1. A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning with a grade point average of 2.75 or above. The degree must be documented by official transcripts. Most approved baccalaureate degrees are acceptable toward elementary certification.
2. Submit a completed graduate application and be accepted to Aurora University.
3. Submit a passing score on the Illinois Certification Testing System's Basic Skills Test.

Transfer of Credit

The College of Education Graduate Faculty Committee may accept a maximum of nine semester hours of graduate credit from regionally-accredited institutions of higher learning for application toward elective degree requirements. Transfer credit must be accepted prior to enrollment in the first course. Graduate faculty reserve the right to decide on the applicability of any and all transfer credit

Master of Arts in Teaching with Elementary Education Certification - 36 semester hours

Students are required to complete the following core courses:

Note: Students seeking a middle school endorsement must take EDU5440 and EDU5370, and meet state requirements for content area, prior to student teaching.

The Illinois middle school mathematics endorsement requires an additional mathematics methods course.

M.A.T.C. Course Descriptions

EDU5105 Classroom Dynamics (2 semester hours)
This course explores the dynamic context of the elementary and secondary classroom. A variety of classroom settings are observed and analyzed using video and other technology. Teacher candidates analyze the behaviors of the teacher and student, as well as the teacher candidate’s own belief system. The candidates investigate the processes of creating dynamic classroom learning environments where students are motivated, supported, engaged and responsible learners. The candidates discover best practices through the use of motivation, organization, communication and instructional strategies, and create a comprehensive classroom management plan.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the College of Education, including passing the Basic Skills Test.

EDU5200 Standards, History, Philosophy of Education (4 semester hours)
This course is designed to introduce students to the Illinois State Standards for Learning and the Illinois Professional Teacher Standards. Expectations for student learning will provide a focal point analyzing how a standards-based education system is a win-win situation for students, teachers, administrators and parents. This course also introduces students to various philosophies that have influenced educational policy and practice. The student examines the principles and ideologies behind educational systems, curricula, goals and professional dilemmas faced by practicing educators. Students are introduced to the thoughts of influential educators to promote and encourage the development of their own philosophy of education.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the College of Education, including passing the Basic Skills Test.

EDU5260 Advanced Educational Psychology (4 semester hours)
This course explores knowledge that is essential for effective teaching and learning and focuses on the individual’s growth, development and learning. Learning is the product of complex interactions among student, teacher, family and society. The students explore the cognitive, physical, emotional, moral and social development of children from conception to age 18. Special attention will be given to the development of literacy, language, the interaction between growth and learning and diverse learners all in relation to the classroom teacher. In this course, the student will identify and explore effective classroom practices through current professional research; critically evaluate current trends in education with respect to their support in literature and their currency in educational discourse, and explore major theorists and theories that have provided the foundational grounding for current research and practice.
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the College of Education, including passing the Basic Skills Test.

EDU5300 Assessment and Approaches to Learning (4 semester hours)
This course is designed to provide the student with the knowledge needed to implement a variety of instructional and assessment models. This includes understanding the theoretical underpinnings and important theorists of social and cognitive constructivism who contributed to the development and the analysis of student achievement in relation to these models. The following models are studied: cognitive learning, critical thinking, social interaction, including group work and cooperative learning; inductive thinking; concept attainment; integrative thinking; problem-based learning; direct instruction, and lecture-discussion. Within the teaching and learning of the above-listed models, exploration also includes the premise that assessment of student achievement plays a vital role in instruction and the main goal is to improve learning for all students.
Prerequisites: Acceptance into the College of Education, including passing the Basic Skills Test; maintaining a GPA of 3.00; passing a criminal background check; EDU5100, EDU5200 and EDU5260.

EDU5360 Teaching Mathematics and Science (4 semester hours)
This elementary methods course examines the methodologies and approaches to teaching and integrating mathematics and science. Teacher candidates explore, create and utilize a variety of instructional mathematics and science strategies that are developmentally appropriate and motivating for elementary students. Candidates engage in activities integrating both mathematics and science in order to facilitate the learning, the application, and the implementation of concepts and procedures to real-world situations. The course involves teacher candidates in a variety of problem-solving activities designed to develop meanings and properties of mathematical and scientific concepts. Teacher candidates create lesson plans appropriate to grade-level and content.
Prerequisites: Acceptance into the College of Education, including passing the Basic Skills Test; maintaining a GPA of 3.00; passing a criminal background check; and EDU5100, EDU5200, and EDU5260.

EDU5370 Adolescent Development and Learning (3 semester hours)
This course examines the physical, cognitive, social, emotional, ideological, sexual and gender roles of adolescents; racial/ethnic and vocational development of pre-adolescents and adolescents; and the relationship of adolescents’ development to learning and school achievement. Required for middle school endorsement.
Prerequisites: Acceptance into the College of Education, including passing the Basic Skills Test; maintaining a GPA of 3.00; passing a criminal background check; and EDU 5100, EDU 5200, and EDU5260.

