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Online Education Guide

Guide to Master of Arts in Teaching Degrees

What is a Master of Arts in Teaching?

The field of teaching and education is constantly evolving to meet the needs of the world's increasing population of students. In order to remain relevant and successful, teachers must always strive to learn more about the subjects they teach and to keep abreast of educational research and technological advancements in schools.

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) allows teachers at all levels to broaden and deepen their knowledge and instructional skills. MAT degree programs are designed to help new or experienced teachers hone their classroom skills, advance their careers, and refine their pedagogies, while bringing student teachers up-to-date on advancements in technology, theory, and methodology in the field of education.

In fact, numerous school systems now require new hires to earn master's degrees within a certain time period. As a result, many working teachers with bachelor's degrees are enrolling in online Master of Arts in Teaching programs, in order to meet these requirements without stepping off the tenure track. Online degree programs offer flexibility in location and scheduling, but may still require an in-person student teaching component if you are not already a licensed teacher.

The best MAT degree programs encourage student teachers to:

• increase their knowledge of specialized subjects,
• to examine theories of education, and
• to develop skills in areas such as curriculum design and educational leadership.

Many Master of Arts in Teaching degree programs offer a wide range of concentrations for both new and experienced teachers. While some MAT programs cater specifically to mid-career teachers, other programs also admit students who have no classroom experience so they can transition from other careers to teaching.

The Present and Future of Teaching

Despite the rewards of this career, America faces a shortage of teachers. The National Commission on Teaching and America's Future reports that almost 16% of teachers in the United States leave the profession every year, while almost half of new teachers leave by their fifth year in the field. There is no question that the job is challenging and not paid as well as private-sector jobs; however, as the shortage becomes more acute, administrators are increasing teacher pay and benefits, and decreasing workloads where possible, in order to attract qualified candidates.

Employers' renewed attention to teacher recruitment and retention has resulted in a major push for improvements in teachers' quality of life. The Princeton Review reports that in the United States:

• There are over 26,000 public secondary schools and over 10,000 private secondary schools.
• Public secondary schools enrolled over 13 million students during the 1999-2000 academic year.
• More students are completing high school than ever before.
• The amount of students enrolled in grades K-8 increased by 13 percent from 1990-2000.
• In the 1999-2000 academic year, the average classroom in a public elementary school held 21.1 students.

A master's degree in teaching can help put you on a fast-moving career path, giving you the credentials you need for more seniority, job security and possible promotions in your school or department. As the field of education expands, it needs highly qualified professionals more than ever.

Preparing for a Graduate Program in Teaching

Applicant Eligibility Requirements

Coursework and Degree Requirements

What to Expect

What to Consider

• Does the graduate program require applicants to have prior degrees, licenses, or certificates?
• Do I meet the applicant eligibility requirements?
• May I obtain my necessary state certifications or licenses while enrolled?
• In what direction do I wish to take my teaching career?
• Will the graduate program help me reach my career goals?
• What level of teaching do I wish to concentrate on?
• What are my potential areas of focus?
• What areas of focus does the graduate program offer?
• What kinds of skills and experience do I wish to gain?
• How long is the program?
• What is the program's philosophy?
• What is the program's application process?
• Does the program require that students write a graduate thesis?
• Does it require any fieldwork?
• Does it require extensive research?
• Will classroom observation be a necessary facet of the program?
• Can I enroll part-time?

Universities Offering Teaching Degree Programs:

Master of Arts in Teaching: Areas of Focus

Careers in Early Childhood Education

The Princeton Review indicates that most early childhood teachers with master's degrees can expect to begin their careers at an approximate annual salary of $35,000, though this amount will vary depending on factors such as the school system, location, and the teacher's previous experience in the field.

Careers in Elementary Education

Some elementary education degree programs prepare graduates to become school administrators, using their skills in an academic management position. Other students go on to become full-time educational scholars or researchers. The Princeton Review indicates that most master's-level elementary education graduates can expect to begin or continue their careers at an approximate annual salary of $40,000-$50,000, though this figure depends on location, demand, and the teacher's prior classroom experience.

Careers in Secondary Education

After graduate school, some secondary education teachers go on to begin careers as Master Teachers, who add curriculum development to their teaching duties. This often involves incorporating new teaching methods and technologies into the classroom. Some secondary education graduates eventually become school administrators, bringing their skills out of the classroom and into a management position, while still others become educational scholars and researchers.

The Princeton Review reports that most master's-level secondary education teachers can expect to begin or continue their teaching careers at an approximate annual salary of $40,000 to $50,000, though this figure will vary depending on location, professional position, and the teacher's prior experience in the field.

Careers in Adult Education

• Community colleges
• Four-year college and university continuing education departments
• Vocational schools
• Prisons
• Senior communities
• Community centers

They may also become school or organization administrators. The Princeton Review notes that most graduates of adult education programs can expect to begin their careers at an approximate annual salary of $30,000-$35,000.

Explore Related Career Pathways

Instructional Coordinators
Teachers, Adult Literacy
Teachers, Postsecondary
Teachers, Preschool
Teachers, Special Education

Teaching Licensure and Certification

Teachers who wish to work in the public school system must hold state certification or licensure. Credential requirements differ in each state and for each level of teaching. Most state teaching requirements include student teaching experience, successful completion of state examinations, and an advanced level of coursework and study. Most MAT programs enable students to obtain appropriate state certification or licensure while enrolled in the program.

The National Association of State Boards of Education provides information about state certification and licensure requirements, state and national teaching standards, and state school districts. The National Boards for Professional Teaching Standards is a non-profit organization that provides information about education reform, state credentials, and more.

Explore Related Degree Programs

- Master of Education
- Master of Arts in Education
- Master of Science in Education
- Master of Arts in Teaching
- Doctorate in Education

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