Elementary Education PK-6 (MAT)
Inspire young minds for lifelong learning.
Mary Baldwin University’s MAT in Elementary Education prepares aspiring teachers to lead with confidence, creativity, and compassion in today’s diverse classrooms. Designed for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree and seek initial teaching licensure, this graduate program combines foundational theory, practical strategies, and real-world experience to equip future educators for success in PreK–6th grade learning environments.
- Time to Completion2 years
- FormatOnline
- Degree(s)Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
Next steps
Why Pursue an Elementary Education MAT at Mary Baldwin?
At MBU, we don’t just prepare you to teach—we prepare you to lead. Our MAT in Elementary Education is designed for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of young learners. With a strong focus on inclusive, student-centered instruction and real-world classroom experience, you’ll graduate ready to meet the needs of today’s primary schools.
Flexibility & Convenience
With all courses available online, you can complete coursework on your schedule and student-teach in any accredited classroom. Some of our students power through the entire program in just two years, while others pursue the MAT part time along their career and home life. We’re here to make a career in teaching work for you!
MAT students don’t need to be Virginia residents to seek licensure—they can complete practicums and student-teaching in any accredited school. However, all activities, competencies, and Standards of Learning that are addressed in each experience must apply to Commonwealth of Virginia guidelines.
Next steps
Teacher Education Program
Students accepted to the MAT program are automatically enrolled in MBU’s Teacher Education Program (TEP). Upon completion of their degree program and TEP requirements, MAT students will be prepared to obtain an initial teaching license by Commonwealth of Virginia standards.
Although you can never be 100% prepared for your first day of teaching, I felt as though MBU gave me the experience I needed to feel confident and ready.
Janell Chavis BA ’19, MAT ’20, kindergarten teacher in Richmond
Courses and Curriculum
The MAT in Elementary Education at MBU provides the fundamentals of instruction, classroom management, and subject-specific teaching through a mixture of academic coursework and hands-on experience.
This course provides an overview of the historical, philosophical, and sociological underpinnings of the American education system. This course addresses local, state and national policy, legislation, and regulations pertaining to K-12 education, legal and ethical issues, professionalism, current issues and trends in education, and Virginia’s Guidelines for Uniform Performance Standards and Evaluation Criteria for Teachers.
This course teaches theories and research-based practices associated with establishing, implementing, and maintaining classroom and behavioral management procedures that are age-appropriate, along with preventing behavior problems and modifying classroom environments to enhance student learning. Safety and crisis management are addressed as students develop their own Classroom and Behavior Management plan. Students will develop and analyze diverse techniques to increase positive behavior and decrease inappropriate behavior that affect learning.
Our Faculty
Our program’s faculty is made up of passionate educators eager to share their insights and expertise. With their one-on-one support, you’ll graduate ready to tackle any challenges you face with confidence and competence.
Outstanding Outcomes and Opportunities
MBU’s reputation for producing exceptionally qualified teachers means that an MAT from MBU translates into a career.
MBU is committed to training teachers for every student, no matter their financial or geographic situation. That’s why an average of 92% of Teacher Program graduates are in one of Virginia’s Top Ten Critical Shortage Areas.
Next steps
Cost & Financial Aid
A great education is worth it! That’s why MBU offers numerous scholarships, including the Kitty Green and Hobart Jones Scholarship for Inquiry Teaching and Cooperative Learning.
This scholarship is for MAT students who are looking to change careers after five years outside the field of education, display a passion for inquiry-based and cooperative learning in public schools, intend to teach in PK-8 grades, and demonstrate financial need.