Master of Arts in Teaching
The MAT program is designed to prepare exceptionally qualified teachers who are responsive to the needs of diverse learners. It provides professional coursework and experience that lead to initial teacher certification for candidates who have completed a baccalaureate degree.
Applicants for the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) with a GPA lower than 3.0 are required to submit evidence of a passing score (based on Maryland requirements) on the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators or equivalent test, consistent with regulations for teacher certification set forth by the state of Maryland (please refer to the Maryland Department of Education for details on Basic Skills). In addition, applicants to the MAT program must have an undergraduate degree with a major or significant coursework in the desired certification area.
Transcripts will be reviewed to determine if content area qualifications are met for the type of certification sought. For certification in secondary teaching in grades 7-12, a major or 27 credits in the area of certification are required. Secondary education certification programs focusing on grades 7-12 are offered in biology, chemistry, earth/space science, English, mathematics, physics, and social studies. For specialty area certification in grades PK-12, a major or 27 credits in the area of certification are required. Grades PreK-12 specialty area certification programs are offered in art, French, music (both instrumental and vocal), and Spanish.
Admitted candidates will meet with an advisor to outline a sequence of courses. In addition to required courses, the program includes two school-based field experiences and an internship that meets certification requirements for the state of Maryland. Candidates complete a minimum 100-day internship in professional development schools over two consecutive semesters. The second semester is a full-time experience that includes the development of a performance-based portfolio assessment. Candidates in the program who are full-time teachers of record in the area of certification register for the Professional Growth Experience option and complete internship requirements in the school where they are employed. Candidates must teach within a designated commuting time from the Baltimore Campus.
Education students must meet the knowledge, skills, and disposition standards as set forth by the School of Education's accrediting body. Students will be assessed by faculty to identify strengths, areas for improvement, and to recommend for continuation in the program. Students who fail to meet these standards in the area of dispositions will have a Professional Assessment Form filed with the department chair by a Loyola faculty member, followed by a Professional Assessment Review (PAR). The Professional Assessment Review may result in an improvement plan, course failure, removal from the program and/or internship for the protection of both the Loyola student and the P-12 students. Complete details of this procedure are available in the student handbook.
Students in the School of Education are required to use a subscription to a web-based software application designated by the school. The platform is used for assessing, documenting, and analyzing student learning in coursework and in clinical experiences. Students' complete assignments, submit artifacts and reflections, and log time spent in the field. Evaluators provide feedback and assess student progress. The resulting ePortfolio becomes a digital record of the full scope of the student's development through the program.
Appropriate licensure exams must be taken, and scores received prior to the last day of the semester. Passing scores on the licensure exams are required in order to receive the approved program stamp and be eligible for licensure. Students are eligible to receive the program stamp for up to one year after their degree conferral date.Licensure exam requirements are listed on the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) website. Candidates submit an electronic application for graduation to the Office of the Registrar during the first week of the final semester.
The MAT program has been approved by the Maryland State Department of Education using recognized state and national standards and includes Maryland-approved reading courses.