Marist's Master of Arts in Teaching Program

Initial Teaching Certification

Marist's Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program is for students with an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline who are interested in pursuing careers as grade 7-12 teachers and obtaining dual-certification in Special Education. The Education Department at Marist is registered with the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and is a member of the Association for Advancing Quality Educator Preparation (AAQEP). This registration covers initial teacher preparation programs and advanced educator preparation programs at Marist. The MAT program leads to New York State initial certification in Adolescence Education (grades 7-12) and Special Education Generalist for the following areas: History, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Mathematics, French, Spanish, or English. The 36-credit-hour program includes one full semester teaching practicum and focuses on developing the professional knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed by a new teacher. Our goal is to prepare reflective professionals who think critically and work collaboratively to help all students learn. To qualify for New York State certification, students must also pass a series of state-required exams, including the Educating All Students Test (EAST), Content Specialty Tests (CST) in both the content area and Special Education, and edTPA. The edTPA examination is completed in the last semester in the program while candidates are in their student teaching practicum.

• Advisement: Each student entering the program will follow a cohort study plan that considers the student's schedule and other responsibilities, as well as what she or he needs to prepare for a successful teaching career. Students will have regular meetings with the Director of Graduate Education Programs to discuss academic progress and ways to enhance their Marist graduate experience.

Curriculum

The MAT program is oriented around a pedagogical core curriculum that cuts across five essential areas of knowledge and skill needed by teachers:

• The art and science of teaching
• Characteristics of the learner
• Teaching literacy
• The foundations, context, and purpose of education
• Research and inquiry skills

Students complete coursework in each core area. Methods courses and field experience are completed before the teaching practicum, which takes place in the last semester (placements in middle and high schools). The program is cohort-based with fall, spring, and summer semester courses. Candidates will follow a set cohort study plan.

Learn More: Path Toward Certification