Suzanne Kucharczyk
Head, Department of Curriculum and Instruction
216 Peabody Hall
479-575-4209
Email: suzannek@uark.edu

Marcia Imbeau
Program Coordinator
479-575-3570
Email: mimbeau@uark.edu

Degree Conferred:
M.A.T. in Elementary Teaching

Graduate Certificates Offered (non-degree):
STEM Education for Early Childhood (K-6)

Program Description: The University of Arkansas offers the Bachelor of Science (B.S.E.) degree in Childhood Education and the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) degree in Elementary Education. These combined degree programs are one of the options at the University of Arkansas that lead to initial teacher licensure in Elementary Education (Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 6). Students who obtain their B.S.E. degree from the University of Arkansas will have completed the prerequisite course requirements for entry into the M.A.T. program. Students who obtain a bachelors degree from another university and/or in a program area other than Elementary Education must have their transcripts evaluated by a Elementary Education program adviser to determine what deficiencies must be met before they can be considered for admission into the M.A.T. program. The M.A.T. degree program is a 33-semester-hour program. To be recommended for licensure by the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, campus, students must complete the M.A.T. degree program or the undergraduate Elementary Licensure program (see undergraduate catalog for more information). Students also choose a concentration from among English as a Second Language, Reading, Gift and Talented, or STEM Education.

The program also offers coursework toward a graduate certificate in STEM Education for Early Childhood (K-6).

M.A.T. in Elementary Education with ESL for K-6 Candidates Concentration

See also the general Graduate School requirements for the M.A.T. Degree.

Prerequisites to Degree Program

Enrollments will be limited in upper division professional studies courses in the Childhood Education B.S.E. Program. In addition, the number of students accepted into the M.A.T. Program in Elementary Education will be contingent upon availability of placements with partnership schools. Specific application procedures, screening, and selection criteria are in effect to limit course enrollments and acceptance to the M.A.T. program. Please contact your childhood education program faculty adviser for details regarding the selective admission process. Admission requirements for the M.A.T. degree program for initial certification are as follows:

  1. Completion of an appropriate undergraduate degree program.
  2. Cumulative GPA of 3.00, or 3.00 in the last 60 hours of the baccalaureate degree .
  3. Admission to the Graduate School.
  4. Screening/acceptance into internship, which includes an admission portfolio.
  5. Admission to the Master of Arts in Teaching program.
  6. Successful completion of the required criminal background check. Background check materials must be submitted by May 1st prior to the internship year.
  7. Completion of the pre-education core with a minimum of “C” in all courses.
  8. Completion of all prerequisite courses in teaching field.
  9. Payment of internship fee.

Requirements for the Master of Arts in Teaching Degree

A minimum of 33 hours of course work is required in one of the following concentrations.

Students should also be aware of Graduate School requirements with regard to master's degree.

Dismissal based on Unethical or Unprofessional Behaviors from Elementary Education M.A.T. program

The University of Arkansas’ teacher preparation programs adhere to the Code of Ethics of the Education Profession as established by the National Education Association as described in NEA Code of EthicsArkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education Code of Ethics, as well as discipline specific codes of ethics and standards found in program handbooks. Violation of these principles may result in probation, suspension, or dismissal of the internship as described:

  1. Any incident of ethical misconduct or concern will be documented by the faculty member(s), discussed directly with the student and their mentor, and referred to the program’s coordinator or supervising faculty.  It may also be reported to the Teacher Candidate Professional Review Committee.  
  2. The Teacher Candidate Professional Review Committee evaluates the concerns and recommends a course of action, which may range from a zero score on the academic and/or internship work, a failing grade for the course, probation, up to dismissal from a teacher education program.  
  3. Any candidate may be suspended by a Teacher Education Program Coordinator for extreme, unforeseen circumstances such as endangerment of students or others, disruption of schools or classes, felonious behaviors, or ethical violations (i.e. Arkansas Code of Ethics, Code of Student Life). Such suspensions will be referred to the Teacher Candidate Professional Review Committee for review and may become permanent.

The Program Coordinator, in consultation with the Teacher Education Professional Review Committee and the Graduate School, has the authority and responsibility to dismiss a student from the teacher education program for unethical or unprofessional behavior and/or not recommend the student for licensure.

