The MAT in elementary education degree program provides candidates with a strong knowledge base of content, child development, and current research that supports best practices in elementary education. The degree emphasizes the principles and practices of inquiry-based and cooperative learning differentiated instruction, and culturally responsive teaching. This graduate degree program is designed to provide the foundation for teacher preparation leading to initial Missouri teacher certification in Elementary Education.

The goals of the MAT in elementary education are to cultivate graduates who are: 1. Knowledgeable Learners Candidates in the elementary MAT will: understand, demonstrate, and apply knowledge of many disciplines learn how to engage students through an integrated and innovative curriculum that builds learners confidence 2. Reflective Collaborators Candidates in the elementary MAT will: demonstrate their ability to facilitate student learning and to reflect on educational outcomes demonstrate their ability to collaborate with colleagues, students, and families 3. Informed Instructors Candidates in the elementary MAT will: use educational theory, best practices, and research to design curriculum, and conduct assessment learn pedagogical strategies to motivate students to learn teach students academic, social and technological skills for living in a changing world