Program Mission
The mission of the Master of Arts in Teaching for Elementary Education is to provide an accessible, efficient route to teacher licensure for candidates who possess a qualifying undergraduate or graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution. The online modality caters to the needs of place-bound and nontraditional candidates who want to gain professional credentials without sacrificing their current work roles. The full-year  residency enables candidates to select unpaid, paid, or third-party-funded placements in their local communities. This program is aligned with the Illinois Professional Educator Standards, Illinois’ Social and Emotional Learning Standards, Illinois’ Culturally Relevant Teaching and Leading Standards, and EIU’s Graduate Learning Goals. 

Accreditation
Accreditation is consistent with existing initial teacher licensure programs (e.g., through an individual program’s Specialized Professional Association). Additionally, the program will be approved by the Illinois Board of  Higher Education and the Illinois State Board of Education for initial licensure. 

Admission Requirements
To be eligible for degree candidacy, applicants must meet all of the requirements for admission to the Graduate School (see “Admission to Graduate Degree and Certificate Programs”). Additional requirements include (a) an undergraduate or graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 2.75 GPA; (b) a formal letter of application summarizing the candidate’s background, motivation for entering the teaching  profession, and experience working in public schools (if any); (c) 32 semester hours combined in language arts, math, science, and social studies coursework; (d) passage of a criminal history background check through the College of Education’s designated vendor; and (e) submission of a signed program acceptance letter acknowledging all program requirements. 

Degree Audit
The graduate plan of study is the EIU Degree Audit, which is generated automatically in the Degree Works system at the time of degree candidacy. Modifications of the standard EIU Degree Audit are submitted by the  Graduate Coordinator to the certification officer in the Graduate School at the time modifications are approved. The Degree Audit serves as an unofficial summary of requirements for the program. Degree and certificate  candidates are advised to review the comprehensive summary of Degree Audit process specified in “Requirements for All Degree and Certificate Candidates” section of the Graduate Catalog. Individual programs may require candidates to submit plans of study in addition to the  Degree Audit; candidates should consult with the program coordinator.