All students are required to meet the general university admission requirements.

Program-Specific Application Deadlines

Applications are encouraged and accepted year-round. Applicants may apply anytime but should submit their application at least two weeks prior to the start of the semester. The fall semester begins in late August, the spring semester begins in late January, and the summer semester has multiple start options. Reach out to K-State Online (online@k-state.edu) with application questions or check with MAT student success coordinator, TJ Duntz (tduntz@k-state.edu) for course enrollment guidance.

Additional Documentation

• Statement of objectives: You will be asked to answer the following questions in video format within the application. A computer camera and microphone are required. You can record your answers as many times necessary.
• Why are you interested in this program?
• Describe your previous experiences working with children.
• Why do you think you would be a successful teacher?
• Resume
• Names and emails of three professional and/or academic references
• If you are an international student and you need your GPA translated to a 4.0 scale, send your transcripts to tvontz@k-state.edu.
• Applicants whose primary language is not English must submit proof of English Language Proficiency. Applicants must have a satisfactory in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS) or Pearson Test of English (PTE). The test date should be no older than 18 months from the application deadline. An applicant who has received a degree in the last two years from a United States college or university is exempt from this requirement.

Graduates of this program will be qualified to teach K-6. The MAT program enjoys a 97% job placement rate.

Our NEW MAT Elementary Practitioner track provides an additional option and pathway to the classroom. This program allows admitted elementary MAT students to apply for Kansas teaching positions and complete their program while serving as the teacher of record. Kansas teachers are required to hold a Limited Apprentice License.

Here is how the program works:

• Step 1. Admission to the MAT.
• Step 2. Complete Practitioner Prerequisite Courses. EDCI 702: Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment as well as EDCI 716: Teaching Diverse Learners.
• Step 3. Apply for teaching positions in Kansas. You can reach out to local schools or visit Educate Kansas.
• Step 4. Secure a full-time teaching contract in Kansas. The teaching position must be full-time and in an elementary position. Email TJ Duntz (tduntz@k-state.edu) if you have questions about whether a position will work with the program.
• Step 5. Declare the Practitioner Track with K-State: After securing a teaching position, email TJ Duntz (tduntz@k-state.edu) that you are selecting the practitioner track. At this time, let him know the school, grade level and subjects you are hired to teach.
• Step 6. Advising Meeting: Arrange a meeting time with TJ Duntz (Zoom or Phone) to adjust your enrollment sections, add EDCI 886 Orientation to Teaching (required of all practitioner students), create MAT plan forward and talk through licensing steps.
• Step 7. Apply for a Limited Elementary Apprentice License (LEAP) for KSDE. Contact TJ Duntz (tduntz@k-state.edu) to apply for a LEAP License on Form 24b (includes fingerprints and background check).
• Step 8. Successfully complete MAT within 24 months. This program allows you to earn your master’s degree in as little as 12 months or as much as 24 months of coursework and full-time teaching.
• Step 9. Recommendation for Kansas Initial Teaching License. Upon successful completion of the MAT and the Praxis pedagogy and content tests, you will be recommended for an initial Kansas teaching license.

Questions? Send an email or arrange a call with professor, Tom Vontz (tvontz@k-state.edu).

Curriculum

Pre-requisite Core Courses (8 credits)

• EDCI 702 - Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment (3 credits) F, S and U
• EDCI 716 - Teaching Diverse Learners (3 credits) F, S and U
• EDCI 886 - Seminar in C&I (Orientation to Teaching) (2 credits) F, S and U

Practitioner Courses (20 credits)

• EDCI 710 - Social Foundations of Education (3 credits) U only
• EDCI 760 – Action Research in Education (3 credits) F and S
• EDCI 791 - Teaching Science and Math (4 credits) F only
• EDCI 792 - Teaching Social Studies, Reading and Literacy (4 credits) S only
• EDCI 793 – Teaching Health, Movement and Fine Arts (4 credits) U only
• EDCI 800 - Teaching Practicum (2 credits) F and S

Culminating Courses (5 credits)

• EDCI 801 - Internship in K-12 Schools (4 credits) F and S
• EDCI 890 - Master’s Project (1 credit) F, S and U

Final Project
You will be required to complete a teaching and learning portfolio during the spring semester.

