UNCP to offer new Master of Arts in Teaching

By Scott Bigelow

Chancellor Allen C. Meadors	Warren Baker	Kathleen Hilton

A new Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree program for prospective teachers will be offered at UNC Pembroke in the 2004 fall semester.

An evening program, the MAT is UNCP's sixteenth graduate program and thirteenth in the field of education. The MAT is designed for lateral entry teachers or prospective teachers with a bachelor's degree who wish to gain licensure as well as proficiency in their academic area.

Seven specialty areas of study will be offered - art, music, physical education, mathematics, social studies, English and middle grades. A science program is expected to be added soon.

Chancellor Allen C. Meadors hailed the new graduate program as an important one.

"UNC Pembroke was founded as a teaching college and continues to honor our founders through this legacy," said Chancellor Meadors. "The MAT program strengthens and enhances our ability to supply our region with talented and prepared teachers."

Dr. Kathleen Hilton, dean of the School of Graduate Studies, said the MAT program will be popular with those seeking a non-traditional route to teacher licensure.

"Because this program is designed specifically for individuals with a bachelor's degree, who want to secure a teaching license, it will be a popular one," Dean Hilton said. "It is a 36-39 hour program that meets the requirements for specific North Carolina teacher licenses and the master's degree. In addition to licensure, those who complete the program will also earn a master's degree."

The UNC Board of Governors and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction approved the new program, said Dr. Warren Baker, dean of the School of Education. Dr. Baker said the need for qualified teachers across the region grows greater each year.

"The Master of Arts in Teaching program will help supply a teaching force that is vital and committed," Dean Baker said. "The MAT is a new and exciting program designed specifically for mid-career professionals and lateral entry teachers."

"The program provides professionals with the tools they need to be successful in the classroom by recognizing and complementing the knowledge and expertise they have earned in their professional lives," he said.

Dr. Baker praised the faculty at the School of Education and the College of Arts and Sciences faculty for their collaboration in developing the MAT program.

"It's evidence of their commitment to working with public schools to help meet the shortage of teachers in North Carolina as well as providing more highly qualified teachers for the classroom in our region," he said.

For more information on the Master of Arts in Teaching program, please contact the School of Graduate Studies at 910.521.6271.

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