secondary Education | ||
| Social Science Methods for Middle Grades or Secondary Education | ||
| English/Language Arts Methods for Middle Grades or Secondary Education | ||
| Methods of Teaching Reading for Middle Grades or Secondary Education | ||
| Content Teaching Methods of Middle Grades or Secondary Education | ||
| MSED 6100 | Apprenticeship in Teaching | 3 |
| MSED 6200 | Student Teaching | 6 |
| MSED 6300 | MAT Capstone | 3 |
| RSCH 7100 | Research Methodology in Education | 3 |
| Total Hours Required for the Degree | 36 | |
There are requirements in addition to the above that candidates must complete before being recommended for certification, including SPEC 3000 (or equivalent). Technology knowledge and skills are demonstrated through coursework because technology requirements are embedded throughout the program of study. Additional technology coursework may be recommended through SEED 4010, ACED 3400, or ACED 7600.
