General Information
The Master of Arts in Teaching degree program is an initial licensure program and is subject to the rules, regulations and laws of the state of Illinois. Concordia University Chicago offers approved MAT programs that lead to Illinois Professional Educator licensure and, as approved, programs can change to be in compliance with changing state rules and regulations.
Admission to the University
Current standards, policies and procedures for admission to Concordia University Chicago must be met by all students intending to apply to the College of Education and enter the Master of Arts in Teaching Program. Students admitted to the University to enter an MAT licensure program begin in Education Studies until all admission requirements to enter the College of Education are satisfied. Upon Admission to the College of Education, the student will be admitted into the MAT program of their choice.
Program Design
The Master of Arts in Teaching programs are designed to accommodate adult learners who are returning to school to fulfill a dream to teach. Many classes are currently offered online, both synchronously and asynchronously. Those that are not currently offered online are offered on campus in a face-to-face setting. All students must meet state requirements for completion of Field Experience observations that are scheduled during normal school hours (8AM-3PM, when schools are open) to fulfill observation requirements. Thus, candidates may need to plan time in schools to observe (and away from work) while enrolled in the program. Student teaching requires candidates to teach in an elementary, middle or secondary school for a full 16-week semester.
Transfer of Courses
Coursework to meet subject area endorsements may be transferred to Concordia University Chicago. Any transferred coursework must have a grade of C- or above to be used toward a subject area endorsement. The coursework must also meet any distribution requirements set by the state for the subject area in which an endorsement is being sought. The University will audit transcripts for compliance regarding these endorsement requirements. Transfer of education coursework from other institutions will be reviewed for acceptance by the MAT Coordinator.
Monitoring Candidate Progress Transition Points
The state of Illinois, the State Board of Education, the State Educator Preparation and Licensing Board and accrediting agencies require that approved licensure programs and recognized institutions have a continuous assessment policy in force to evaluate candidates in teacher education programs. Concordia University Chicago has established four transition points to meet these mandates. See Monitoring Candidate Progress Transition Points in each section.
Licensure
Students may not take a course as Pass/Fail if the course is mandated by their licensure program through ISBE, excluding the student teaching internship course and the edTPA course.
Concordia University Chicago maintains an office to support candidates for the Professional Educator License and related endorsements. Candidates for licensure are coached during the student teaching internship on the entitlement process. The University also provides employment services through the Career Services Office.
The College of Education Student Manual
This manual provides details and guidelines for meeting the criteria for successful completion of the Internship Semester and the process for obtaining the Illinois Professional Educator License. Successful completion includes:
- Satisfactory completion of the Internship by meeting or exceeding all assessment benchmarks.
- Prepare and present documentation of positive impacts on student learning from your internship teaching (Positive Impact Presentation).
- Complete all state-required Content Area tests/assessments prior to student teaching.