MA Teaching at Morningside College

I am commited to starting the program in MAIS at WNMU. I am going for it because I really wish to earn a degree at the masters level (personal satisfaction) and I would like to one day teach at the High School/Junior College level (eventually into administration of some sort perhaps). This would be a career change and I do have some time to figure it out...though it often feels like I need to hurry. While I like the way things are shaping up at WNMU I discovered the program at Morningside and I need some advice...

I like the format of the MA-Teaching (Professional Development) at Morningside a lot! http://webs.morningside.edu/gradedu/documents/Professional_Educator_Distanct_Brochure_8-2011.pdf It requires just 6 online classes that can be completed in a bit over 1 year, plus another 18 credits that can be earned through partners such as VESI Graduate Education Educational Partners This is appealing as I am familiar with this sort of study from my undergrad (to me, it looks sort of easy). The VESI courses can be completed in as little as 2-3 weeks erach for 2-3 credits....big plus. They have titles that seem interesting. I am thinking Morningside is a better overall choice and I can just take a class or two at WNMU to earn 18 credits in History. I will need gain my secondary teaching cert and I am not certain how my state does this. I have taught, but only EMS at a career type school and the local CC as a lab instructor. (Not currently teaching formally)

What do you guys think:

What is the value of the MAT vs. MAIS?
Is there an alternative teaching licensure available to satisfy the schools requirement?
Since I am not presently a teacher I question the validity of the MAT for me, what can I do with it if I never go teach HS?

Both programs are amazingly affordable, the WNMU is around $7000, the Morningside MAT is around $4500 or so. Cost is a factor, but obviously not a deal breaker here.

I think I have this thing figured out...just hoping for the guru's to chime in and help me seal the deal.

Thanks!

Mike

 

It looks like you need teacher certification to get into the program.

Graduate Program Admission Requirements

 

Actually they will let you enroll and take classes with out the credential. In some cases they even waive the requirement...so that part is not a deal breaker.

 

I say it is a waste of time, though. For community college, you'd be better off with the hours in the discipline. For high school, you would need to complete a licensure program, and that usually is an MAT program. It would seem pointless to end up with two MATs.

 

To clarify, I wouldn't take them both....one or the other. Though if I select Morningside I might continue accruing History Credits at WNMU to get to the magic 18. In fact it looks like up to 9 of those could be transferred to the Morningside program.

 

I think you need to figure out if you want to teach at a HS or College level. Those are two different beasts. For HS teaching, getting the MAT makes sense as you need to get your teachers certificate and in-classroom practice. For college, you need more graduate credits in the subject you want to teach.

 

I know. I still think it's pointless. An MAT program that doesn't get you teacher certification is only worth getting if you already have certification (it could lead to a pay raise). States have specific requirements for teacher certification, so if you are interested in getting certified, you should try to pursue an MAT program that leads to licensure.

If not, then the MAT is a waste anyway. It's not likely to open doors to teach at the jr. college level, and it wouldn't help you with K-12.

 

really i sent them an email.. I'm gonna give them a call tommorrow

 

I just got an email from the director that a teaching certificate is required!

 

my wife was recently admitted into the program without a teaching credential.
She has a degree in theology with a minor in education and has taught at a private catholic school for 3 years plus she had completed 12 credits as a non-degree seeking student