Technology Requirements
In order to complete your teaching internship, you will be required to obtain a tablet (e.g., iPad) and video recording technology. The combination of these technologies enables real-time and video classroom observations.

This track is for students who pursue the MAT while continuing their current employment.

Pre-requisite Core Courses (6 credits)

• EDCI 702 - Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment (3 credits) F, S and U
• EDCI 716 - Teaching Diverse Learners (3 credits) F, S and U

License-seeking Courses (20 credits)

• EDCI 710 - Social Foundations of Education (3 credits) U only
• EDCI 760 - Action Research in Education (3 credits) F and S
• EDCI 791 - Teaching Science and Math (4 credits) F only
• EDCI 792 - Teaching Social Studies, Reading and Literacy (4 credits) S only
• EDCI 793 – Teaching Health, Movement and Fine Arts (4 credits) U only
• EDCI 800 - Teaching Practicum (2 credits) F and S

Culminating Courses (5 credits)

• EDCI 801 - Internship in K-12 Schools (4 credits) F and S
• EDCI 890 - Master’s Project (1 credit) F, S and U

Final Project
You will be required to complete a teaching and learning portfolio during the spring semester.

Technology Requirements
In order to complete your teaching internship, you will be required to obtain a tablet (e.g., iPad) and video recording technology. The combination of these technologies enables real-time and video classroom observations.

There are several scholarship and financial aid opportunities available to you, including:

1. Kansas Teacher Service Scholarship: Provides $2,217 per semester for fall and spring. MAT students who apply before May 1 will be placed in a “priority pool.” Applications due May 1.
2. K-State Global Campus Scholarships: Multiple scholarship opportunities are available for MAT students. Provide $1,000-$1,500 per semester. Application deadline is April 1 for the summer, June 1 for the fall and Nov. 1 for the spring.
3. Federal Loan Forgiveness for Teachers: Eligible for those willing to teach in a “low-income school” for five consecutive years. Maximum benefit is $17,500.
4. FAFSA: To maximize your scholarship eligibility, you must complete the FAFSA for the current aid year to be eligible for summer scholarships and the following aid year to be eligible for future fall and spring scholarships. Completion of the FAFSA is required to be eligible for several of the financial assistance programs listed above.
5. Troops to Teachers
6. Additional financial assistance can be found on the scholarships webpage.

MAT Elementary Practitioner FAQs

1. Do I need to mark practitioner on my application? No, students can opt-in to the practitioner track at any time after securing a full-time teaching position.
2. Who will serve as my cooperating teacher? Typically, your principal, assistant principal or department chair serves as the CT though they are not with you in the classroom. MAT practitioners are the “teacher of record” and serve on a Limited Elementary Apprentice License (LEAP).
3. How do I opt-in to the MAT practitioner? Complete the following steps:

• • Step 1. Admission to the MAT.
  • Step 2. Complete Practitioner Prerequisite Courses. EDCI 702: Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment as well as EDCI 716: Teaching Diverse Learners.
  • Step 3. Apply for teaching positions in Kansas. You can reach out to local schools or visit Educate Kansas.
  • Step 4. Secure a full-time teaching contract in Kansas. The teaching position must be full-time and in an elementary position. Email TJ Duntz (tduntz@k-state.edu) if you have questions about whether a position will work with the program.
  • Step 5. Declare the Practitioner Track with K-State: After securing a teaching position, email TJ Duntz (tduntz@k-state.edu) that you are selecting the practitioner track. At this time, let him know the school, grade level and subjects you are hired to teach.
  • Step 6. Advising Meeting: Arrange a meeting time with TJ Duntz (Zoom or Phone) to adjust your enrollment sections, add EDCI 886 Orientation to Teaching (required of all practitioner students), create MAT plan forward and talk through licensing steps.
  • Step 7. Apply for a Limited Elementary Apprentice License (LEAP) for KSDE. Contact TJ Duntz (tduntz@k-state.edu) to apply for a LEAP License on Form 24b (includes fingerprints and background check).
  • Step 8. Successfully complete MAT within 24 months. This program allows you to earn your master’s degree in as little as 12 months or as much as 24 months of coursework and full-time teaching.
  • Step 9. Recommendation for Kansas Initial Teaching License. Upon successful completion of the MAT and the Praxis pedagogy and content tests, you will be recommended for an initial Kansas teaching license.

