Converse’s goal is to develop teachers with the cultural characteristics and school practices that reflect the needs and
philosophy for the middle or secondary school students. Upon completion of the Middle Level or the Secondary Level
Education program in Social Studies at Converse you will be able to:
- Provide a thorough course of study in human growth and development;
- Develop skills in appropriate pedagogy and classroom management;
- Promote a broad knowledge of the history, theory, and professional practices promote a broad knowledge of the
history, theory, and professional practices that are related to early childhood education; - Demonstrate computer proficiency in instructional technology including the knowledge of skills, strategies,
software and hardware to be used in classroom management and computer-assisted instruction; - Plan, implement and assess instruction in simulated settings and in real classroom settings as a student
teacher*; - Organize and effectively manage a pre-kindergarten through third grade placement in the public schools.
*The PRAXIS II exam is taken by students before the completion of student teaching.
All of the courses in the MAT in Social Studies Program are designed to develop, improve, and continually upgrade the process in which our candidates seek to improve on ways they can develop knowledge of their students and their fields. These courses are designed to keep their students engaged in learning, to provide a caring and challenging environment,
to use a variety of texts to promote opportunities to learn acceptance and appreciation of others, to continue to develop instructional resources, to set attainable and worthwhile learning goals for students, and to develop meaningful learning opportunities for their students. A component for self-reflection and growth is included in each of the core courses as well as the content area courses.
Master of Arts in Teaching Middle Level Social Studies
The MAT in Middle Level Social Studies has a minimum of 45 graduate semester hours. The program will consist of 36 hours in Professional Education and 9 to 18 hours in content area courses. The number of content hours required may vary depending on your post-secondary academic background. Those coming from backgrounds other than mathematics will need to take more content area courses to develop expertise in that specific area. The candidate must maintain a GPA of 3.0 in content area courses as well as a 3.0 GPA in overall program coursework.
Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary Level Social Studies
The candidate in Social Studies at the secondary level (grades 9-12) must have already completed a major in Social Studies. The MAT in Secondary Level Social Studies candidate will complete 48-51 graduate semester hours. In addition, candidates must complete hours in professional education and psychology. The candidate must maintain a GPA of 3.0 in content area courses as well as a 3.0 GPA in overall program coursework.