Thread: Master of Arts in Teaching

Ok, so I have decided to go into teaching .

I am finishing my MA in Human Services through Liberty University this fall, and I am planning to be in the classroom via alternative licensure by next fall.

I have scheduled the appropriate Praxis exams for my chosen area (middle school), according to the state of Tennessee's requirements.

I do have the choice, however, of teacher education programs outside of the state and/or online.

Does anyone know of a high-quality, mostly-online program that could benefit me?

The degree would need to be RA, and I would prefer eight-week terms (but this is just a preference).

Cost of the program isn't really an issue, as long as federal financial aid will cover it.

	George Washington University George Washington University GWU offers an online Bachelor’s Degree in Police Science; and Master’s Degrees in Education and Human Development, Paralegal Studies, Public Relations, Educational Technology Lead, MBA – Healthcare, and MPS in Security and Safety Leadership. GW University is a prestigious and well regarded school. Established in the heart of the nation's capital in 1821, GW provides innovative programs in more than 200 fields of study, including graduate certificate, master's and doctoral programs. Under the guidance of a world-renowned faculty, you will explore both theory and practice in courses that prepare you to meet the needs of an increasingly complex society. Click Here to receive FREE information on this school.

	Liberty University Liberty University Liberty offers online degrees in the following subject areas: a huge selection of programs in Religious Studies (Associate's, Bachelor's, and Master's), a Master's Degree in Human Services, Master of Science in Nursing, Business (Associate's, Bachelor's, and MBA), Education and Teaching (Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate), Liberal Arts (Associate's, Bachelor's, and Master's), and Counseling (Associate's, Bachelor's, and Master's). Liberty has an outstanding reputation for the quality of its education and scholarship, though the strong Christian affiliation may be objectionable to some. The school is regionally accredited, the most widely recognized accreditation. Click Here to receive FREE information on this school.

	Education Degrees Education Degrees Teachers play an important role in fostering the intellectual and social development of children during their formative years. The education that students acquire is key to determining the future of those students. Whether in elementary or high schools or in private or public schools, teachers provide the tools and the environment for their students to develop into responsible adults. Teachers act as facilitators or coaches, using classroom presentations or individual instruction to help students learn and apply concepts in subjects such as science, mathematics, and English. They plan, evaluate, and assign lessons; prepare, administer, and grade tests; listen to oral presentations; and maintain classroom discipline. Teachers observe and evaluate a student's performance and potential. They are increasingly asked to use new assessment methods •Public school teachers must be licensed, which typically requires a bachelor's degree and the completion of an approved teacher education program; private school teachers do not have to be licensed but may still need a bachelor's degree. •Job prospects are best for teachers in high-demand fields, such as mathematics, science, and bilingual education, and in less desirable urban or rural school districts. •Teachers must have the ability to communicate, inspire trust and confidence, and motivate students, as well as understand students' educational and emotional needs. Click Here to find FREE information on schools offering this course of study.

Morningside College has an online Masters in Teaching it is RA and you can get it for under 5k.

The requirements say that you have to be a licensed teacher but they are taking non-licensed teachers or teacher -wanna-be's (like me, I teach religion at church)

The school has been in the US News Best Colleges list since 2008.

Terms are 14 weeks and there are 6 mandatory classes offereded online and 6 electives for a total of 36 credits.. you have a wide range of electives to choose from, even self paced ones that you can probably knock in a month and are only $230 x 3 credit class and $190 x 2 credit class.

Besides that each mandatory class is only $170 x credit and they offer a payment plan so there is no need for student loans and debt. It is not ultra difficult but challenging, I finished my first semester taking 6 credits and I enjoyed it a lot.

I hope this helps

	Education Degrees Education Degrees Teachers play an important role in fostering the intellectual and social development of children during their formative years. The education that students acquire is key to determining the future of those students. Whether in elementary or high schools or in private or public schools, teachers provide the tools and the environment for their students to develop into responsible adults. Teachers act as facilitators or coaches, using classroom presentations or individual instruction to help students learn and apply concepts in subjects such as science, mathematics, and English. They plan, evaluate, and assign lessons; prepare, administer, and grade tests; listen to oral presentations; and maintain classroom discipline. Teachers observe and evaluate a student's performance and potential. They are increasingly asked to use new assessment methods •Public school teachers must be licensed, which typically requires a bachelor's degree and the completion of an approved teacher education program; private school teachers do not have to be licensed but may still need a bachelor's degree. •Job prospects are best for teachers in high-demand fields, such as mathematics, science, and bilingual education, and in less desirable urban or rural school districts. •Teachers must have the ability to communicate, inspire trust and confidence, and motivate students, as well as understand students' educational and emotional needs. Click Here to find FREE information on schools offering this course of study.

