Here’s some good news for people with a love of learning and an interest in sharing that passion in a classroom. Soon, they’ll be able to earn a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Elementary Education in one year.
Beginning this summer, the University of Charleston, South Carolina at the College of Charleston will offer an accelerated, one-year master’s degree in elementary education. According to Tracey Hunter-Doniger, who directs the Master of Arts in Teaching program, the move to an accelerated format is an important opportunity for the College’s graduate school.
“We are very excited about this accelerated elementary program,” says Hunter-Doniger, assistant professor of creative arts in education. “It is designed for people who want to become teachers and have a bachelor’s degree in any area.”
She adds that this program is also a great opportunity for recent college graduates who earned degrees in areas other than education, but who have decided to teach. The program will include courses during two summer semester as well as a fall and spring semester. Graduate students in the program will also take part in field experiences at local schools during the academic year.
“The great thing about this is that it is only 13 months of fast-paced, hands-on classes,” says Hunter-Doniger. “After that, they will be able to get a job as a teacher for the 2020-2021 school year. An extra advantage is that by obtaining a MAT, they will be on a higher pay scale as a master’s level teacher.”
On Friday, Jan. 18, 2019, at 4 p.m., Hunter-Doniger will present an information session about the new program for prospective students. This will take place in Alumni Hall at the School of Education, Health and Human Performance at 86 Wentworth St. The program will begin enrolling students for the accelerated degree this summer. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2019.
For additional information, contact professor Tracey Hunter-Doniger at hunterdonigertl@cofc.edu or 843.953.8075.
Featured image: A student teacher reads to students at James B. Edwards Elementary School in the spring of 2018.