Questions? Send an email or arrange a call with professor, Tom Vontz (tvontz@k-state.edu).

4. Is the curriculum the same for MAT practitioners? Practitioners take the same curriculum but are also required to take EDCI 886: Orientation to Teaching (to help prepare you for full-time teaching).
5. Where is the best place to search for teaching jobs? Resources vary by state. In Kansas the best place is Educate Kansas.
6. Is there a cap on the number of practitioners? No.
7. Are practitioners assigned a GradCat? Yes, all practitioners are assigned a GradCat who serves as a mentor, evaluator and coach throughout the program.
8. As a practitioner, am I still eligible for financial aid? Yes.
9. Do I need a passing PRAXIS test score to participate? No.
10. Is there a time limit to complete the program? Yes, KSDE requires students complete their program within two years of receiving their LEAP license.
11. What are the possible schedule options for each semester?

Spring Starters Elementary Practitioner Track – 33 credits

Spring semester

• • EDCI 702 - Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment (3 credits)
  • EDCI 886 - Seminar in Curriculum and Instruction (Orientation to Teaching) (2-3 credits)
  • EDCI 716 - Teaching Diverse Learners (3 credits)

Summer semester

• • EDCI 710 - Social Foundations of K-12 Education (3 credits)
  • EDCI 793 - Teaching Health, Movement and Fine Arts (4 credits)

Fall semester (LEAP License Eligible)

• • EDCI 791 - Teaching Science and Mathematics in the Elementary School (4 credits)
  • EDCI 800 - Teaching Practicum (2 credits)
  • EDCI 795 - MAT Research Fair^ (1-3 credits)

Spring semester

• • EDCI 760 - Action Research in Education (3 credits)
  • EDCI 792 - Teaching Social Studies, Reading and Literacy in the Elementary School (4 credits)
  • EDCI 795 - MAT Research Fair^ (1-2 credits)

Fall semester

• • EDCI 801 - Internship in K-12 Schools (4 credits)
  • EDCI 890 - Master’s Project^ (1-5 credits)

^Course if needed to qualify for financial aid.

Summer Starters Elementary Practitioner Track – 33 credits

Summer semester

• • EDCI 702 - Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment (3 credits)
  • EDCI 710 - Social Foundations of K-12 Education (3 credits)
  • EDCI 716 - Teaching Diverse Learners (3 credits)

Fall semester (LEAP License Eligible)

• • EDCI 791 - Teaching Science and Mathematics in the Elementary School (4 credits)
  • EDCI 800 - Teaching Practicum (2 credits)
  • EDCI 886 - Seminar in Curriculum and Instruction (Orientation to Teaching) (2-3 credits)

Spring semester

• • EDCI 760 - Action Research in Education (3 credits)
  • EDCI 792 - Teaching Social Studies, Reading and Literacy in the Elementary School (4 credits)
  • EDCI 795 - MAT Research Fair^ (1-2 credits)

Summer semester

• • EDCI 793 - Teaching Health, Movement and Fine Arts (4 credits)
  • EDCI 795 - MAT Research Fair^ (1-2 credits)

Fall semester

• • EDCI 801 - Internship in K-12 Schools (4 credits)
  • EDCI 890 - Master’s Project^ (1-5 credits)

^Course if needed to qualify for financial aid.