I have an MAT from the University of West Alabama. 8 week terms and it cost me about $9K. You can get it with license or without. I enjoyed the program. I teach full time for a community college with this degree, as well as teach as an adjunct for several online schools.

It is worth a look.

Just out of curiosity, is there a specific reason why you want an MAT (as opposed to the more common MEd )?

	American InterContinental University Online American InterContinental University AIU offers Associate's, Bachelor's, and Master's degrees in all the following programs: business administration (MBA, marketing, finance, accounting, human resources, etc), criminal justice, computer science, information technology, healthcare administration, medical billing and coding, fine arts, and education. Special learning facilities include a learning resource center, art gallery, and computer labs. The school is regionally accredited, the most widely recognized accreditation. Click Here to receive FREE information on this school.

What are the benefits of having a MAT or MEd instead of achieving alternative licensure? Seems that if you are already pursing a MA/MS and for example in NC all I would have to do is have a BA and take the Praxis II for the subject I would like to teach. Why would I be interested in pursuing an education degree? Is their pay benefits or something that I am not seeing?

	American InterContinental University Online American InterContinental University AIU offers Associate's, Bachelor's, and Master's degrees in all the following programs: business administration (MBA, marketing, finance, accounting, human resources, etc), criminal justice, computer science, information technology, healthcare administration, medical billing and coding, fine arts, and education. Special learning facilities include a learning resource center, art gallery, and computer labs. The school is regionally accredited, the most widely recognized accreditation. Click Here to receive FREE information on this school.

	George Washington University George Washington University GWU offers an online Bachelor’s Degree in Police Science; and Master’s Degrees in Education and Human Development, Paralegal Studies, Public Relations, Educational Technology Lead, MBA – Healthcare, and MPS in Security and Safety Leadership. GW University is a prestigious and well regarded school. Established in the heart of the nation's capital in 1821, GW provides innovative programs in more than 200 fields of study, including graduate certificate, master's and doctoral programs. Under the guidance of a world-renowned faculty, you will explore both theory and practice in courses that prepare you to meet the needs of an increasingly complex society. Click Here to receive FREE information on this school.

Originally Posted by cdhale

I have an MAT from the University of West Alabama. 8 week terms and it cost me about $9K. You can get it with license or without. I enjoyed the program. I teach full time for a community college with this degree, as well as teach as an adjunct for several online schools.

It is worth a look.

What subject can you teach with an MAT?

Originally Posted by JBjunior

What are the benefits of having a MAT or MEd instead of achieving alternative licensure? Seems that if you are already pursing a MA/MS and for example in NC all I would have to do is have a BA and take the Praxis II for the subject I would like to teach. Why would I be interested in pursuing an education degree? Is their pay benefits or something that I am not seeing?

Yes, there are pay benefits but also, some school systems where I live require that if you are an employed teacher that you are involved in a Masters program. Also, and perhaps most importantly, in this world of credentialing inflation, in some areas you may need a Masters degree just to be competitive when applying for available positions.

	Education Degrees Education Degrees Teachers play an important role in fostering the intellectual and social development of children during their formative years. The education that students acquire is key to determining the future of those students. Whether in elementary or high schools or in private or public schools, teachers provide the tools and the environment for their students to develop into responsible adults. Teachers act as facilitators or coaches, using classroom presentations or individual instruction to help students learn and apply concepts in subjects such as science, mathematics, and English. They plan, evaluate, and assign lessons; prepare, administer, and grade tests; listen to oral presentations; and maintain classroom discipline. Teachers observe and evaluate a student's performance and potential. They are increasingly asked to use new assessment methods •Public school teachers must be licensed, which typically requires a bachelor's degree and the completion of an approved teacher education program; private school teachers do not have to be licensed but may still need a bachelor's degree. •Job prospects are best for teachers in high-demand fields, such as mathematics, science, and bilingual education, and in less desirable urban or rural school districts. •Teachers must have the ability to communicate, inspire trust and confidence, and motivate students, as well as understand students' educational and emotional needs. Click Here to find FREE information on schools offering this course of study.

