Middle Education (MAT)
Guide growing minds. Shape the future.
Mary Baldwin University’s Master of Arts in Teaching: Middle Education prepares future educators to teach and inspire students in grades 6-8. Designed for those who hold a bachelor’s degree and seek initial licensure, the program combines subject-area expertise with developmentally responsive teaching strategies to meet the unique needs of young adolescents. With a blend of coursework, field experiences, and student teaching, graduates are equipped to lead classrooms in English, math, history/social sciences, or science.
- Time to Completion2 years
- FormatOnline
- Degree(s)Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
Next steps
Why pursue your MAT in Middle Education at Mary Baldwin University?
Middle school is a time of rapid growth, curiosity, and challenge—and it takes a special kind of teacher to meet students where they are. At MBU, our MAT in Middle Education focuses on preparing educators who understand both the academic and emotional development of middle school learners. You’ll build deep content knowledge alongside strategies for engagement, classroom management, and inclusive instruction.
View our Teacher Education accreditation report.
Endorsements
The MAT at MBU offers a number of subject endorsements at the Middle Education level. Students will complete coursework in one of the following endorsement areas for their initial license:
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 complete the entire program in just two years, while others choose to pursue the MAT part-time, balancing it with their careers 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 core curriculum in Middle Education at MBU provides the fundamentals of instruction, classroom management, and emotional comprehension necessary for any teacher in grades 6-8.
In addition to the core curriculum, all students will concentrate in coursework for a specific subject area to earn an endorsement in Science, English, History/Social Science, and Math.
This course conceptualizes the teacher as one who makes and carries out decisions about curriculum and instruction, based on principles of teaching and learning. Instructional planning and classroom management are emphasized. Students will gain an in depth understanding of the Virginia Standards of learning and how to implement those standards with diverse groups of learners.
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. Our mission is to help you level up and bring your aspirations to life.
Some applicants to the MAT program are eligible for the Kitty Green and Hobart Jones Scholarship for Inquiry Teaching and Cooperative Learning, a scholarship 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.