Master of Arts in Teaching [MAT] Program Early Childhood Education | National Louis University
We are pleased that you have decided to pursue your graduate studies with us. The purpose of the Master of Arts in Teaching ECE Program Handbook is to outline the university courses, policies, procedures, and services related to the ECE program leading to initial teacher licensure. The faculty of National College of Education is committed to providing a rich set of experiences that will assist candidates in becoming successful teachers. We expect this handbook to be used in conjunction with information from the university faculty, academic advisors, the Graduate Catalog, and the Student Guidebook to guide teacher candidates and to make the journey through National Louis University and National College of Education valuable and memorable . The focus the Early Childhood MAT program is on the preparation of prospective teachers who will provide learning opportunities from birth to Grade 2 with concern for them as human beings and for their unique learning styles. We want our candidates to examine learning and learners in a way that will inform instructional practices. As a result, we believe that the teachers who graduate from this program will have the tools to effect positive change, making an impact on all future diverse learners in Illinois and beyond. The code of ethics for the Education Profession can be found at: https://www.nea.org/resource-library/code-ethics-educators Teacher Candidate Dispositions: Additionally, teacher candidates are assessed on the National College of Education Candidate Dispositions assessment during the program. The purpose of the National College of Education’s Candidate Dispositions assessment is to help nurture NCE candidates’ growth in professional dispositions as they relate to professional standards. Below are the eight disposition characteristics that teacher candidates are assessed on during their Practicum and Student Teaching courses in the program. Teacher candidates are encouraged to be mindful of these characteristics as they begin their program and professional teaching journey. Collaboration – ability to work together; exchange ideas; share in the learning process; respect different perspectives; build consensus by communicating efficiently and effectively Honesty/Integrity – ability to demonstrate truthfulness to oneself and to others; demonstrate trustworthiness Respect – ability to honor, value, and demonstrate consideration and regard for others Reverence for Teaching and Learning – Ability to demonstrate respect and seriousness of intent to acquire knowledge and pedagogical skills Emotional Maturity – ability to adjust one’s emotional state to suitable level of intensity in order to remain engaged with one’s surroundings Reflection – ability to review, analyze, and evaluate the success of past decisions in an effort to make better decisions in the future Flexibility – ability to demonstrate willingness to accept and adapt to change
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