Originally Posted by Kizmet

Yes, there are pay benefits but also, some school systems where I live require that if you are an employed teacher that you are involved in a Masters program. Also, and perhaps most importantly, in this world of credentialing inflation, in some areas you may need a Masters degree just to be competitive when applying for available positions.

I understand having a Masters, but you are saying there are pay benefits for specifically have a MEd above any other MA/MS? I haven't searched extensively but say for NC they have a "kicker" for having an MA but I didn't see anything about what it had to be in.

I am active duty military and it would be just for kicks, I enjoy teaching many things but I don't know if I would want to do it full-time forever. They do have programs such as Troops to Teachers that will pay for certification though so it may be fun to do it.

	American InterContinental University Online American InterContinental University AIU offers Associate's, Bachelor's, and Master's degrees in all the following programs: business administration (MBA, marketing, finance, accounting, human resources, etc), criminal justice, computer science, information technology, healthcare administration, medical billing and coding, fine arts, and education. Special learning facilities include a learning resource center, art gallery, and computer labs. The school is regionally accredited, the most widely recognized accreditation. Click Here to receive FREE information on this school.

	Education Degrees Education Degrees Teachers play an important role in fostering the intellectual and social development of children during their formative years. The education that students acquire is key to determining the future of those students. Whether in elementary or high schools or in private or public schools, teachers provide the tools and the environment for their students to develop into responsible adults. Teachers act as facilitators or coaches, using classroom presentations or individual instruction to help students learn and apply concepts in subjects such as science, mathematics, and English. They plan, evaluate, and assign lessons; prepare, administer, and grade tests; listen to oral presentations; and maintain classroom discipline. Teachers observe and evaluate a student's performance and potential. They are increasingly asked to use new assessment methods •Public school teachers must be licensed, which typically requires a bachelor's degree and the completion of an approved teacher education program; private school teachers do not have to be licensed but may still need a bachelor's degree. •Job prospects are best for teachers in high-demand fields, such as mathematics, science, and bilingual education, and in less desirable urban or rural school districts. •Teachers must have the ability to communicate, inspire trust and confidence, and motivate students, as well as understand students' educational and emotional needs. Click Here to find FREE information on schools offering this course of study.

Originally Posted by Kizmet

Just out of curiosity, is there a specific reason why you want an MAT (as opposed to the more common MEd)?

The MAT is the usual nomenclature for degrees intended for initial licensure.

Some offer the MEd for this purpose, but most of the time I see MAT for initial licensure and MEd for certified teachers .

	American InterContinental University Online American InterContinental University AIU offers Associate's, Bachelor's, and Master's degrees in all the following programs: business administration (MBA, marketing, finance, accounting, human resources, etc), criminal justice, computer science, information technology, healthcare administration, medical billing and coding, fine arts, and education. Special learning facilities include a learning resource center, art gallery, and computer labs. The school is regionally accredited, the most widely recognized accreditation. Click Here to receive FREE information on this school.

	Education Degrees Education Degrees Teachers play an important role in fostering the intellectual and social development of children during their formative years. The education that students acquire is key to determining the future of those students. Whether in elementary or high schools or in private or public schools, teachers provide the tools and the environment for their students to develop into responsible adults. Teachers act as facilitators or coaches, using classroom presentations or individual instruction to help students learn and apply concepts in subjects such as science, mathematics, and English. They plan, evaluate, and assign lessons; prepare, administer, and grade tests; listen to oral presentations; and maintain classroom discipline. Teachers observe and evaluate a student's performance and potential. They are increasingly asked to use new assessment methods •Public school teachers must be licensed, which typically requires a bachelor's degree and the completion of an approved teacher education program; private school teachers do not have to be licensed but may still need a bachelor's degree. •Job prospects are best for teachers in high-demand fields, such as mathematics, science, and bilingual education, and in less desirable urban or rural school districts. •Teachers must have the ability to communicate, inspire trust and confidence, and motivate students, as well as understand students' educational and emotional needs. Click Here to find FREE information on schools offering this course of study.

