MAT Early Childhood Education (PreK-4), Teacher Certification

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Early Childhood Education (PreK-4) is designed for college graduates who are seeking Instructional I certification. Upon completion of the program of study, candidates are eligible to apply for certification for teaching in Pre-Kindergarten to 4th grade classrooms in Pennsylvania. The MAT program in Early Childhood Education (PreK-4) is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and has been reviewed by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Professional standards are addressed during the coursework and field experiences throughout the program. The program prepares leading teachers for early learning environments in preschool through 4th grade. Throughout the program, candidates have the opportunity to develop classroom and professional skills by participating in a holistic approach to teaching using evidence-based pedagogy. Field and community-based placements that provide the candidate with guided learning experiences are integral to the program. Courses are primarily online in the first year of the program and online and hybrid in the second year of the program to support working professionals. Paraprofessionals and other working educational professionals are encouraged to apply.

The MAT in Early Childhood Education is a 42-credit program consisting of courses and experiences including Early Childhood Education and Diverse Populations, Effective Instructional Strategies, Family Engagement and Equity, and the Professional Capstone. The program includes focused attention in the areas of Social Justice, Leadership, Diversity, and Technology. Successful completion of the program results in a Master of Arts in Teaching and eligibility to apply for initial certification to teach in a Preschool – 4th grade classroom in Pennsylvania.

Field Experiences

A significant feature of the Leading Teacher Program (LTP) is early participation in field experiences. Field experiences are integrated into coursework throughout the Leading Teacher Program. Field experiences are a critical component in preparing professional educators for leadership and distinction in teaching, scholarship and service in the world’s communities. Field experiences occur in off-campus settings. It is in these field experiences that teacher candidates demonstrate the integration of theory and practice. Teacher candidates participate in a variety of settings, with students of different ages, and with culturally diverse and exceptional populations.

Student Teaching

The graduate experience in the Leading Teacher Program culminates in student teaching, which is the most significant professional experience representing a bridge between professional preparation and professional practice. Teacher candidates apply principles and techniques of teaching and learning in a PreK-12 classroom with a mentor teacher for a full semester in their last semester. Teacher candidates must complete an application and satisfy the specific requirements for student teaching.

Student Teaching Application Requirements

The following information applies to all teacher candidates who are applying for student teaching in the fall semester of the same year OR the spring semester of the following year. Teacher Candidates must:

  1. Attend a Student Teaching Informational Session.
  2. Maintain a minimum of 3.0 GPA overall and in certification subject area.
  3. Resolve all Incomplete, NP (Not Pass), or Failing grades.
  4. Submit online Student Teaching Application by specified date.
  5. Email an updated résumé to the School of Education by designated date.
  6. Read the Student Teaching Handbook in its entirety, and sign and the “Student Acknowledgement” page of the Handbook for the School of Education by designated date.
  7. To submit your clearances, you can upload copies to our secure system, EllyDUQ.
  8. Officially register for a credited course titled “Student Teaching.
    • Fall Student Teachers– Updated clearances are due by no later than the third Friday in March.
    • Spring Student Teachers– Updated clearances are due by no later than August 1st.
    • Clearances must be current for the duration of the student teaching experience; students will not receive a student teaching placement until this requirement is met.
    • Students are responsible for retaining copies of the required clearances listed below.
      • Act 151/33 PA Child Abuse Clearance
      • Act 34 PA Access to Criminal History
      • Act 114 Federal Criminal History Record Information/FBI Clearance (Department of Education)
      • Negative TB Test Result **Some school districts, such as bethel park and woodland hills, require tb tests to be no older than months from the start date of student teaching.
      • Act 126 Mandated Reporter (Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting Training)

Teacher Certification

The School of Education has been approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to offer coursework leading to the Pennsylvania Instructional I Certificate. This certificate is valid for six years, beginning the first-year individuals are employed as a teacher in the State of Pennsylvania. In order for a student to be eligible for certification, the following requirements must be met:

  1. Completion of course and GPA requirements outlined by the Pennsylvania Department of Education's (PDE) sliding scale (PDE's website details this information, it is found on the Certification Testing Requirements page).
  2. Successful completion of student teaching.
  3. Completion of all requirements for the MAT
  4. Completion of the application for certification.
  5. Recommendation by the Certification Officer of the School of Education.
  6. Successful completion of professional examinations as required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Note: Pennsylvania Department of Education may choose to revise passing scores for professional examinations. Teacher candidates must meet the criterion score in effect on the date of application for certification.

The requirements for certification are established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Teacher candidates must meet the requirements established by the state at the time of application for certification.

Leading Teacher Program Policies

All policies are designed to support PDE policies for teacher education programs and initial teacher certification.

State regulations supersede University policies for establishing minimum program requirements. It is possible that the requirements for graduation, the degree, and/or certification may change during the student's tenure at the University. The state policies adopted by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the Secretary of Education and/or the state legislature at the time of graduation are the requirements that must be met. Candidates are responsible for knowing and fulfilling their program requirements.

Content Area Courses

All secondary majors must maintain a 3.0 QPA in the academic content area. Therefore, secondary candidates may take content area courses within the core content area to ensure content competence.

The Committee on Student Standing

The School of Education Committee on Student Standing reviews petitions submitted by School of Education Leading Teacher Program students, both undergraduate and graduate, requesting exceptions to existing policies, procedures, and academic decisions within the School of Education and Duquesne University. Advisors work with candidates when it is deemed appropriate to submit a petition to the Committee on Student Standing. All petitions must be submitted electronically through the online Student Standing Petition Form.

