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Online Master's Degree in
Teaching (Elementary Education K-6)

elementary education degree psu 480w

Start your journey to becoming a licensed school teacher.

The Master of Arts in Teaching (Elementary Education K-6) is tailored for individuals with a non-teaching bachelor's degree aiming to obtain a teaching license. 

Our program equips students with advanced knowledge, practical skills, and invaluable experiences to excel as effective educators, empowering them to make a meaningful impact in diverse learning environments.

Expert Faculty

Learn from seasoned educators and professionals who bring a wealth of real-world experience to the online classroom. Benefit from their guidance as you further explore your education. 

Hands-On Experience

Put theory into practice with hands-on experiences in classroom settings. Collaborate with local schools and educators to step into real classrooms, engage with students, and refine teaching skills.

Career Advancement

Stand out in the competitive job market with a specialized Master's degree. Pursue a variety of rewarding careers in education such as classroom teacher or community educator.

Master's of Teaching (Elementary Education K-6) Admission Requirements:

Admissions criteria for the Master’s Degree in Teaching (Elementary Education K-6) will include the following:
  • A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with an official transcript received by PSU
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.00
  • Successful completion of the professional disposition assessment
  • Completion of a background check
  • Writing sample
  • Two completed recommendations

Unique Class Topics in the Teaching (Elementary Education K-6) Master's

  • Advanced Educational Psychology: Explore cutting-edge theories and research in educational psychology, enabling you to analyze and apply psychological principles to enhance teaching effectiveness and promote optimal student learning outcomes.
  • Literacy Development and Instruction (3+): Examine advanced literacy development theories and evidence-based instructional strategies for students in grades three and above, equipping educators to foster proficient reading and writing skills across content areas.
  • Individuals with Exceptionalities: Investigate the characteristics, needs, and educational interventions for individuals with exceptionalities, empowering you to design and implement inclusive practices that support the diverse learning needs of all students.
  • Curriculum Development: Guides you in the design, implementation, and evaluation of standards-based curriculum frameworks and instructional materials, emphasizing alignment with educational standards and best practices.
  • Positive Classroom Management: Equips you with proactive and responsive strategies for creating a positive and supportive classroom climate, managing student behavior effectively, and promoting a culture of respect and engagement.
  • Assessment for Effective Teaching: Explore principles and practices of assessment for learning, guiding educators in the design, implementation, and interpretation of formative and summative assessments to inform instruction and promote student growth.
  • Practica: Gain hands-on experiences in authentic educational settings, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge, practice teaching skills, and receive feedback under the guidance of experienced mentors.
  • The Professional Semester Teacher-Culminating Experience: Culminates the teacher preparation program with a comprehensive capstone experience, enabling students to demonstrate proficiency in teaching practices, reflect on their professional growth, and showcase their readiness for licensure.
  • Concentration: Allows students to delve deeply into a specialized area of study through a focused concentration, completing coursework and experiences tailored to their professional interests and career goals.
  • Workshop in Health, Human Performance and Recreation: Offers experiential learning opportunities through workshops in health, human performance, and recreation, providing students with practical skills and knowledge in these areas.
  • Literacy for the Primary Grades: Explores effective literacy instruction for primary-grade students, emphasizing research-based strategies for developing foundational reading and writing skills.
  • Elementary Mathematics and Science: Focuses on innovative instructional approaches and pedagogical strategies for teaching mathematics and science concepts to elementary students, fostering inquiry-based learning and critical thinking skills.
  • Integrating Creative Experiences: Examines the integration of creative arts and experiences into the curriculum, providing educators with strategies for enhancing student engagement, expression, and understanding across content areas.
  • Literacy and Social Studies for the Intermediate Grades: Addresses literacy instruction and social studies content for intermediate-grade students, emphasizing interdisciplinary connections and meaningful learning experiences.

Jobs of Education Master's Graduates

  • Classroom Teacher: Work as a licensed teacher in elementary, middle, or high school settings, delivering instruction, assessing student progress, and fostering academic and social-emotional development.
  • Community Educator: Collaborate with community organizations, museums, libraries, or afterschool programs to develop and implement educational initiatives, providing learning opportunities for children, youth, and adults outside of traditional school settings.
  • Program Coordinator: Coordinate educational programs or initiatives within schools or districts, overseeing program development, implementation, and evaluation to ensure the delivery of high-quality services to students and educators.

Additional information
for the Department of Teaching and Leadership

Catalog – see program guides