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Oct 16, 2024
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2024-2025 Course Catalog
Early Childhood/Special Education, M.A.T.
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The M.A.T. in Early Childhood/Special Education is a cohort-based program that leads to a recommendation for grades preschool-grade 3 (PK-3) teacher licensure and grades PK-K Special Education teacher licensure in the State of Connecticut (CT Certification #113).
The program is grounded in rigorous academic preparation in methods of curriculum and instruction and the preparation of teachers who support the learning of all students. We are guided by the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion, and seek to prepare the next generation of teachers to enact these values in their classrooms, schools, and communities.
Program outcomes
Students will:
- Be critical thinkers and effective problem solvers who are concerned with the social, emotional and intellectual issues of young children in the contemporary educational setting
- Apply advanced pedagogy in child development, curriculum, instruction and assessment to engage young students in reaching their potential as individuals and as learners
- Develop the capacity to influence and advance positive change for young children and the profession of early childhood education in a complex global society
- Encourage development of collaborative relationships among all adults and agencies responsible for the appropriate emotional, social and cognitive development of young children
Acceptance requirements
- Graduate admission application and nonrefundable admission fee
- A conferred bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.67
- Two sealed official transcripts of all undergraduate work and any prior graduate work
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to the candidate’s suitability as a prospective teacher or to work with children and families. Note: Recommendations must be obtained from individuals who are not family members, personal friends or members of the Department of Education at USJ.
- Letter of intent
- Immunization record using the USJ Health Service form available on the University website
- A successful interview with Department of Education faculty
Continuation requirements
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses for continuous progression throughout the program. After 12 credits, candidates must maintain a G.P.A of 2.67 or higher throughout the program.
Exit requirements
Candidates for the master of arts in teaching must complete a course embedded capstone experience in the final semester.
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Degree requirements (40 credits)
Application to Student Teach
An application to student teach may be obtained from the Office of Clinical Practice. It must be complete and submitted by the posted deadline for fall and spring placements. All applications and required forms may be found on the USJ Education community Blackboard site.
To ensure success during student teaching, no other courses may be taken during that semester unless approved by the advisor, Department Chair, and Director of Clinical Practice.
Candidates who apply for student teaching will be evaluated by department faculty, who will consider:
- Academic proficiency as indicated by coursework
- Communication skills as reflected in oral and written expression and listening
- Social sensitivity and skills in alignment with the critical dispositions of educators as demonstrated by interactions
Only candidates accepted into the Teacher Licensure Program can apply for student teaching. An application to student teach from the Office of Student Teaching and Clinical Experiences must be submitted by February 1 for fall placements and September 15 for spring placements.
Recommendation for Certification
To be recommended to the Connecticut State Department of Education for licensure, candidates must:
- Complete all program requirements for the major and for licensure, including the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) requirements for coursework and student teaching
- Fulfill general education requirements for CSDE
- Provide documentation of basic skills assessments; SAT, GRE, ACT, or Praxis Core
- Pass all required certification exams
- Apply through CECS (CT Education Certification System) and notify Office of Clinical Practice to be recommended
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