Earning a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is a career differentiator for anyone interested in becoming an elementary school teacher. Educators or aspiring educators with a liberal arts bachelor’s degree can achieve that goal by earning their MAT with a concentration in Elementary Education (K-6) degree from William Paterson University (WP) 100% online while they continue to work. This respected, CAEP-accredited program helps you meet the requirements to obtain your New Jersey teaching certification while opening doors to higher paying opportunities and leadership roles.
WP’s curriculum explores practical teaching strategies, classroom management and child development, giving you the tools to connect with young learners. The program also hones your ability to adapt to diverse classrooms, enabling you to help students develop a love of learning in those early years.
Teacher Shortages Mean More Opportunities
Across the country, there are more than 45,000 unfilled teaching positions, and an estimated 366,000 teachers who are not fully certified for their teaching assignments, according to data from the U.S. Department of Education. The shortages are deepest in elementary education, along with special education, language arts and career and technical education. There are many reasons for the shortage, but it is primarily a result of teachers leaving the profession due to low wages, high workloads and challenging working conditions.
To address the shortage, local, state and federal education leaders and policymakers are investing in providing higher quality, widely accessible, financially supported pathways into teaching. Mentoring and other methods of support help teachers stay in teaching longer. Increasing teacher compensation and improving working conditions are clear priorities and help with recruitment and retention.
The NEA reports that teacher pay in the U.S. increased in the 2023-24 school year by an average of 3.8% to $72,030, and is projected to increase further each year. While growth in the number of new, open teaching jobs in grades K-12 remains relatively steady, there are still many unfilled positions, or positions with underqualified teachers, which means there is significant opportunity for highly qualified educators.
What Does Earning an MAT Degree Entail?
Generally, a bachelor’s degree is considered the minimum requirement for qualification and eligibility to teach. To enroll in the online MAT program from William Paterson University, you will need a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts and a passing score on both the PRAXIS Core Academic Skills for Educators test and the PRAXIS Subject Assessment.
WP’s online program helps students connect theory to practice. Core courses include literacy development, curriculum design, methods of teaching English and Mathematics, teaching diverse learners and a research project. Students also receive mentorship from experienced teachers and field supervisors during three required in-person clinical courses.
The program’s comprehensive curriculum equips graduates with knowledge, skills and tools needed to plan instruction, develop learning objectives, engage learners, analyze assessments and use data to inform and improve instructional practices. Students can complete the program in as few as 18 months ready to apply strategies that establish a positive learning environment and demonstrate knowledge of content, pedagogy and resources for instruction in elementary classrooms.
The Benefits of Earning a Master of Arts in Teaching
Teachers with a master’s degree typically earn more than those with a bachelor’s degree. In addition, earning a MAT degree gives you a competitive advantage by qualifying you for more opportunities for advancement. The program also helps develop leadership skills and improve teaching and classroom management skills.
While an M.Ed degree can prepare you for leadership or administrator positions at the school or district level, the MAT degree is designed to help you become the best classroom teacher you can be. If you are interested in pursuing a career as a teacher, the fully online MAT with a concentration in Elementary Education (K-6) program from William Paterson University offers you a flexible and accelerated path to achieving your goal.
Learn more about William Paterson University‘s online MAT with a concentration in Elementary Education (K-6) program.