Originally Posted by JBjunior

What are the benefits of having a MAT or MEd instead of achieving alternative licensure? Seems that if you are already pursing a MA/MS and for example in NC all I would have to do is have a BA and take the Praxis II for the subject I would like to teach. Why would I be interested in pursuing an education degree? Is their pay benefits or something that I am not seeing?

There aren't any. If I could do an alternative licensure program, that would be OK as well.

In TN, you have to pass the Praxis II in the subject area to get a transitional license. To convert it to a full license, you have to complete a program that leads to full licensure. Most of the time, this is an MAT, but if there are any good exceptions, I'd be glad to know!

Originally Posted by Kizmet

Yes, there are pay benefits but also, some school systems where I live require that if you are an employed teacher that you are involved in a Masters program. Also, and perhaps most importantly, in this world of credentialing inflation, in some areas you may need a Masters degree just to be competitive when applying for available positions.

My plan is to get licensed then to pursue an EdS through Liberty . I COULD do a licensure add-on to an EdS at LU, but Virginia's licensure requirements are downright Byzantine compared to Tennessee's. Plus, the ages don't really correspond well.

In TN, middle grades licensure is for grades 4-8. It looks like MS has a 4-8 certification as well, so I may be pursuing that option as well. The problem is that some states are K-6 and 7-12, and that doesn't really correspond well for my final goals. I'd end up having to take a multitude of Praxis exams that do not correspond with my area of licensure in TN. If I didn't plan to teach on a transitional license, it wouldn't matter, but I have to pass the TN-required Praxis exams in order to get a transitional license.

For MS, I would probably have to take one additional Praxis, but it would just be Elementary Ed content knowledge, which won't be much different than the required Middle School content knowledge exam.

	Liberty University Liberty University Liberty offers online degrees in the following subject areas: a huge selection of programs in Religious Studies (Associate's, Bachelor's, and Master's), a Master's Degree in Human Services, Master of Science in Nursing, Business (Associate's, Bachelor's, and MBA), Education and Teaching (Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate), Liberal Arts (Associate's, Bachelor's, and Master's), and Counseling (Associate's, Bachelor's, and Master's). Liberty has an outstanding reputation for the quality of its education and scholarship, though the strong Christian affiliation may be objectionable to some. The school is regionally accredited, the most widely recognized accreditation. Click Here to receive FREE information on this school.

Originally Posted by Randell1234

What subject can you teach with an MAT?

I teach English. At UWA, the degree description explicitly states (or at least did when I took the courses) that the degree is designed for those who want to teach at the HS or Community College level.

I graduated in 2007 (May) and have been teaching as an adjunct or full time (or both) since the fall of that same year.

It gives me a Masters degree with 24 hours of English.

	Education Degrees Education Degrees Teachers play an important role in fostering the intellectual and social development of children during their formative years. The education that students acquire is key to determining the future of those students. Whether in elementary or high schools or in private or public schools, teachers provide the tools and the environment for their students to develop into responsible adults. Teachers act as facilitators or coaches, using classroom presentations or individual instruction to help students learn and apply concepts in subjects such as science, mathematics, and English. They plan, evaluate, and assign lessons; prepare, administer, and grade tests; listen to oral presentations; and maintain classroom discipline. Teachers observe and evaluate a student's performance and potential. They are increasingly asked to use new assessment methods •Public school teachers must be licensed, which typically requires a bachelor's degree and the completion of an approved teacher education program; private school teachers do not have to be licensed but may still need a bachelor's degree. •Job prospects are best for teachers in high-demand fields, such as mathematics, science, and bilingual education, and in less desirable urban or rural school districts. •Teachers must have the ability to communicate, inspire trust and confidence, and motivate students, as well as understand students' educational and emotional needs. Click Here to find FREE information on schools offering this course of study.

I have an MSEd from Walden which I obtained after already serving as a certified teacher . My wife did her MAEd through the College of William and Mary to actually get her teaching license. From what I've observed an MSEd or MAEd focus on education , whereas an MAT focuses on teaching . There actually is a difference :-) I've also noticed that many MAT programs require you to take graduate coursework in your subject area. My undergraduate alma mater, Christopher Newport University, requires this, as does the University of Virginia. That route could be nice as you'd leave with 9-12 credits in your subject. You could take a few more courses and then adjunct.

