Master of Arts in Teaching Unified Elementary and Special Education

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?
• Share any experiences you've had working with children, including those with disabilities.
• 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.

There are significant teacher shortages in both general and special education in Kansas and nationwide. This high demand creates strong opportunities and long-term career stability for graduates of the MAT Unified program.

The Unified Elementary and Special Education 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. Practitioner students are required to hold a Limited Apprentice Residency Program (LERP) License.

Curriculum

Pre-requisite Core Courses (16 credits)

• EDCI 702 - Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment (3 credits) U
• EDCI 710 - Social Foundations of Education (3 credits) M
• EDCI 886 - Seminar in C&I (Orientation to Teaching) (2 credits) U
• EDSP 711 - Characteristics of Exceptionalities (3 credits) S
• EDSP 743 - Intensive Intervention for Dyscalculia (1 credit) S
• EDSP 744 - Intensive Intervention for Dyslexia (1 credit) U
• EDSP 777 – Social Emotional Learning & Behavior Management (3 credits) S

Practitioner Courses (15 credits)

• EDCI 791 - Teaching Science and Math in the Elementary School (4 credits) F
• EDCI 792 - Teaching Social Studies, Reading, and Literacy in the Elementary School (4 credits) S
• EDCI 793 - Teaching Health, Movement, and Fine Arts in Elementary Schools (3 credits) D
• EDCI 800* - Teaching Practicum (2 credits) F
• EDSP 785 - High Incidence Practicum I (1 credit) F
• EDSP 835 - Individualized Education Program (1 credit) S

Culminating Courses (5 credits)

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

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.

The Unified Elementary and Special Education License-Seeking track is for students who pursue the MAT while continuing their current employment.

Curriculum

Pre-requisite Core Courses (14 credits)

• EDCI 702 - Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment (3 credits) U
• EDCI 710 - Social Foundations of Education (3 credits) M
• EDSP 711 - Characteristics of Exceptionalities (3 credits) S
• EDSP 743 - Intensive Intervention for Dyscalculia (1 credit) S
• EDSP 744 - Intensive Intervention for Dyslexia (1 credit) U
• EDSP 777 – Social Emotional Learning & Behavior Management (3 credits) S

Practitioner Courses (15 credits)

• EDCI 791 - Teaching Science and Math in the Elementary School (4 credits) F
• EDCI 792 - Teaching Social Studies, Reading, and Literacy in the Elementary School (4 credits) F
• EDCI 793 - Teaching Health, Movement, and Fine Arts in Elementary Schools (3 credits) D
• EDCI 800* - Teaching Practicum (2 credits) F
• EDSP 785 - High Incidence Practicum I (1 credit) F
• EDSP 835 - Individualized Education Program (1 credit) S

Culminating Courses (5 credits)

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

Final Project
You will be required to complete a teaching and learning portfolio during the final 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 $3,300 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. Unified Scholarship: Unified program students who plan to pursue a Kansas special education teaching position may qualifiy for a renewable $500 Unified Scholarship.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Additional financial assistance can be found on the scholarships webpage.

MAT Unified 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 710: Social Foundations of Education.

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 Residency License (LERP) for KSDE. Contact TJ Duntz (tduntz@k-state.edu) to apply for a LERP License using KSDE form 24b. Additional KSDE qualifications include a 2.5 GPA in the most recent 60 credit hourse and a background check.

Step 8. Successfully complete MAT within 16 months.

Step 9. Recommendation for Kansas Initial Teaching License. Upon successful completion of the MAT and the Praxis 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. 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 tests are required? No tests are required to be admitted to the MAT Unified program. To become certified in Kansas, at the end of the MAT program, students will need to complete a background check and pass the Elementary Education Praxis test series (7001) and the Special Education Foudational Knowledge Praxis (5355).

6. Is the curriculum the same for MAT Unified 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).

7. Where is the best place to search for teaching jobs? Resources vary by state. In Kansas the best place is Educate Kansas.

8. Is there a cap on the number of practitioners? No.

9. Are practitioners assigned a GradCat? Yes, all practitioners are assigned a GradCat who serves as a mentor, evaluator and coach throughout the program.

10. As a practitioner, am I still eligible for financial aid? Yes. See above scholarships and financial aid section for details.

11. Do I need a passing PRAXIS test score to participate? No.

12. Is there a time limit to complete the program? Yes, KSDE requires students complete their program within two years of receiving their LERP license.

13. Will the degree transfer to other states? Yes, the degree and teaching certificate do 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).

MAT Unified Elementary License-Seeking FAQs

1. 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.
2. What tests are required? No tests are required to be admitted to the MAT Unified program. To become certified in Kansas, at the end of the MAT program, students will need to complete a background check and pass the Elementary Education Praxis test series (7001) and the Special Education Foudational Knowledge Praxis (5355).
3. 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. Questions about field experiences should be directed to Dr. Wertzberger (ejm7777@ksu.edu).
4. 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).
5. 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 16 weeks of full-time student teaching and will not be able to continue full-time employment.
6. 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.