Secondary Education (MAT)

The Master of Arts in Teaching: Secondary Education is designed to deliver outstanding teacher preparation. Upon successful completion of degree requirements, candidates are eligible for a Professional Educator License (PEL) with a Secondary Education Endorsement and a content area endorsement from the State of Illinois for Grades 9 through 12. Concordia’s program emphasizes the following:

• Development of core competencies in instructional planning, delivery and assessment
• Respect and support for diversity in educational settings
• Learning how to lead ethically
• The role of standards within the profession
• The commitment to continuous improvement
• The importance of reflective practice
• Development of collaborative relationships to serve the learning of every student
• Application to and admission into the MAT Secondary program
• Complete 36 semester hours of coursework (including the Master’s capstone experience)
• A grade of “C” or higher must be achieved in all General Education courses
• Pass the Content-specific test (Secondary) prior to Student Teaching.
• Complete and submit the Summative Assessment portfolio for scoring and report the score to the Illinois State Board of Education during the Student Teaching semester.  A passing score on the Summative Assessment portfolio must be earned before PEL will be awarded. The Illinois State Board of Education determines the passing scores for the Summative Assessment.
• The Illinois State Board of Education has issued guidelines that pertain to the transference of previous subject area coursework that may be applicable to the content endorsement. Transcripts will be evaluated to determine what credit hours may be awarded toward the content endorsement requirements.