MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING FOR CAREER CHANGERS: GENERAL EDUCATION DUAL CERTIFICATION (ECE/CE)
- Master of Arts in Teaching
- Hybrid
With a master’s degree in teaching, you can change the lives of others — even as you change your own. At Monroe University’s King Graduate School, we have three 42-credit program options specifically for working professionals looking to start a new career as an NYSED licensed teacher.
Whether you are transitioning from a completely different field or if you already possess a bachelor's degree in education but haven't obtained NY State licensure, the Master of Arts in Teaching for Career Changers will prepare you to teach young learners in both the early childhood education (ECE) and childhood education (CE) categories: from birth through grade 6.
The MAT for career changers is a five (5)-semester program that combines online and hybrid classes. With both full-time and part-time study options, you’ll have the flexibility to earn your degree on a schedule that works with your busy life.
At the King Graduate School, we train creative, progressive teachers. You’ll focus not only on students’ social, cognitive, and emotional growth, but on positive systemic change that supports that growth beyond the classroom. You’ll understand how to create safe, equitable learning environments for young learners from diverse backgrounds — so that you can help them to thrive.
Degree Advantages
What Are the Advantages of a Master’s Degree in Teaching?
If you didn’t earn your bachelor’s degree in early childhood or childhood education, then a master’s degree in teaching will help you fulfill the educational requirement needed to earn your Initial Teaching Certificate from the New York State Education Department (NYSED). You’ll also gain supervised student teaching experience that will help you fulfill the NYSED’s fieldwork requirement.
Earning an initial certification is just the beginning of your career, though. By earning your MAT, you’ll have already fulfilled the educational requirement you’ll need to earn a full Professional Teacher Certification.
Dual-Certification MAT Curriculum
The dual-certificate master of arts in teaching is a 42-credit program consisting of:
- Eight (8) core courses (24 credits)
- Four (4) general education courses in math and language/literacy specific to early childhood or childhood education (12 credits)
- One (1) semester of student teaching (6 credits)
The MAT graduate program combines hybrid and online courses over five (5) semesters of full-time study (though students may also choose to complete their studies part-time).
Students will receive advanced coursework in subjects including:
- Child and adolescent development
- Creating curricula for both general and special education
- Multicultural issues in the classroom
- Contemporary issues in urban education
- Foundations of literacy
- Teaching English language learners
- The development of mathematical thinking and science exploration in diverse classrooms
Your fieldwork and student teaching experiences will allow you to apply classroom theory in actual work settings, in supervised positions. Students will also take part in three (3) formal classroom observations, in which they will work collaboratively with their student teaching supervisor.
Students in the MAT for career changers program also participate in several seminars required by New York State, including:
- A three (3)-hour online seminar in Child Abuse Prevention and Identification
- A two (2)-hour seminar in Violence Prevention and Intervention
- A six (6)-hour seminar in Dignity for all Students (DASA)
Students may also take workshops in:
- Career planning
- Preparation for the NY State Certification Exams
The MAT curriculum fully aligns with national standards of excellence in teaching, including NYSED’s Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education Framework, Common Core Learning Standards, and Next Generation Learning Standards.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Master’s Degree in Teaching?
The master’s degree in teaching for career changers is a five (5)-semester program. Full-time students can complete their degree in less than two years on Monroe’s three-semester academic calendar.
Learn more about the requirements for a master’s degree in teaching.
Teaching English Language Learners and Multicultural Issues
How can teachers best support the language development of emergent bilinguals (EBLs) in the classroom? Drawing upon Pre-K Learning Standards, New York State Next Generation Learning Standards, and Bilingual Learning Standards, this course delves into key aspects of identification, instruction, and assessment for early childhood and childhood EBLs. The course also emphasizes the use of the Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) model to maintain high standards in culturally-responsive sustaining curricula. MAT students will also learn how to build family partnerships with the parents, guardians, and communities of EBLs, as well as how to advocate for the rights of young learners and their families.
Admission Requirements
Candidates applying for the MAT for career changers must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution of higher education, and have earned an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher.
In accordance with NYSED requirements, applicants must also have completed:
- At least 60 credits in liberal arts courses
- At least 6 credits each in college-level English, mathematics, science, and social science with a grade of C- or above
For applicants who have not met these requirements as part of their undergraduate education, Monroe offers a semester of foundation courses to complete before enrollment in the MAT program.
Candidates must also submit:
- A completed application for admission
- A personal statement describing why they want to attend the program
- A current professional résumé
- Transcripts from all prior educational institutions attended
- Two (2) letters of reference attesting to their character and positive disposition, as well as their ability to advocate for students and their families
MAT candidates must also participate in a pre-admission personal interview.
Tuition and Financial Aid
How Much Does a Master’s in Teaching Cost?
For years, Monroe University has earned a spot on U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of Best Value Schools in Regional Universities North. That’s thanks to both our affordable tuition and fees and our dedicated financial aid office. Our counselors will help you put together the maximum possible financial aid package in the form of scholarships, grants, and loans.
Candidates may also apply for several scholarships exclusive to graduate students, including the federal TEACH Grant. We’ve also been awarded an NYSED Teacher Opportunity Corps II (TOC II) grant, which provides qualified, diverse candidates with tuition support.
*TOC II candidates must be New York State residents who want to pursue teaching in New York State.
Teaching Opportunities
Where Can I Teach with a Master’s Degree?
Once you’ve earned your NYSED Initial Teacher Certificate, you can begin working as a childhood or early childhood teacher in public, private, and charter schools throughout New York State. You’ll also be on your way to earning your professional teacher certification: earning your MAT fulfills the state-mandated educational requirement to continue teaching beyond five (5) years.
With a master’s degree in teaching, you can also pursue a career as an administrator, community organizer, researcher, or professor. How you serve young learners will be up to you. We’ll show you how to get there.
Apply
Make the Leap With a Master’s Degree in Teaching
It takes just five semesters to earn a master’s degree in teaching for career changers. That’s five semesters to the beginning of a more meaningful career. It takes just five semesters to change your life — so you can start changing the lives of others.
Discover what you can achieve — and help others achieve — with Monroe University
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