Make a difference in the classroom
Mercer University’s Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Elementary Education is designed to prepare individuals for initial teacher certification with the specialized skills and knowledge to teach students in grades P through 5. 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.
Designed for busy and working adults
Mercer’s M.A.T. in Elementary Education is designed for:
- Individuals entering the teaching profession who have bachelor’s degrees in another field
- Paraprofessionals who have bachelor’s degrees in another field
- 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, Henry County, and Macon locations in a blended format. Coursework is scheduled in a blended combination of in-person and online meetings. Classes meet in eight-week and sixteen-week terms. 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 grade-band 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
Learn more about our M.A.T. in Elementary Education
Ready to take the next step?
Schedule your personalized admissions appointment or contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at 678.547.6062 or MercerEducation@mercer.edu for more information.
Mercer's professors truly love education and want to inspire others to become the best teachers they possibly can be. I feel more than confident to have my own classroom and have a successful year.
Meet Our Faculty
Mercer’s Tift College of Education is supported by faculty and staff who devote themselves to preparing students to become transforming educators within their communities and throughout the world.
Professional licensure
All of Mercer’s programs that lead to licensure are designed to meet the educational requirements of regulatory authorities in the State of Georgia. If you intend to seek licensure or certification outside of Georgia, please review Mercer’s professional licensure disclosure for more information.