More detailed guidelines about the policies, supports, and other requirements are provided in the program’s handbook, as well as on the Office of Teacher Education website.

Students who have been dismissed by the program on the basis of unethical or unprofessional conduct may appeal the decision following the procedures outlined under the Unethical and Unprofessional Conduct policy contained in the Graduate Catalog of Studies.

Additional Requirements for the ESL Concentration:

CIED 5003Elementary Education Seminar3
CIED 5013Measurement, Research and Statistical Concepts in the Schools3
CIED 5022Classroom Management Concepts2
CIED 5032Curriculum Design Concepts for Teachers2
CIED 5053Multicultural Issues in Elementary Education3
CIED 5073Action Research in Elementary Education3
CIED 508VElementary Education Cohort Teaching Internship (taken in 2 enrollments of 3 hours each) 16
CIED 5162Applied Practicum2
CIED 5173Literacy Assessment and Intervention3
CIED 5933Second Language Methodologies3
CIED 5953Second Language Assessment3
Total Hours33
1

"B" or better required for graduation.

M.A.T. in Elementary Education with Gifted and Talented for K-6 Candidates Concentration

See also the general Graduate School requirements for the M.A.T. Degree.

Prerequisites to Degree Program

Enrollments will be limited in upper division professional studies courses in the Childhood Education B.S.E. Program. In addition, the number of students accepted into the M.A.T. Program in Elementary Education will be contingent upon availability of placements with partnership schools. Specific application procedures, screening, and selection criteria are in effect to limit course enrollments and acceptance to the M.A.T. program. Please contact your childhood education program faculty adviser for details regarding the selective admission process. Admission requirements for the M.A.T. degree program for initial certification are as follows:

  1. Completion of an appropriate undergraduate degree program.
  2. Cumulative GPA of 3.00, or 3.00 in the last 60 hours of the baccalaureate degree .
  3. Admission to the Graduate School.
  4. Screening/acceptance into internship, which includes an admission portfolio.
  5. Admission to the Master of Arts in Teaching program.
  6. Successful completion of the required criminal background check. Background check materials must be submitted by May 1st prior to the internship year.
  7. Completion of the pre-education core with a minimum of “C” in all courses.
  8. Completion of all prerequisite courses in teaching field.
  9. Payment of internship fee.

Requirements for the Master of Arts in Teaching Degree

A minimum of 33 hours of course work is required in one of the following concentrations.

Students should also be aware of Graduate School requirements with regard to master's degree.

Dismissal based on Unethical or Unprofessional Behaviors from Elementary Education M.A.T. program

The University of Arkansas’ teacher preparation programs adhere to the Code of Ethics of the Education Profession as established by the National Education Association as described in NEA Code of EthicsArkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education Code of Ethics, as well as discipline specific codes of ethics and standards found in program handbooks. Violation of these principles may result in probation, suspension, or dismissal of the internship as described:

  1. Any incident of ethical misconduct or concern will be documented by the faculty member(s), discussed directly with the student and their mentor, and referred to the program’s coordinator or supervising faculty.  It may also be reported to the Teacher Candidate Professional Review Committee.  
  2. The Teacher Candidate Professional Review Committee evaluates the concerns and recommends a course of action, which may range from a zero score on the academic and/or internship work, a failing grade for the course, probation, up to dismissal from a teacher education program.  
  3. Any candidate may be suspended by a Teacher Education Program Coordinator for extreme, unforeseen circumstances such as endangerment of students or others, disruption of schools or classes, felonious behaviors, or ethical violations (i.e. Arkansas Code of Ethics, Code of Student Life). Such suspensions will be referred to the Teacher Candidate Professional Review Committee for review and may become permanent.

The Program Coordinator, in consultation with the Teacher Education Professional Review Committee and the Graduate School, has the authority and responsibility to dismiss a student from the teacher education program for unethical or unprofessional behavior and/or not recommend the student for licensure.

More detailed guidelines about the policies, supports, and other requirements are provided in the program’s handbook, as well as on the Office of Teacher Education website.

Students who have been dismissed by the program on the basis of unethical or unprofessional conduct may appeal the decision following the procedures outlined under the Unethical and Unprofessional Conduct policy contained in the Graduate Catalog of Studies.

