Why Study PreK-3
A potential student for APSU's PreK-3 program is someone passionate about early childhood education and child development. They are interested in understanding how young children learn and develop and are eager to explore innovative teaching methods and educational technologies. Their academic interests may also include psychology, sociology, and educational policy. This student likely enjoys activities that involve working with children, such as volunteering at local schools, participating in youth programs, or babysitting. They may also have hobbies demonstrating their creativity and patience, such as crafting, storytelling, and organizing educational games. Additionally, they might be involved in community service, tutoring, or mentoring programs. The ideal student envisions a career that positively impacts young children's lives. They aspire to become PreK-3rd grade teachers, early childhood education specialists, educational program coordinators, curriculum development, or academic administrators.
Do you have an interest in teaching young children? You can make a difference in the lives of the Department of Teaching and Learning; you will have the opportunity to learn the skills required to be a professional educator. The PreK-3 M.A.T. program allows you to complete initial licensure requirements and earn your master’s degree in as few as 15 months. All classes are taught by dynamic and experienced early childhood or elementary education faculty. Extensive classroom practical application is also a critical part of your training as a teacher. You will be able to observe experienced educators, work with primary-aged children in various school settings, and take the lead as the classroom teacher during your final semesters. The Martha Dickerson Eriksson College of Education has an enduring reputation for producing some of the very best teachers in the state, with area administrators seeking our graduates. Moreover, we have smaller classes than many larger universities, and our seminar-style courses encourage the free exchange of ideas. As a student in the College of Education, you will feel and experience the collaborative and supportive learning environment as you work with your peers and faculty to fulfill your dream of becoming a teacher.
The Pre-K-3 concentration will prepare you to be a successful classroom teacher in the primary grades. All classes are taught by faculty with extensive training in elementary education content and pedagogy. All faculty teaching in the program are experienced classroom teachers with years of valuable practical experience.
In the Pre-K-3 M.A.T. program, you will have a broad base and comprehensive liberal arts education. In the Martha Dickerson Eriksson College of Education, you will learn the important skills, pedagogical knowledge, and dispositional requirements for teaching students in the PreK-3 classroom. Not only will you learn the information and content to be an effective teacher of young children, but you will also have extensive hands-on practical experiences in the classroom with opportunities to teach young children in individual settings, in small groups, and as taking the lead as the teacher in the classroom.
Recent graduates are thriving as preschool to third-grade teachers, early childhood education program coordinators/directors, and academic administrators in both public and private educational institutions.
Admission Requirements
For information related to admission requirements please visit the graduate bulletin.
What Will I Learn
- Broad-base and comprehensive liberal arts education.
- Learn the important skill, pedagogical knowledge, and dispositional requirements for teaching students in the PreK-3 classroom.
- Learn the information and content to be an effective teacher to young children.
- Extensive hands-on practical experiences in the classroom with opportunities to teach young children in an individual setting, in small groups, and as taking the lead as a teacher in the classroom.
Program Information
Professional Licensure Disclosure
Students should be aware that licensure and certification requirements vary from state to state and are subject to change. Licensing agencies or boards also may have requirements in addition to an earned degree. APSU recommends that students who are not Tennessee residents or who plan to seek licensure or certification outside the state of Tennessee contact the appropriate licensing agency or board before they enroll in an academic program designed to lead to licensure or certification and discuss their plans with an advisor.
Please visit the Professional Licensure Disclosure webpage to review specific licensure information for your state and academic program.
