Master of Arts in Teaching: Social Studies

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 as 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.
• Passing Praxis test score

Praxis Information
You must provide a passing Praxis test score for admission:

• Social Studies (5581)

If there are problems obtaining Praxis scores and/or applying for MAT, contact K-State Online. Scores need to be sent to Kansas State (6334) and to the Kansas State University Department of Education (7270).

Graduates of this program will be qualified to teach social studies (i.e., history, geography, economics and civics/government) at a middle or high school. The MAT program enjoys a 97% job placement rate.

The Secondary Practitioner track provides an additional option and pathway to the classroom. This program allows admitted secondary MAT students to apply for Kansas teaching positions and complete their program while serving as the teacher of record. Students in the Secondary Practitioner Track are required to hold a Restricted License.

Prerequisite 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 705 - MAT Social Studies Methods (3 credits) F, S and U
• EDCI 710 - Social Foundations of Education (3 credits) U only
• EDCI 715 - Literacy and Diverse Learners in Content Areas (3 credits) F and S
• EDCI 760 - Action Research in Education (3 credits) F and S
• EDCI 797 - Secondary Content Field Colloquium I (2 credits) F, S and U
• EDCI 798 - Secondary Content Field Colloquium II (2 credits) F, S and U
• EDCI 799 - Secondary Content Field Colloquium III (2 credits) WI
• 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.

Prerequisite 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 705 - MAT Social Studies Methods (3 credits) F, S and U
• EDCI 710 - Social Foundations of Education (3 credits) U only
• EDCI 715 - Literacy and Diverse Learners in Content Areas (3 credits) F and S
• EDCI 760 - Action Research in Education (3 credits) F and S
• EDCI 797 - Secondary Content Field Colloquium I (2 credits) F, S and U
• EDCI 798 - Secondary Content Field Colloquium II (2 credits) F, S and U
• EDCI 799 - Secondary Content Field Colloquium III (2 credits) WI
• 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 $2,605 per semester for fall and spring. MAT students who apply before June 1 will be placed in a “priority pool.” Applications due June 1.
2. K-State Online 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. SkillBridge: Military veterans, spouses or those actively serving in the U.S. Armed Forces can earn a GI Bill-eligible bachelor’s or master’s degree in education through this program.
6. Additional financial assistance can be found on the scholarships webpage.

MAT Secondary Practitioner FAQs

1. Do I need to mark practitioner on my application? 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 “teachers of record” and serve on a Restricted License.
3. How do I opt-in to the MAT Practitioner? Follow the steps below.
   1. Step 1. Admission to the MAT.
   2. Step 2. Apply for teaching positions in Kansas. You can reach out to local schools or visit Educate Kansas.
   3. Step 3. Secure a full-time teaching contract in Kansas. The teaching position must be full time and include at least 50% of FTE in the appropriate subject and grade level. Email TJ Duntz (tduntz@k-state.edu) if you have questions about whether a position will work with the program.
   4. Step 4. 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.
   5. Step 5. 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.
   6. Step 6. Apply for a Restricted License through KSDE. Apply for a Restricted License on Form 9.
   7. Step 7. Successfully complete MAT. Practitioners who are teaching with a Restricted License are required to complete requirements for a Kansas Initial Teaching License within two years.
   8. Step 8. Recommendation for Kansas Initial Teaching License. Upon successful completion of the MAT and Praxis content test, you will be recommended for an initial teaching license.
   9. 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? Every state is a little different. 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. See above scholarships and financial aid section for details.
9. Do I need a passing Praxis test score to participate? Secondary Practitioner students need to have a passing Praxis score.
10. Is there a time limit to complete the program? KSDE requires students to complete their program within two years to apply for their restricted license.

Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary License-Seeking FAQs

1. What is the degree and GPA requirement? Bachelor’s degree with sufficient background in the content field and 3.0 GPA overall or in the final two years. Each secondary coordinator reviews transcripts (see below). If your GPA is below 3.0, consult your subject area coordinator for suggestions.
2. Who is my secondary coordinator?
• Agricultural Education - Dr. Jonathan Ulmer (julmer@k-state.edu)
• English/Language Arts (ELA) - Dr. Suzanne Porath (sporath@k-state.edu)
• Mathematics - Dr. Michael Lawson (mlawson1@k-state.edu)
• Modern Languages - Dr. Leah McKeeman (leahmac@k-state.edu)
• Social Studies - Dr. Tom Vontz (tvontz@k-state.edu)
3. What tests are required? To be admitted to the program, student must submit a passing PRAXIS score in the designated subject area (Agriculture (5701), Chinese (Mandarin) (5665), English Language Arts (5038), French (5174), German (5183), Japanese (5661), Mathematics (5165), Social Studies (5581), Spanish (5195). To become certified in Kansas, however, students will also need to complete a background check.
4. How do students complete 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. For questions about your field experience, contact Dr. Wertzberger (ejm7777@k-state.edu).
5. Will the degree 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).
6. Is financial aid available? Yes. See above scholarships and financial aid section for details.
7. 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.
8. 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.