As for hiring, I can say that our school had 60 applicants apply for one social studies position. That NEVER happens. The economy is just crappy. Usually we're lucky to get 1 or 2 applicants because our school is not the most glamorous or highly paid. Our principal stated the division had so many applicants, they started out only talking to people with masters degrees. Surprisingly they ended up hiring a guy fresh out of undegrad because he actually asked the right questions and didn't just apply for the sake of applying. I'm going to serve as his mentor, and I think they made the right choice.

-Matt

	George Washington University George Washington University GWU offers an online Bachelor’s Degree in Police Science; and Master’s Degrees in Education and Human Development, Paralegal Studies, Public Relations, Educational Technology Lead, MBA – Healthcare, and MPS in Security and Safety Leadership. GW University is a prestigious and well regarded school. Established in the heart of the nation's capital in 1821, GW provides innovative programs in more than 200 fields of study, including graduate certificate, master's and doctoral programs. Under the guidance of a world-renowned faculty, you will explore both theory and practice in courses that prepare you to meet the needs of an increasingly complex society. Click Here to receive FREE information on this school.

	Education Degrees Education Degrees Teachers play an important role in fostering the intellectual and social development of children during their formative years. The education that students acquire is key to determining the future of those students. Whether in elementary or high schools or in private or public schools, teachers provide the tools and the environment for their students to develop into responsible adults. Teachers act as facilitators or coaches, using classroom presentations or individual instruction to help students learn and apply concepts in subjects such as science, mathematics, and English. They plan, evaluate, and assign lessons; prepare, administer, and grade tests; listen to oral presentations; and maintain classroom discipline. Teachers observe and evaluate a student's performance and potential. They are increasingly asked to use new assessment methods •Public school teachers must be licensed, which typically requires a bachelor's degree and the completion of an approved teacher education program; private school teachers do not have to be licensed but may still need a bachelor's degree. •Job prospects are best for teachers in high-demand fields, such as mathematics, science, and bilingual education, and in less desirable urban or rural school districts. •Teachers must have the ability to communicate, inspire trust and confidence, and motivate students, as well as understand students' educational and emotional needs. Click Here to find FREE information on schools offering this course of study.

Originally Posted by mattbrent

As for hiring, I can say that our school had 60 applicants apply for one social studies position. That NEVER happens. The economy is just crappy. Usually we're lucky to get 1 or 2 applicants because our school is not the most glamorous or highly paid. Our principal stated the division had so many applicants, they started out only talking to people with masters degrees. Surprisingly they ended up hiring a guy fresh out of undegrad because he actually asked the right questions and didn't just apply for the sake of applying. I'm going to serve as his mentor, and I think they made the right choice.

-Matt

Ewww. Social studies. While I like the field, the job market for that field is horrible here as well. Good luck to any candidate on getting hired without a coaching endorsement!

Fortunately, middle grades education in my region is a teacher shortage field, and there are many schools in this area that actively recruit for non-traditional candidates.

	George Washington University George Washington University GWU offers an online Bachelor’s Degree in Police Science; and Master’s Degrees in Education and Human Development, Paralegal Studies, Public Relations, Educational Technology Lead, MBA – Healthcare, and MPS in Security and Safety Leadership. GW University is a prestigious and well regarded school. Established in the heart of the nation's capital in 1821, GW provides innovative programs in more than 200 fields of study, including graduate certificate, master's and doctoral programs. Under the guidance of a world-renowned faculty, you will explore both theory and practice in courses that prepare you to meet the needs of an increasingly complex society. Click Here to receive FREE information on this school.

	Education Degrees Education Degrees Teachers play an important role in fostering the intellectual and social development of children during their formative years. The education that students acquire is key to determining the future of those students. Whether in elementary or high schools or in private or public schools, teachers provide the tools and the environment for their students to develop into responsible adults. Teachers act as facilitators or coaches, using classroom presentations or individual instruction to help students learn and apply concepts in subjects such as science, mathematics, and English. They plan, evaluate, and assign lessons; prepare, administer, and grade tests; listen to oral presentations; and maintain classroom discipline. Teachers observe and evaluate a student's performance and potential. They are increasingly asked to use new assessment methods •Public school teachers must be licensed, which typically requires a bachelor's degree and the completion of an approved teacher education program; private school teachers do not have to be licensed but may still need a bachelor's degree. •Job prospects are best for teachers in high-demand fields, such as mathematics, science, and bilingual education, and in less desirable urban or rural school districts. •Teachers must have the ability to communicate, inspire trust and confidence, and motivate students, as well as understand students' educational and emotional needs. Click Here to find FREE information on schools offering this course of study.