Fall Starters Elementary Practitioner Track – 33 credits

Fall semester

• • EDCI 702 - Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment (3 credits)
  • EDCI 886 - Seminar in Curriculum and Instruction (Orientation to Teaching) (2-3 credits)
  • EDCI 716 - Teaching Diverse Learners (3 credits)

Spring semester (LEAP License Eligible)

• • EDCI 792 - Teaching Social Studies, Reading and Literacy in the Elementary School (4 credits)
  • EDCI 800 - Teaching Practicum (2 credits)
  • EDCI 795 - MAT Research Fair^ (1-3 credits)

Summer semester

• • EDCI 710 - Social Foundations of K-12 Education (3 credits)
  • EDCI 793 - Teaching Health, Movement and Fine Arts (4 credits)

Fall semester

• • EDCI 760 - Action Research in Education (3 credits)
  • EDCI 791 - Teaching Science and Mathematics in the Elementary School (4 credits)
  • EDCI 795 - MAT Research Fair^ (1-2 credits)

Spring semester

• • EDCI 801 - Internship in K-12 Schools (4 credits)
  • EDCI 890 - Master’s Project^ (1-5 credits)

^Course if needed to qualify for financial aid.

Master of Arts in Teaching (License-Seeking) FAQs

1. What is the MAT?

   The Masters of Arts in Teaching(MAT) opens a pathway to elementary teaching for career-changers. Students earn a master’s degree and recommendation for a Kansas K-6 Initial Teaching License. The master’s degree combines rigorous online coursework with field experiences in accredited elementary schools convenient to students in the program. Upon completion, students will be able to apply for K-6 teacher certification.

2. How is the program organized?

   The elementary MAT consists of two, flexible tracks.

   • Practitioner track:For students who pursue the MAT while teaching full time. Kansas teachers are required to hold a LEAP License.
   • License-seeking track: For students who pursue the MAT while continuing their current employment.
3. Where can I apply?

   Applications are accepted year-round. Applicants should plan to apply within two to three months from the start of the semester. The fall semester begins in late August, the spring semester begins in late January and the summer semester begins in mid-May.

4. What is the degree and GPA requirement?

   Bachelor’s degree with 3.0 GPA overall or in the final two years. If your GPA is below 3.0, contact Dr. Vontz (tvontz@ksu.edu) to explore options.

5. What test are required?

   No tests are required to be admitted to the elementary MAT. To become certified in Kansas, however, students will need to complete a background check and pass two tests — the Principles of Teaching and Learning (PLT 5622) and the Elementary Content Knowledge for Teaching (CKT 7811). K-State recommends taking both of these tests in the spring semester during student teaching.

6. How do students complte field experiences?

   Students complete field (student teaching) experiences in accredited schools near where they currently live. MAT students are required to obtain a device that enables recording such as a tablet or video-enabled phone. The combination of these technologies enables real-time and video classroom observations and evaluation. Questions about field experiences should be directed to Dr. Wertzberger (ejm7777@ksu.edu).

7. Will the degree transfer to other states?

   Yes, the degree and teaching certificate does transfer to other states. Kansas has reciprocal licensing agreements with all other states; however, students may be required to complete an additional test or other state-specific requirements (e.g., state history and/or constitution).

8. As a practitioner, am I still eligible for financial aid?

   Yes, scholarships and financial aid are available to students who meet certain qualifications. All students are eligible to apply for:

   • Kansas Teacher Service Scholarship: Applications due May 1.
   • K-State Global Campus Scholarships: Application deadline is April 1 for the summer, June 1 for the fall and Nov. 1 for the spring.
   • Federal Loan Forgiveness for Teachers: Maximum benefit is $17,500.
   • FAFSA: Completion of the FAFSA is required to be eligible for several of the financial assistance programs listed above.
   • Troops to Teachers
9. What is the cost?

   Tuition is $510.60 per credit hour.

   31 credit hours x $510.60=$15,828.60

10. Can I continue to work in my current position?

    Yes. However, during the semester you enroll in EDCI 800 you are required to arrange (with your cooperating teacher/school) 64 hours of teaching experience; during EDCI 801 you will complete 12-weeks of full-time student teaching and will not be able to continue full-time employment.

