Home MAT ProgramSix Core Courses

Specialty Courses

Specialty Courses

Each of the MAT degrees consists of 10 courses. Six core courses focus on content that all teachers need to know regardless of grade level and/or subject area and four specialty courses focus on the content specific to each program. Descriptions for each of the courses are listed on the following pages.

Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment, K-12 (4)

The Master in the Art of Teaching with a Focus on Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment is a degree program that provides classroom teachers access to research-based strategies that will empower them to become teacher leaders. By the end of this program, participants will embody commitment to their students, their colleagues and their school communities.

Elementary Reading & Literacy, K-6 (4)

The Master in the Art of Teaching with a Focus on Elementary Reading & Literacy is a program of study that accomplishes two goals. First, it concentrates on developing instructional leaders. Second, it concentrates on the content knowledge elementary teachers need in order to be effective teachers of reading and literacy.

Elementary Mathematics, K-5 (4)

This program concentrates on developing instructional leaders and the content knowledge elementary teachers need to know in order to be effective teachers of mathematics. The degree incorporates the Principles and Standards for School Mathematics as outlined by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM).

Middle Level Mathematics, 6-8 (4)

This program concentrates on developing instructional leaders and the content knowledge middle school teachers need to know in order to be effective teachers of mathematics. The degree incorporates the Principles and Standards for School Mathematics as outlined by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM).

CIA 601 Instructional Strategies For Successful Learning

Instructional Strategies for Successful Student Learning supports development of skillful teacher leaders by focusing on research-based teaching strategies that result in improved student achievement. Participants explore the results and classroom implications of brain-based learning, cooperative learning structures, and nine research-based instructional strategies by analyzing the instructional practices in real classrooms and customize the use of the strategies to their own teaching situations.

CIA 605 Student-Directed Learning to Foster Motivation and Engagement

Student-Directed Learning to Foster Motivation and Engagement digs deeper into concepts and theories introduced in prior courses. Now that the participants have common understanding of backward design (Wiggins & McTighe, 2006), effective assessment and how to meet the needs of all students, they are ready to hone in on ways to motivate their students to be more self-directed in their learning.

This course focuses on helping students develop the skills necessary to thrive in and out of the classroom. Participants learn strategies for helping their students develop flexible knowledge, as well as problem-solving, cooperative learning and self-motivation skills. Special attention is given to ways to engage all students in opportunities to examine and evaluate their own work and learn from the work of their peers.

CIA 610 Classroom Assessment for Today’s Teacher

Classroom Assessment for Today's Teacher focuses on ways teachers can efficiently and judiciously assess student's learning so that a positive and supportive learning environment is created and maintained. With a focus on key areas of assessment including grading practices and authentic assessment techniques, this course introduces strategies that enable teachers to fine-tune their assessment practices while maintaining high expectations for all students.

CIA 615 Teacher as Everyday Hero

The final course of the program, Teacher as Everyday Hero, is a culmination of many strands covered throughout the degree. This course strikes a balance between the macro-and micro-concepts of teaching. Participants will have the opportunity to demonstrate how they are no longer just surviving as teachers but thriving as teacher leaders. Throughout Teacher as Everyday Hero, participants examine case studies of truly inspirational teachers who have transformed the lives of their students. Through the use of biographies, narratives, profiles and interviews with top educators and scholars, participants explore and reflect on the problems and satisfactions of teaching, which culminates in the writing of their personal teacher story.

MTH 505 Problem Solving and Number & Operations, K-5

Based on the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Principles and Standards for School Mathematics, this course establishes a foundation of mathematical content knowledge and problem-solving skills. Participants develop deeper understanding of mathematical concepts they are required to teach and engage in mathematical discourse as a means to explain their thinking and share strategies.

MTH 506 Problem Solving and Number & Operations, 6-8

Based on the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Principles and Standards for School Mathematics, this course establishes a foundation of mathematical content knowledge and problem-solving skills. Participants develop deeper understanding of mathematical concepts they are required to teach and engage in mathematical discourse as a means to explain their thinking and share strategies.

