Schools face increasing teacher shortages nationwide; a recent study reported over 55,000 vacancies for the 2023-24 school year, up over 50 percent from 2022’s 36,000 teacher vacancies. Many schools struggle to fill classrooms with qualified educators, leading to larger class sizes, understaffed support, and disruptions to the learning environment.
Clearly, opportunities are available for prospective teachers looking to make a difference in the classroom. With numerous decision-makers turning to long-term substitutes lacking the education required to be a teacher, candidates with a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) hold unprecedented value.
American University (AU) offers flexible online teaching degrees to address the teacher vacancy epidemic. Through live online classes and self-paced discussions, AU makes earning an MAT degree more accessible. This article explores how a Master of Arts in Teaching online program can promote a rewarding elementary education career.
Advance Your Career While Balancing Personal Responsibilities
AU’s Flexible MAT Program Fits Your Busy Lifestyle
Career Overview: Elementary Teachers Inspire Young Learners
Elementary teachers facilitate students’ academic and human development at a critical juncture. Childhood educators witness and guide children through many milestones, from discovering a love of books to tying shoes and mastering social skills.
Prospective teachers can find elementary teaching jobs on many online job boards, including:
- County Job Boards: Visit local county government websites to learn about teaching vacancies in your area.
- The NEA Career Center, Edjoin, and Schoolspring offer online job listings in education.
- LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor provide information on available teaching positions nationwide.
How an Online MAT Degree Prepares You For Elementary Teaching Jobs
An online master’s in teaching program offers a flexible, convenient pathway to a fulfilling elementary education career. Online MAT degree programs like American University’s (AU) enable future teachers to balance coursework with personal and professional responsibilities to achieve their goals without sacrificing their priorities. Let’s explore how an online MAT equips aspiring educators with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to excel in modern classrooms.
Master’s of Teaching Online Curriculum and Requirements
Online students in a Master of Arts in Teaching program typically follow identical curricula to students enrolled in a parallel on-campus program. The degree conferred does not distinguish between on-campus and online students; all graduates receive identical diplomas.
The online MAT curriculum at American University explores the complexities of child development, learning theories, and effective instructional strategies. Courses include Foundations of Education, which teaches the historical, philosophical, and sociological underpinnings of education, and Theories of Educational Psychology and Human Development, which focuses on how children learn and grow.
AU’s online MAT program prepares future educators to meet the needs of students from varying backgrounds through courses like Effective Teaching for Diverse Students, which examine strategies for creating inclusive and equitable learning environments. Other courses focus on literacy development, special education, mathematics, science, and social studies.
Fieldwork Experience in an Online Teaching Degree
Hands-on experience is crucial in training elementary teachers. American University’s online MAT program includes a robust fieldwork component to boost graduates’ confidence in teaching and classroom management. The program requires over 600 hours of in-person classroom experience.
During the fieldwork component, aspiring educators observe experienced teachers, develop instructional skills, and learn how to adapt to unexpected challenges. MAT program students work closely with a mentor teacher to gradually take on increased responsibilities, culminating in independent teaching during their final semester. This blend of practical experience and rigorous online coursework produces well-rounded elementary school teachers ready to lead their own classrooms.
Tech Skills Gained While Earning Your Master of Arts in Teaching Online
In today’s digitally driven world, educators need expertise in leveraging technology to enhance student learning. Data collected during the 2022-2023 school year showed over 57 billion digital engagements across 9,000 education technology products. These numbers indicate a critical need for teachers who can engage with students and parents both in the classroom and online.
An online Master of Arts in Teaching provides an ideal opportunity to develop these essential skills. Students learn to navigate learning management systems (LMS) like Canvas, which have become prevalent in K-12 settings. The online MAT at American University uses Canvas to deliver digital course materials and facilitate peer communication and collaboration. The program further enriches learning through Mursion avatar technology, which simulates real-world teaching scenarios. These virtual components empower future educators to use technology to create engaging learning experiences, facilitate communication with students and parents, and effectively manage classroom resources.
Prepare for Elementary Teaching Jobs: Pursue Your MAT at American University Online
An online Master of Arts in Teaching provides comprehensive preparation for a successful and fulfilling elementary teaching career. American University’s online MAT program combines rigorous coursework with hands-on fieldwork to deliver the knowledge, skills, and confidence to inspire young learners. Its cohort experience fosters a collaborative network of peers and enriches your educational experience, while its flexibility, tools, and dedicated faculty provide the support needed to realize your teaching aspirations.
Start your application today if you’re ready to embark on a rewarding career in elementary education, or connect with an enrollment advisor for personalized guidance.
