As a candidate for the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) program, you will be assessed through a comprehensive set of academic, professional, and practical measures. The purpose of these assessments is to ensure that you not only acquire strong pedagogical knowledge, but also demonstrate the skills, dispositions, and professional competencies required of an effective educator.
1. Academic Coursework
You will be evaluated through written assignments, exams, research projects, and presentations that measure your understanding of educational theory, instructional design, classroom management, and assessment practices.
Faculty will assess your ability to connect theory to practice, critically analyze teaching methods, and apply evidence-based strategies to diverse classroom contexts.
2. Professional Dispositions
Faculty and mentors will observe and assess your professional growth, ethical standards, collaboration with peers, and commitment to equity and inclusivity in education.
Self-reflections and faculty evaluations will help track your progress in developing the mindset of a reflective practitioner.
3. Clinical / Field Experiences
During practicum placements and student teaching, you will be observed by both university supervisors and cooperating teachers.
Assessments will focus on lesson planning, instructional delivery, differentiation, classroom management, and responsiveness to student needs.
Constructive feedback will guide your improvement throughout these field experiences.
4. Performance-Based Assessments
You may be required to complete a professional teaching portfolio or capstone project that showcases your best work, including lesson plans, student assessments, teaching reflections, and evidence of student learning.
In many programs, you will also complete a state or nationally recognized teacher performance assessment (e.g., edTPA or Praxis) as part of licensure requirements.
5. Comprehensive Evaluation
Your progress will be reviewed periodically through program benchmarks, including GPA requirements, successful completion of practicum/student teaching, and demonstration of professional readiness.
Final assessment for graduation and recommendation for teacher licensure will depend on your successful fulfillment of all academic, professional, and performance standards.