Hello. I am trying to help a friend find a MAT (Master's in Teaching) for elementary ed. She is not yet certified so a Masters in Ed won't work at this point. I was wondering if anyone had suggestions. Thank you.
Most of the University of West Alabama's education related courses are online. She could probably sign up for a campus based program such as the Alternative Fifth Year Program (leads to MAT or MEd) and take the oncampus courses at another online college. Potentially, if she is eligible for an alternative certificate on the bachelor's level, she might be able to use that certificate to enter one of the fully online programs they offer. http://www.uwa.edu There is also this list of programs. http://www.dantes.doded.mil/dantes_web/troopstoteachers/Teacher_Cert_DL_Schools.htm
Initial certification is going to require some time in supervised teaching so a completely online program is probably not going to be all that easy to find. Too, if she's going to be looking for initial cert. in a particular state then she should probably consider cert programs in that state. Often, one of the easiest and quickest routes is alternative certification. Essentially, if you'll teach in a critical need area (or subject) AND you have an undergrad in that subject or related -- the state will make some concessions for you and put you in the classroom teaching with a provisional or retricted license. You would then complete a program they have an agreement with (often by video-conference or web) within a specified period to get your MAT/MEd. It'd be helpful to understand licensing reciprocity in the state she wants to teach in as well. It might be possible to complete a quicker/easier program in one state and license in another (or several). A good way to get "an in" on one the the more desirable alternative route jobs is to pick the school she wants to teach at and then get a substitute credential and teach in that school -- especially if you can get the gig for someone out on medical or maternity leave (longer term assignment). Teaching in a private or church school often doesn't require a state cert. but often doesn't pay as well. It's also generally a more enjoyable environment. There are programs online for an MAT * http://www.uidaho.edu/art/mat/ for Studio Art *http://www.umuc.edu/grad/mat/mat_faq.shtml#MAT U Maryland in many areas. * google "MAT online" I got a bunch of hits....