Additional requirements for the Gifted and Talented Concentration:

CIED 5003Elementary Education Seminar3
CIED 5013Measurement, Research and Statistical Concepts in the Schools3
CIED 5022Classroom Management Concepts2
CIED 5032Curriculum Design Concepts for Teachers2
CIED 5053Multicultural Issues in Elementary Education3
CIED 5073Action Research in Elementary Education3
CIED 508VElementary Education Cohort Teaching Internship (taken in 2 enrollments of 3 hours each) 16
CIED 5162Applied Practicum2
CIED 5173Literacy Assessment and Intervention3
Approved GT courses6
Total Hours33
1

"B" or better required for graduation.

M.A.T. in Elementary Education with Reading for K-6 Candidates Concentration

See also the general Graduate School requirements for the M.A.T. Degree.

Prerequisites to Degree Program

Enrollments will be limited in upper division professional studies courses in the Childhood Education B.S.E. Program. In addition, the number of students accepted into the M.A.T. Program in Elementary Education will be contingent upon availability of placements with partnership schools. Specific application procedures, screening, and selection criteria are in effect to limit course enrollments and acceptance to the M.A.T. program. Please contact your childhood education program faculty adviser for details regarding the selective admission process. Admission requirements for the M.A.T. degree program for initial certification are as follows:

  1. Completion of an appropriate undergraduate degree program.
  2. Cumulative GPA of 3.00, or 3.00 in the last 60 hours of the baccalaureate degree .
  3. Admission to the Graduate School.
  4. Screening/acceptance into internship, which includes an admission portfolio.
  5. Admission to the Master of Arts in Teaching program.
  6. Successful completion of the required criminal background check. Background check materials must be submitted by May 1st prior to the internship year.
  7. Completion of the pre-education core with a minimum of “C” in all courses.
  8. Completion of all prerequisite courses in teaching field.
  9. Payment of internship fee.

Requirements for the Master of Arts in Teaching Degree

A minimum of 33 hours of course work is required in one of the following concentrations.

Students should also be aware of Graduate School requirements with regard to master's degree.

Dismissal based on Unethical or Unprofessional Behaviors from Elementary Education M.A.T. program

The University of Arkansas’ teacher preparation programs adhere to the Code of Ethics of the Education Profession as established by the National Education Association as described in NEA Code of EthicsArkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education Code of Ethics, as well as discipline specific codes of ethics and standards found in program handbooks. Violation of these principles may result in probation, suspension, or dismissal of the internship as described:

  1. Any incident of ethical misconduct or concern will be documented by the faculty member(s), discussed directly with the student and their mentor, and referred to the program’s coordinator or supervising faculty.  It may also be reported to the Teacher Candidate Professional Review Committee.  
  2. The Teacher Candidate Professional Review Committee evaluates the concerns and recommends a course of action, which may range from a zero score on the academic and/or internship work, a failing grade for the course, probation, up to dismissal from a teacher education program.  
  3. Any candidate may be suspended by a Teacher Education Program Coordinator for extreme, unforeseen circumstances such as endangerment of students or others, disruption of schools or classes, felonious behaviors, or ethical violations (i.e. Arkansas Code of Ethics, Code of Student Life). Such suspensions will be referred to the Teacher Candidate Professional Review Committee for review and may become permanent.

The Program Coordinator, in consultation with the Teacher Education Professional Review Committee and the Graduate School, has the authority and responsibility to dismiss a student from the teacher education program for unethical or unprofessional behavior and/or not recommend the student for licensure.

More detailed guidelines about the policies, supports, and other requirements are provided in the program’s handbook, as well as on the Office of Teacher Education website.

Students who have been dismissed by the program on the basis of unethical or unprofessional conduct may appeal the decision following the procedures outlined under the Unethical and Unprofessional Conduct policy contained in the Graduate Catalog of Studies.

Additional Requirements in Reading for K-6 Candidates Concentration

CIED 5003Elementary Education Seminar3
CIED 5013Measurement, Research and Statistical Concepts in the Schools3
CIED 5022Classroom Management Concepts2
CIED 5032Curriculum Design Concepts for Teachers2
CIED 5053Multicultural Issues in Elementary Education3
CIED 5073Action Research in Elementary Education3
CIED 508VElementary Education Cohort Teaching Internship (taken in 2 enrollments of 3 hours each) 16
CIED 5162Applied Practicum2
SPED 5543Dyslexia Teaching Practicum3
SPED 5683Teaching Literacy Skills to Students with Disabilities3
SPED 5873Assessment and Programming for Students with Disabilities3
Total Hours33
1

"B" or better required for graduation.

