The mission of the  Master of Arts in Teaching with a concentration in Middle School Education (Grades 6-8) program is to prepare highly qualified professionals for educational roles in middle schools through advanced coursework and multiple, diverse field experiences. These school professionals will:

• Design and deliver curricula that effectively impact student learning,
• Integrate technology in learning settings,
• Value diversity of faculty and students in the school,
• Collaborate with colleagues, parents, and others,
• Be reflective practitioners who continually evaluate their actions, and
• Value lifelong learning, engage in professional development, and conduct educational research.

This M.A.T. pathway is the second stage of the “Double Duke” Middle Grades Education licensure program and is designed to lead to initial teacher licensure with endorsements in two content areas (mathematics, English, natural sciences, or social sciences). It is available only to current undergraduate students majoring in Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies (IdLS).  Students who are not JMU undergraduate students who are majoring in IdLS  should consider our master’s degree that leads to initial licensure in middle grades education. 

The fifth-year format forms the last phase of the five-year teacher licensure program. This format is designed to serve candidates who have completed the appropriate pre-requisite requirements in an undergraduate education program at JMU. (Interested candidates who are not currently in or did not complete the undergraduate portion of this program are encouraged to consider the alternative non-traditional Master of Arts in Teaching program in Middle Grades Education and contact the Middle, Secondary, and Mathematics Department for more information: www.jmu.edu/coe/msme/).

Undergraduate candidates planning to teach at the middle grades level (grades 6-8) should contact the Middle, Secondary, and Mathematics Department (www.jmu.edu/coe/msme/) for more information and to meet with an education advisor to ensure completion of the required pre-professional Middle Grades Education minor. A specific arts and sciences major or equivalent course work and experiences may be required for admission to some programs of the M.A.T. and for licensure to teach in certain disciplines and grade levels. Candidates should check with their advisor frequently to be apprised of changes in the offerings and requirements listed that may affect them.

The three graduate semesters of this licensure program builds on the extensive foundational course work and experiences candidates completed in their undergraduate program. Candidates will have completed the prescribed course work to develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviors needed for successful completion of the M.A.T.

Candidates interested in the requirements for the M.A.T. program in physical and health education (PreK-12) should refer to the description for that program in the Department of Kinesiology. Candidates interested in the requirements for the secondary licensure program in foreign languages should refer to the description for that program in Department of Foreign Languages, Literatures and Cultures in the undergraduate catalog.