Teaching, B.A. | MAT

Why pursue the 4+1 Accelerated Master’s in Teaching?

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program is based on the idea that the youth in our public schools are powerful learners and deserve every opportunity to experience and develop the power of their minds, voices, and capabilities in meaningful learning.

The program begins in May after candidates complete their B.A. and extends through the following academic year. Students enter as part of a cohort team that is guided through the program by university and school mentors. They are placed with a teacher mentor in one of the Adam Institute partner schools at the beginning of the academic year and take courses which support the development of their teaching practice.

• Teach at one of our five urban partner schools, including the nationally recognized University Park Campus School, working closely with partner teachers, many of them program alumni.
• Gain a competitive professional edge—most who seek to stay in Worcester are hired by the district. Nearly 50% of recent grads have secured jobs in Worcester Public Schools.

The MAT is an intensive, full­-year program designed to qualify students interested in elementary, middle or high school teaching in urban settings for the Massachusetts Initial Teacher License. The program requires successful completion of ten or eleven courses, including two or three summer courses, and a full year teaching internship. For more information on the curriculum and courses, browse the program page for the MAT.

Careers

Your M.A.T. degree qualifies you for teacher licensure in Massachusetts, which is reciprocal with a number of other states through the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement. Clark’s program prepares graduates for a seamless transition into virtually any school. Nearly 50% of recent graduates have gone on to secure jobs in Worcester Public Schools, underscoring the strength of our longstanding partnership with our local community.

Eligibility

Students interested in the MAT must demonstrate effectiveness working with children and youth-a recommendation from a youth program supervisor is required to complete the graduate program application. Students also must write an essay that addresses their interest in urban teaching as a part of their application as well. Students selected on the basis of their written application must also participate in an interview with MAT program faculty (this will be scheduled).

Students interested in teaching at the elementary level must take the two specified math courses. We expect students interested in teaching at the secondary level to complete a major corresponding to their teaching field. Completing a major helps ensure that our students aiming to teach at the secondary level will meet Massachusetts subject matter knowledge standards for teachers. It also helps in meeting one of the program’s goals to support teaching that empowers with tools of disciplinary understanding and knowledge development. Students, therefore, who wish to qualify for a secondary teaching license and to study in another field as well, may need to double major.

Students with questions about completing a major matched to their teaching field, Massachusetts subject matter knowledge standards, double majoring or qualifying for the accelerated MAT degree, should meet with Andrea Allen, AAllen@clarku.edu.

Additionally, students must pass the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure before the beginning of the MAT program, which starts in May after graduation. Students aiming to teach at the elementary level take the required Foundations of Reading test as soon as possible after they have taken the “Literacy Development” course.

More information about the MAT program is available on the Adam Institute for Urban Teaching and School Practice website. Students should make an appointment with the accelerated MAT advisor, to discuss the program and eligibility requirements, and to ensure that they are taking all the steps necessary to qualify.