M.A.T. in Elementary Teaching with STEM for K-6 Candidates Concentration

See also the general Graduate School requirements for the M.A.T. Degree.

Prerequisites to Degree Program

Enrollments will be limited in upper division professional studies courses in the Childhood Education B.S.E. Program. In addition, the number of students accepted into the M.A.T. Program in Elementary Education will be contingent upon availability of placements with partnership schools. Specific application procedures, screening, and selection criteria are in effect to limit course enrollments and acceptance to the M.A.T. program. Please contact your childhood education program faculty adviser for details regarding the selective admission process. Admission requirements for the M.A.T. degree program for initial certification are as follows:

  1. Completion of an appropriate undergraduate degree program.
  2. Cumulative GPA of 3.00, or 3.00 in the last 60 hours of the baccalaureate degree .
  3. Admission to the Graduate School.
  4. Screening/acceptance into internship, which includes an admission portfolio.
  5. Admission to the Master of Arts in Teaching program.
  6. Successful completion of the required criminal background check. Background check materials must be submitted by May 1st prior to the internship year.
  7. Completion of the pre-education core with a minimum of “C” in all courses.
  8. Completion of all prerequisite courses in teaching field.
  9. Payment of internship fee.

Requirements for the Master of Arts in Teaching Degree

A minimum of 33 hours of course work is required in one of the following concentrations.

Students should also be aware of Graduate School requirements with regard to master's degree.

Dismissal based on Unethical or Unprofessional Behaviors from Elementary Education M.A.T. program

The University of Arkansas’ teacher preparation programs adhere to the Code of Ethics of the Education Profession as established by the National Education Association as described in NEA Code of EthicsArkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education Code of Ethics, as well as discipline specific codes of ethics and standards found in program handbooks. Violation of these principles may result in probation, suspension, or dismissal of the internship as described:

  1. Any incident of ethical misconduct or concern will be documented by the faculty member(s), discussed directly with the student and their mentor, and referred to the program’s coordinator or supervising faculty.  It may also be reported to the Teacher Candidate Professional Review Committee.  
  2. The Teacher Candidate Professional Review Committee evaluates the concerns and recommends a course of action, which may range from a zero score on the academic and/or internship work, a failing grade for the course, probation, up to dismissal from a teacher education program.  
  3. Any candidate may be suspended by a Teacher Education Program Coordinator for extreme, unforeseen circumstances such as endangerment of students or others, disruption of schools or classes, felonious behaviors, or ethical violations (i.e. Arkansas Code of Ethics, Code of Student Life). Such suspensions will be referred to the Teacher Candidate Professional Review Committee for review and may become permanent.

The Program Coordinator, in consultation with the Teacher Education Professional Review Committee and the Graduate School, has the authority and responsibility to dismiss a student from the teacher education program for unethical or unprofessional behavior and/or not recommend the student for licensure.

More detailed guidelines about the policies, supports, and other requirements are provided in the program’s handbook, as well as on the Office of Teacher Education website.

Students who have been dismissed by the program on the basis of unethical or unprofessional conduct may appeal the decision following the procedures outlined under the Unethical and Unprofessional Conduct policy contained in the Graduate Catalog of Studies.

Additional Requirements in STEM for K-6 Concentration:

CIED 5003Elementary Education Seminar3
CIED 5013Measurement, Research and Statistical Concepts in the Schools3
CIED 5022Classroom Management Concepts2
CIED 5032Curriculum Design Concepts for Teachers2
CIED 5053Multicultural Issues in Elementary Education3
CIED 5073Action Research in Elementary Education3
CIED 508VElementary Education Cohort Teaching Internship (taken in 2 enrollments of 3 hours each) 16
CIED 5162Applied Practicum2
CIED 5173Literacy Assessment and Intervention3
STEM 5203Problem-Based Mathematics3
STEM 5213Teaching Problem-Based Science in the Elementary Grades3
Total Hours33
1

"B" or better required for graduation.