Elementary Education

Overview

Key facts

Diverse field experiences throughout the program prepare teachers to support the needs of young children by focusing on theoretical and pedagogical issues in the classroom through research, assessment, and technology integration.

Upon program completion, Mercer graduates are prepared to be dynamic educators and reflective professionals who understand and support effective and dynamic elementary learning environments. Successful completion of the program and passing scores on the appropriate Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC)-approved Content Pedagogy Assessment and Georgia Assessment for the Certification of Educators (GACE) Content Assessments lead to eligibility for Level 5 certification.

Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Elementary Education program at Mercer University is designed for:

• Individuals entering the teaching profession

• Paraprofessionals who have bachelor’s degrees

• Teachers who hold non-renewable certificates and who are seeking to earn a Clear Renewable master’s level certificate

• Teacher candidates from a wide variety of academic majors who are interested in earning both initial certification and a master’s-level teaching certificate

• The M.A.T. in Elementary Education is offered at Mercer’s Atlanta and Henry County locations in a blended format. Coursework is scheduled in a blended combination of in-person and online meetings. Classes meet in eight-week terms at the Henry County location and in 16-week terms during fall and spring semesters on the Atlanta campus. All students will also complete daytime field experiences.

Day field experience requirement

• During the program, students will apply classroom knowledge and benefit from hands-on field experiences. Students will complete a sequentially planned series of field experiences in diverse settings and meet cluster requirements of the program. 
• If students are currently on a provisional license, they can complete this item in their own classroom. View program requirements to learn more. Field experiences are coordinated through the Office of Field Placement.

Expand your knowledge

Through program curriculum, students will gain knowledge in:

• Understanding the social, behavioral, emotional, cognitive, and physical characteristics and needs of young children

• Understanding how students differ in their approaches to learning and how the learning environment can be adapted to meet diverse needs of young children

• Designing and implementing an integrated, developmentally appropriate curriculum

• Developing and implementing a wide variety of assessment strategies

• Integrate research-based strategies and instructional technology effectively into all components of the elementary education curriculum