Masters of Arts in Teaching 101

The title says it all. Teaching is an art form, and the need for "masters" or "highly qualified" educators is enormous in this No Child Left Behind environment. If you are completing an undergraduate education program, considering graduate school, or thinking about changing careers to become a teacher, then the M.A.T. is for you.

What is an M.A.T.?
In a master's of arts in teaching curriculum, students take master's level courses in both education and their specific field of study. An M.A.T. in Secondary English, for example, requires study in graduate level English courses (Shakespeare, American Literature, British Literature, etc.), graduate level education courses, and two semesters of student-teaching. Upon completing the program, graduates earn not only their master's but also a teaching certificate for the state in which they completed their education. These certificates are often easily recognized in other states without additional course-work.

Why should I get an M.A.T.?
The Bush Administration's NCLB has greatly increased the demand for "highly qualified" teachers. Having an advanced degree in your subject area fills that criteria. Not only do you learn education curriculum, M.A.T.s encourage research and examination of teaching from an academic perspective. You learn philosophies and rationales for how education works, not just how to maneuver through the system. In short, you learn how to be a professional, how to publish your work, and how to become a leader in your field.

What pre-requisites must I complete for an M.A.T.?
Most M.A.T. programs require the equivalent of an undergraduate degree in the subject you wish to teach. You may have to take courses at a community college or through continuing education at a university if you do not have the requisite number of courses. Some programs allow you to take those courses during their M.A.T. programs. You may also have to take the GRE.

Where can I get an M.A.T?
Most universities offer M.A.T. programs in their education departments. Visit the web sites of the universities that interest you and check their degree listings. Most sites allow you to apply directly on-line.

How long will it take?
This depends on how many credits in your field you have coming into the program. Some undergraduate education programs allow you to tack on a fifth year for the master's (this is called an M.T.). You prepare for the graduate experience while you are in your undergraduate career.

If you come into an M.A.T. as a graduate student, the process usually takes two years. The first year strictly involves coursework and the second requires field experience. This second year is particularly interesting because you take classes at the university while you teach, meaning you have a community of academics with whom to discuss your internship experience. This can be invaluable because student teaching is not easy.

What can I do with an M.A.T.?
The M.A.T. qualifies you to teach at the level for which you receive your degree. If you earn a degree in secondary education, for example, you can teach at the high school level. If you earn at least 18 credits of graduate work in your field (English, Science, etc.), you may also be qualified to teach at community colleges. Also, school systems pay you more. Check the salary schedules for your school district to see the differences in pay.

How is an M.A.T. different from an M.Ed.?
This usually depends on the school. In some places, they are the same. Check course requirements for each program at the university you are considering. Also, if you are thinking about getting a PhD in Education, the M.Ed. may offer more preparation.

Is it expensive?
No graduate school is cheap, but many states will give students a full-ride if students promise to teach in that state for a required number of years after graduation. Professors also offer research and graduate assistantships that can help reduce costs. Check for scholarship opportunities as well.

Is the M.A.T. the same as National Board Certified?
No, but the M.A.T. can prepare you to become National Board Certified in your third year of teaching. You learn the same reflective and research processes that can help jump start you into the National Board curriculum.

If you are seriously considering education as your profession, the M.A.T. is worth researching. You will learn to look at teaching in a thoughtful, professional way, and you will serve your students well.