EDU5440 Middle School: Mission and Methods (3 semester hours)
This course explores some of the key issues surrounding middle schools and analyzes these issues in an attempt to clarify the changing roles of the schools, teachers, and students in our increasingly complex multicultural society. Using current research, case studies, and class projects, teacher candidates discuss and analyze issues that shape educational institutions and current practices. Included is an examination of strategies for reading in the middle school content areas. Teacher candidates explore strategies teachers use to address related classroom issues and construct the “ideal” middle school. Required for middle school endorsement.
Prerequisites: Acceptance into the College of Education, including passing the Basic Skills Test; maintaining a GPA of 3.00; passing a criminal background check; and EDU5100, EDU5200, and EDU5260.

EDU 5450 Methods of Teaching Mathematics: Middle School (3 semester hours)
This course explores methods of teaching mathematics at the middle school level with emphasis on research-based curriculum models that promote and support mathematical understanding in adolescent students. Teacher candidates examine strategies for adapting instruction to meet the needs of multicultural and exceptional students and develop lesson plans that reflect current research and best practice. Required for middle school endorsement in mathematics.
Prerequisites: Acceptance into the College of Education, including passing the Basic Skills Test; maintaining a GPA of 3.00; passing a criminal background check; and EDU5100, EDU5200, and EDU5260.

EDU5480 Teaching Reading and Language Arts (4 semester hours)
This elementary methods course examines teaching reading and language arts in the elementary classroom with an emphasis on principles, trends, methods, materials, approaches and strategies. The course includes discussion of basal, literature-based, individualized, reading workshop, guided reading and language experience-based methods. Teacher candidates design and assess instruction to meet the Illinois Learning Standards in the areas of reading and English language arts for elementary students. Candidates develop reading and language arts lessons designed to meet the needs of children from various cultural and experiential backgrounds.
Prerequisites: Acceptance into the College of Education, including passing the Basic Skills Test; maintaining a GPA of 3.00; passing a criminal background check; and EDU5100, EDU5200, EDU5260.

EDU5720 Reading and Writing in the Content Areas - Secondary Education students ( 4 semester hours)
Students will develop an understanding of teaching reading and writing in the content areas in the secondary classroom with an emphasis on principles, trends, methods, materials, approaches and strategies. Based on theories of interactive language and writing development, the course presents methodology designed to help teachers develop literacy and comprehension abilities in the content areas. This course will be subdivided and taught by content areas based upon student need and faculty availability.
Prerequisites: Acceptance into the College of Education, including passing the Basic Skills Test; maintaining a GPA of 3.00; passing a criminal background check; and EDU5100, EDU5200, EDU5260.

EDU5750 Methods Practicum (2 semester hours)
This course is a field experience in grades K-9 taken concurrently with one of the elementary methods courses in the program. Teacher candidates schedule a minimum of 50 contact hours spread over the 16-week semester in an assigned elementary classroom and are responsible for observing, planning, teaching, and evaluating the assigned group of students. Teacher candidates design and deliver lessons, evaluate and use teaching resources and curriculum materials, utilize classroom technology, create and use assessment instruments, reflect upon their experiences through journaling and collaborate with practicing teachers, the college professor, University supervisor, peers and the elementary and secondary learners.
Prerequisites: Acceptance into the College of Education, including passing the Basic Skills Test; maintaining a GPA of 3.00; passing a criminal background check; and EDU5100, EDU5200, EDU5260.

EDU5820 Secondary Methods of Teaching (4 semester hours)
This course presents techniques that are effective in teaching in the content areas. During the course those students who are preparing to teach math, sciences, English, or social studies have separate sessions and activities. The course includes lesson planning, classroom arrangement, curriculum design, alternative teaching strategies, and evaluation. In addition to the classroom hours there is a simultaneous practicum. This is usually the last course the student takes prior to student teaching.
Prerequisites: Acceptance into the College of Education, including passing the Basic Skills Test; maintaining a GPA of 3.00; passing a criminal background check; and EDU5100, EDU5200, EDU5260, and EDU5720

EDU6750 Student Teaching (12 semester hours)
Student Teaching is the capstone experience of the M.A.T.C. program. The teacher candidate is assigned to a K-9 classroom for the 16-week semester and is responsible for planning, directing and evaluating the learning of a group of students under the supervision of a certified teacher and a University supervisor. The teacher candidate is guided through experiences designed to apply the knowledge and skill gained throughout the program. The teacher candidate performs the major functions of a teacher with appropriate responsibilities and supervision.
Prerequisites: Consent of program chair; acceptance into the College of Education, including passing the Basic Skills Test; officially reported passing grade on the Content Area Test; maintaining a GPA of 3.00; passing a criminal background check; and completion of professional courses. Students with an earned baccalaureate degree must satisfactorily complete 15 semester hours at Aurora University prior to student teaching.

Please Note: The information listed on this page is current according to the 2007-2009 Graduate Catalog, unless otherwise noted.