11. I am a para-educator. Will my job “count” for my field experiences?

    No. Although we might be able to place you in the school in which you work, your work as a para does NOT count toward field experiences. Your field experiences require you to demonstrate additional skills beyond your excellent experiences as a para.

12. How is the curriculum organized?

• • Pre-requisite Core Courses (6 credits)
  • CI 702 - Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment (3 credits) F, S and U
  • EDCI 716 - Teaching Diverse Learners (3 credits) F, S and U
  • License-seeking Courses (20 credits)
  • EDCI 710 - Social Foundations of Education (3 credits) U only
  • EDCI 760 - Action Research in Education (3 credits) F and S
  • EDCI 791 - Teaching Science and Math (4 credits) F only
  • EDCI 792 - Teaching Social Studies, Reading and Literacy (4 credits) S only
  • EDCI 793 - Teaching Health, Movement and Fine Arts (4 credits) U only
  • EDCI 800 - Teaching Practicum (2 credits) F and S
  • Culminating Courses (5 credits)
  • EDCI 801 - Internship in K-12 Schools (4 credits) F and S
  • EDCI 890 - Master’s Project (1 credit) F, S and U

14. What are the possible schedule options for each semester for 12- or 18-month options?

Summer Starters Elementary License-Seeking Track (12 months) – 31 credits

• Summer semester
• • EDCI 702 - Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment (3 credits)
  • EDCI 710 - Social Foundations of K-12 Education (3 credits)
  • EDCI 716 - Teaching Diverse Learners (3 credits)
• Fall semester
• • EDCI 791 - Teaching Science and Mathematics in the Elementary School (4 credits)
  • EDCI 792 - Teaching Social Studies, Reading and Literacy in the Elementary School (4 credits)
  • EDCI 800 - Teaching Practicum (2 credits)
• Dec/Jan intersession
• • EDCI 793 - Teaching Health, Movement and Fine Arts in the Elementary School (4 credits)
• Spring semester
• • EDCI 760 - Action Research in Education (3 credits)
  • EDCI 801 - Internship in K-12 Schools (4 credits)
  • EDCI 890 - Master’s Project (1 credit)

Fall Starters Elementary License-Seeking Track (18 months) – 31 credits

• Fall semester
• • EDCI 702 - Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment (3 credits)
  • EDCI 716 - Teaching Diverse Learners (3 credits)
  • EDCI 791 - Teaching Science and Mathematics in the Elementary School (4 credits)
• Dec/Jan intersession
• • EDCI 793 - Teaching Health, Movement and Fine Arts in the Elementary School (4 credits)
• Spring semester
• • EDCI 792 - Teaching Social Studies, Reading and Literacy in the Elementary School (4 credits)
  • EDCI 800 - Teaching Practicum (2 credits)
• Summer semester
• • EDCI 710 - Social Foundations of K-12 Education (3 credits)
• Fall semester
• • EDCI 760 - Action Research in Education (3 credits)
  • EDCI 801 - Internship in K-12 Schools (4 credits)
  • EDCI 890 - Master’s Project (1 credit)

Spring Starters Elementary License-Seeking Track (18 months) – 31 credits

• Spring semester
  • EDCI 702 - Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment (3 credits)
  • EDCI 716 - Teaching Diverse Learners (3 credits)
  • EDCI 792 - Teaching Social Studies, Reading and Literacy in the Elementary School (4 credits)
• Summer semester
• • EDCI 710 - Social Foundations of K-12 Education (3 credits)
• Fall semester
• • EDCI 791 - Teaching Science and Mathematics in the Elementary School (4 credits)
  • EDCI 800 - Teaching Practicum (2 credits)
• Dec/Jan intersession
• • EDCI 793 - Teaching Health, Movement and Fine Arts in the Elementary School (4 credits)
• Spring semester
• • EDCI 760 - Action Research in Education (3 credits)
  • EDCI 801 - Internship in K-12 Schools (4 credits)
  • EDCI 890 - Master’s Project (1 credit)

NOTE: Students may wish to add EDCI 795 (3 Credits) during any semester or additional hours to EDCI 890 during student teaching to qualify as a full-time student.