Clearances

In accordance with the Pennsylvania Department of Education and all School Districts who host candidates for Field Experience and Student Teaching, the School of Education requires that all candidates - Undergraduate and Graduate - submit any clearances, required by PDE (Act 151 Child Abuse History, Act 34 Criminal Record Check, Act 114 Federal Criminal History record Information/FBI Clearance (Department of Education) and TB Testing annually during their academic career at Duquesne University. The Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting Training clearance must be completed and submitted within the first semester of study; this clearance is valid for five years and does not need to be renewed while continually enrolled in the Leading Teacher Program. Clearances are required for the safety of school children and for the adults who interact with them.

Candidates cannot attend a field experience in any school, agency, or educational organization, if they do not have valid clearances for the duration of the semester in which the field experience or student teaching occurs. The only exception is if the student is an employee of the school in which the field experience will occur. In this situation, a district representative must complete the appropriate form acknowledging the student has clearances that align with the district's requirements.

Candidates who do not have their current clearances on file will not be placed for field or student teaching.

Accommodations and Adaptions

English as a Second Language and Special Education

Leading Teacher Programs in the School of Education include three (3) credits of English as a Second Language and at least nine (9) credits or the equivalent credit hours of Special Education. Competencies focusing on adaptations and accommodations are integrated throughout coursework in LTP programs.

Guidelines for Admission

Graduates with a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or the equivalent will be considered for admission to graduate study in the School of Education by complying with the details outlined. General admission is based on an applicant's previous academic record as shown by official transcripts of all previous study. Applicants are expected to have a 3.0 grade point average, based on a four-point scale, in their undergraduate work. 

Admission Process Requirements

Phase 1

Along with the Online Application, the following are required for applying to the program: 

  • Transcripts from undergraduate degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university with a minimum overall 3.00 GPA (Grade Point Average)
  • One-page letter of intent, describing why you want to become a teacher
  • CV/resume
Phase 2

Once your Phase 1 materials have been received, they will be reviewed by the Graduate PreK-4 advisor. If you meet the minimum program requirements, the advisor may ask you to meet to review your official transcript and program guidelines.

We have a rolling admission for this program.

International Applicants

Connect with International Admissions for additional information and requirements: intladmissions@duq.edu

Additional Information

Clearances

Prior to the first semester of study, candidates will need to obtain clearances. Pennsylvania school law requires clearances prior to be placed in schools.  

List of Clearances: 

  • Act 151 Child Abuse History Clearance
  • Act 34 PA Criminal Record Check
  • Act 114 Federal Criminal History Record Information/FBI Clearance (Department of Education) (Fingerprints)
  • TB Testing
  • Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting Training is valid for five years. 
Pennsylvania Department of Education Tests

Level I certification. Students are required to take and pass the exams as outlined by the Pennsylvania Department of Education  before applying for certification. More information regarding these tests will be given to candidates throughout the program.

For further information please contact the program at (412) 396-6088 or prek@duq.edu .

Learning Outcomes

  • Exhibits exemplary knowledge in the content and professional areas of certification.
  • Plans content-area instruction aligned to state and national standards and discipline expectations.
  • Locates and uses resources, including technological resources, to plan and implement instruction.
  • Plans and implements instruction that attends to students’ developmental levels, diverse backgrounds, and academic needs.
  • Designs and uses assessment of student learning to guide improvement.
  • Demonstrates characteristics of professional ethics, relational trust, and cultural competence in interactions with students, colleagues, families, and communities.  

Program of Study

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) is in the process of reviewing and updating certification bands and competencies, the curriculum will be revised to meet these changes. 

Childhood Education and Diverse Populations

  • GEPK 503 Child Development Typical and Atypical Development Birth through Age 9, 3 credits
    Or
  • GPSY 619 Child and Adolescent Development, 3 credits 
  • GEPK 504 Theory, Research and Practice in Education, 3 credits
  • GEPK 505 Level 1 and Level 2 Field Experience (30 hours), 0 credits
  • GILT 512 Instructional Design, 3 credits
  • GFDE 555 Foundations of Assessments in Grades PreK-4, 3 credits
  • GSPE 501 Exploring inclusive teaching support, 3 credits
  • GSPE 603 Multi-tiered Systems of Supports, 3 credits
  • GESL 501 Helping ELLs, 3 credits 

Effective Instructional Strategies

  • GRLA 525 Engaging Families through Early Literacy Experiences, 3 credits
  • GRLA 526 Methods of Teaching Literacy, 3 credits
  • GEPK 535 Methods of Teaching Science in Grades PreK-4, 3 credits
  • GEPK 530 Methods of Teaching Mathematics in Grades PreK-4, 3 credits
  • GEPK 540 Methods of Teaching Social Studies in Grades PreK-4, 3 credits
  • GEPK 531, 536, 541 Field Experience Level 3, 0 credits

Family Engagement and Equity, Professional Capstone

 

  • GEPK 542 Family and School Collaborations (Capstone) (taken concurrently with Student Teaching), 3 credits
  • LTEC 592 Student Teaching (15 weeks), 3 credits
    Or
  • LTEC 593 Student Teaching Abroad (3 credits abroad and 3 credits in the US), 3 credits

Total Program Credits: 42