Does anyone else have any suggestions for an MAT or alternative licensure program?

Western Governors University and Grand Canyon University have MAT programs. I am looking into them myself. WGU is all online except for the student teaching which they set up near you.

I am looking into these programs because here in NJ the alternate method includes 290 hours of in seat classes that cost ~$2500. + 1 year teaching full time with a mentor you pay ~$1500 and this is all for no credit once you have met the requirements for eledgibility.

This is all after you obtain your BA or BS, a 24 hr class in seat course, a health test and pass the relavant PRAXIS II. I have done all of this and now just have to wait another 10-12 weeks to receive my Certificate of eledgebility to teach then find a job.

I want to teach Math & Science to Middle school which is 5-8th grade here.

If you find any other good programs please let me know.

	Argosy University Argosy University Argosy offers online Bachelor's, Master's and Doctorate in Business Administration, psychology, and HR-related degrees, with many specialty degrees, including organizational psychology, exercise psychology, HR, public administration, higher education administration, and many more. Argosy also offers the same degrees and more from 19 locations across the U.S., and is a leader in the distance/online education field. Argosy has one of the largest graduate student communities in the nation, and is regionally accredited, the most widely recognized accreditation. Click Here to receive FREE information on this school.

	Grand Canyon University Grand Canyon University GCU offers the following online degree programs: Bachelor's Degrees in Elementary Education, Christian Studies, Addiction Counseling, Justice Studies, Public Safety Administration, Public Safety and Emergency Mgmt, and Second Education; Master's Degrees in Christian Studies, Teaching, Business Administration (MBA), Ccounting, Master of Education (with a variety of concentrations), Addiction Counseling, Criminal Justice, Leadership, Nursing, Professional Counseling, General Pschology, and Industrial & Organizational Psychology; and Doctorate's in Education. The school is regionally accredited, the most widely recognized accreditation. Click Here to receive FREE information on this school.

	Western Governors University Western Governors University WGU is the recipient of the USDLA 21st Century Award for Best Practices in Distance Learning for 2008, awarded in recognition of our success in expanding access to higher education. WGU offers online Bachelor’s Degrees in Business, Education, Nursing, Science (Bio, Chem, Physics), Special Education, and Information Technology; and Master’s Degrees in Teaching and Education (for both initial licensure and already-licensed teachers), Nursing, and Information Technology. The school is regionally accredited, the most widely recognized accreditation. Click Here to receive FREE information on this school.

	Concordia University - Portland Concordia University - Portland Located in Portland, Oregon, Concordia University is a private, Christian, liberal arts university. The school offers a variety of online degrees, including an MBA, Masters in Education with specialties in ESOL, Curriculum Instruction, Methods of Leadership, Science, Reading, and Special Education. The school is regonally accredited, the most widely recognized form of accreditation. Click Here to receive FREE information on this school. [/center]

	Education Degrees Education Degrees Teachers play an important role in fostering the intellectual and social development of children during their formative years. The education that students acquire is key to determining the future of those students. Whether in elementary or high schools or in private or public schools, teachers provide the tools and the environment for their students to develop into responsible adults. Teachers act as facilitators or coaches, using classroom presentations or individual instruction to help students learn and apply concepts in subjects such as science, mathematics, and English. They plan, evaluate, and assign lessons; prepare, administer, and grade tests; listen to oral presentations; and maintain classroom discipline. Teachers observe and evaluate a student's performance and potential. They are increasingly asked to use new assessment methods •Public school teachers must be licensed, which typically requires a bachelor's degree and the completion of an approved teacher education program; private school teachers do not have to be licensed but may still need a bachelor's degree. •Job prospects are best for teachers in high-demand fields, such as mathematics, science, and bilingual education, and in less desirable urban or rural school districts. •Teachers must have the ability to communicate, inspire trust and confidence, and motivate students, as well as understand students' educational and emotional needs. Click Here to find FREE information on schools offering this course of study.