About the Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education
Elementary school teachers can ignite a love of learning in their students while introducing them to a variety of new experiences and subjects. Do you want to make a difference in children’s lives while creating a fun, positive learning environment?
The Elementary Education MAT is for those holding a bachelor's degree in any subject who wish to obtain their Professional Educator's License to teach elementary-age students (grades 1-6) in the state of Illinois.
Our rigorous MAT ELE curriculum, paired with extended field-based experiences in diverse urban and suburban schools, will prepare you to teach with confidence. You will explore instructional methods specific to elementary-aged students and various content areas, learn how to design, deliver, and assess engaging instruction, and hone technology-forward and culturally responsive teaching practices to meet every learner's needs.
The MAT in Elementary Education degree program is typically completed in two years or less and leads to eligibility for an Illinois Professional Educator's License endorsed for self-contained general education (Grades 1-6).
For more information on state licensure and certification information, please visit NLU’s Public Disclosures page.
Learn more about how NCE prepares teachers who make a difference in the lives of the students they serve.
The Elementary Education, M.A.T. (Traditional Program) is appropriate for most candidates and requires 40 SH for licensure and 43 SH for a master’s degree.
The Elementary Education, M.A.T. (Teacher Residency Program) is for candidates accepted into NLU’s teacher residency licensure partner program and includes a classroom placement for an entire academic year.
The Elementary Education, M.A.T. (Alternative Licensure) includes an intensive summer jumpstart session of coursework and field experiences, followed by paid placement in a Chicago-area school under the mentorship of an experienced teacher. The program is designed to be completed in two years.
View all graduate professional educator licensure programs criteria here.