MTH 515 Measurement & Geometry, K-5

Covering the Van Hiele levels of geometric thought and focusing on shapes and properties, transformations, location and visualization, as well as measurement concepts and skills, this course allows teachers to develop a profound understanding of key mathematical concepts as outlined in the NCTM Principles and Standards for School Mathematics. Participants engage in hands-on problem-solving activities that allow them to apply new understanding to their instructional planning and decision making.

MTH 516 Measurement and Geometry, 6-8

Covering the Van Hiele levels of geometric thought and focusing on shapes and properties, transformations, location and visualization, as well as measurement concepts and skills, this course allows teachers to develop a profound understanding of key mathematical concepts as outlined in the NCTM Principles and Standards for School Mathematics. Participants engage in hands-on problem-solving activities that allow them to apply new understanding to their instructional planning and decision making.

MTH 525 Algebra, K-5

This course focuses on developing algebraic thinking, which includes studying patterns and functions, understanding the structure of the number system, using symbolism meaningfully and using mathematical modeling to solve problems. Participants study many common misconceptions about the learning of algebra to better understand the potential gaps in students’ understanding.

MTH 526 Algebra, 6-8

This course focuses on developing algebraic thinking, which includes studying patterns and functions, understanding the structure of the number system, using symbolism meaningfully and using mathematical modeling to solve problems. Participants study many common misconceptions about the learning of algebra to better understand the potential gaps in students’ understanding.

MTH 535 Data Analysis & Probability, K-5

This course is structured around the creation and completion of a real-life data analysis project that allows participants to apply knowledge and skills from other mathematical strands. Key concepts such as data collection, graphical representations of data and measures of center are highlighted.

RDG 500 Foundations of Reading & Literacy

This course provides teachers with a comprehensive knowledge base in the reading process and facility with the most effective instructional and assessment techniques. Based on research with internationally recognized reading specialists, this course enables participants to identify effective theories and principles for teaching reading in the five major components of the reading process — literacy, phonemic awareness and phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension — and to apply the most effective instructional plans, methods and resources in their practice. In addition, the course focuses on methods for assessing reading progress in individuals and groups and ideas for differentiating instruction for diverse learners.

RDG 510 Reading Diagnosis & Diferentiated Instruction For Diverse Learners

This course examines formal and informal literacy assessments; identifies appropriate strategies for remediation of reading disabilities; and plans differentiated instructional methods with emphasis on phonics, phonemic awareness, comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary. This course also develops a comprehensive assessment vocabulary in order to administer, interpret, and evaluate assessment instruments. Field experience and a case study component will demonstrate integration of course knowledge and classroom practices.

RDG 610 Reading in the Content Areas

This course focuses on ways to integrate effective reading strategies into all subject areas of the curriculum. Participants learn strategies for supporting the comprehension of nonfiction texts and the development of content-area vocabulary, as well as motivational techniques for reluctant learners.

RDG 615 The Reading & Writing Connection

This course focuses on the writing process and its role in literacy development. As students become fluent readers, they need to balance their literacy time with various types of writing. Participants apply research-based instructional strategies to integrate writing into all subject areas. Specific techniques such as mini-lessons, error analysis, conferencing and using portfolios are addressed. Each step of the writing process is examined as participants design units of study for their teaching practice.

How to Make Earth Day Relevant to Students
Mindfulness - Zen Teaching and Teaching Zen
Extension of the Classroom

Best of 2012 Downloadable Guide
Operation Global Connection Lesson Plan
Learning to Serve

Math Literacy Guide
Guide to Explicit Word Analysis Instruction
Cooperative Learning Guide

Application Deadline:

July 24, 2013

Registration Deadline:

July 26, 2013

Call an Enrollment Counselor today to learn more about the Online Master in the Art of Teaching degree at

855-628-6279

Call toll-free 855-628-6279 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.