Initial Teacher Certification - Elementary Education (MAT)

Get an in-depth look at Elementary Education (MAT)

The CEHD prepares future teachers who are committed to helping every student learn. The P-5 MAT program emphasizes meeting the needs of the individual learner through understanding and using the best instructional practices in a standards-based environment. Through coursework and clinical field experiences, you will become a critical thinker who is prepared to meet the demands of 21st century elementary schools. 

Graduates of the program are eligible to earn Kentucky certification for teaching grades P-5.

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View the general admission requirements and degree requirements for Elementary Education (MAT) here
 

M.A.T in Elementary Education

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Overview

Application Deadline (Fall Admission): June 1

The CEHD prepares future teachers who are committed to helping every student learn. The P-5 MAT program emphasizes meeting the needs of the individual learner through understanding and using the best instructional practices in a standards-based environment. Through coursework and clinical field experiences, you will become a critical thinker who is prepared to meet the demands of 21st century elementary schools. 

Graduates of the program are eligible to earn Kentucky certification for teaching grades P-5. 

Teacher Candidate Expectation

Teacher education candidates should visit the Educator Preparation Program page and review the expectations listed under the "Review These Teaching Profession Expectations" section.

Admission Criteria

Please visit the Educator Preparation Program page and read items listed under "Admission Requirement Details" for more in-depth information regarding admission requirements for this program.

Careers

The Master of Arts in Elementary enables graduates to earn P-5 Kentucky teaching certification. 

Financial Aid

In addition to the financial aid opportunities offered by the University of Louisville's Financial Aid office, the College of Education & Human Development also has information about financial aid

Other financial aid opportunities available include student employment opportunities

Contact

Individuals considering application to the MAT program should contact the MAT admissions counselor (teacher@louisville.edu) BEFORE applying to the teacher education program. 

Elementary Education Faculty 

Overview

Application Deadline (Spring Admission): October 15 
Application Deadline (Summer Admission): April 15 

Have you always wanted to be a teacher? Are you looking for a new or second career in teaching? If so, the Alternative Certification program could be the next career path for you! 

The desire to make a difference in the lives of children and communities is the most important factor in considering the teaching profession. Candidates for teacher education should be willing to challenge old assumptions, explore new approaches to learning, and work energetically toward a rewarding career. 

The MAT Alternative Certification program offers the following certification options: 

  • Elementary (K-5) 
  • Middle Grades (5-9): Language Arts, Science, Math or Social Studies 
  • Secondary (8-12): Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, English, Mathematics, Physics, and Social Studies 
  • World Language (P-12): Spanish or French 

MAT Program Benefits

MAT Program Benefits 

  • CAEP accredited program. For information on program accreditation click here
  • Student support services in advising, admission and certification 
  • First-year students work as a cohort through University coursework 
  • Urban mission with focus on social justice and equity 
  • Dedicated faculty researchers and practitioners 
  • Simultaneous degree and certification 
  • Partnership with local school districts 
  • Scholarship opportunities 
  • Testing support 

Curriculum

For prerequisite course requirements, please visit the Educator Preparation Program to and view the "Prerequisite Course Requirements for Middle Grades, Secondary, and World Language" tab. Otherwise view the UofL Course Catalog for Degree Requirements

 

Teacher Candidate Expectation

Teacher education candidates should visit the Educator Preparation Program page and review the expectations listed under the "Review These Teaching Profession Expectations" section.

Admission Criteria

Please visit the Educator Preparation Program page and read items listed under "Admission Requirement Details" for more in-depth information regarding admission requirements for this program.

 

Financial Aid

In addition to the financial aid opportunities offered by the University of Louisville's Financial Aid office, the College of Education & Human Development also has information about financial aid

Other financial aid opportunities available include student employment opportunities

 

TEACH Grant 

Through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007, Congress created the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program that provides up to $4,000 per year to those who intend to teach in a public or private school that serves students from low-income families. Teachers must be certified in a high-need field. (Amount is pro-rated based on part-time or full-time status up to a maximum of $8,000 for graduate students.) 

Applicants must complete the FAFSA (although financial need is not required) and be admitted to a teacher certification program. Applicants must score above the 75th percentile on a college admission test or maintain a cumulative gpa of 3.25 for eligibility. 

Recipients must teach for a minimum of four years within eight calendar years of completing the teacher certification program. Those who fail to complete the service obligation must re-pay the loan, with interest charged form the first date of disbursement. 

Contact

Contact Us 

Candidates considering application to the MAT program should contact the MAT admissions counselor (teacher@louisville.edu) BEFORE applying to the teacher education program. 

For further information please contact stefanie.wootenburnett@louisville.edu 

Department Contact 

Stefanie Wooten-Burnett 
College of Education and Human Development 
University of Louisville 
Louisville, KY 40292 
502-852-8053 

Department email: midscnd@louisville.edu 

Overview

Application Deadline: April 15

Have you always wanted to be a teacher? Are you looking for a new or second career in teaching? If so, the Louisville Teacher Residency (LTR) program could be the next career path for you! Residents are enrolled in a one-year Master of the Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) program at the University of Louisville, as well as, employed with JCPS as a resident. Participants receive personalized instruction throughout the process to help them succeed in JCPS classrooms. In return, LTR graduates commit to teach in accelerated improvement schools (AIS) for five years.

JCPS in conjunction with the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Louisville offers the LTR program for individuals who have completed a bachelor's degree in an area other than teacher education. The program is designed to incorporate Kentucky teacher certification requirements within a Master's degree program. 

Application Process

Questions about the application should be directed to teacher@louisville.edu. Candidates will be notified via e-mail regarding the admission decision no later than six weeks after the application deadline. Applicants who are selected for admission will receive information about a mandatory orientation session. Also, refer to the Educator Preparation Program page for information regarding the application process.

Careers

What happens after graduation? Upon graduation, you will begin your career as a master’s degree-level teacher and you will gain access to the following benefits: 

  • Prioritized employment within JCPS at the elementary level 
  • Master's degree-level salary (approximately $50,000) 
  • Ongoing coaching and support 

Who Should Apply

We are looking for candidates who are committed to working in one of JCPS’s accelerated improvement schools (AIS). Minimum program requirements include: bachelor’s degree conferred by the program’s start in June, a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale or a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on the last 30 hours of credit completed, including undergraduate and graduate coursework, and authorization to work in the United States.

Financial Aid

In addition to the financial aid opportunities offered by the University of Louisville's Financial Aid office, the College of Education & Human Development also has information about financial aid

Other financial aid opportunities available include student employment opportunities

Class Act Federal Credit Union Scholarship for Louisville Teacher Residency 

The University of Louisville and Jefferson County Public School system are working in collaboration on the creation and development of the Louisville Teacher Residency program. The objective of the program, the first of its kind in Kentucky, is to increase the pool of diverse, highly-skilled teachers, particularly in low-performing, urban schools. 

The Class Act Federal Credit Union Scholarship offers an award of $1000 per semester for one year of the LTR program (Summer, Fall, Spring = $3000). Find the Class Act Federal Credit Union Scholarship here

Contact

Individuals interested in the LTR program should contact representative from JCPS and/or the College of Education & Human Development BEFORE applying to the teacher education program. 

Department Contact 

Stefanie Wooten-Burnett 
College of Education and Human Development 
University of Louisville 
Louisville, KY 40292 
502-852-8053 

FAQs: M.A.T in Elementary Education

FAQ: Louisville Teacher Residency Program