Master of Arts in Teaching: Overview
Read about the July 25, 2008 MAT graduation
Attend an MAT Information Session, Tuesday, October 28 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Brandeis University is committed to educating top-quality teachers who combine a passion for teaching, respect for social justice, and serious academic intent. A "Brandeis teacher" can tackle the challenges of teaching in inquiry-based classrooms, is a proponent of balanced literacy, and maintains high standards for success.
The Master of Arts in Teaching combines two summers of academic study at Brandeis with a nine-month internship in public elementary, secondary, or Jewish day schools in the Boston area. M.A.T. students are part of a learning community that includes a cohort of students who move through the program together and a team of experienced University faculty and classroom practitioners.
Teaching Focus:
Internship
Our relations with public and Jewish schools are collaborative and cooperative. Students' field experiences are purposefully designed to help them connect theory to the contexts of classroom practice. You will gradually build your proficiency in teaching, adding responsibilities and skills throughout a nine-month period.
Inquiry
In the spring, you will begin to focus on an inquiry project that requires development of classroom research about a challenge in teaching and learning. Graduating students participate in a culminating "Teaching and Learning Colloquium" in which you will present your project to faculty, friends, and colleagues.
Induction
M.A.T. graduates whose initial teaching position is in the Boston area are supported in their critical first year of teaching with a professional development program managed by Brandeis. In this induction program, retired master teachers mentor new teachers, visiting classrooms regularly to offer ongoing counsel and coaching. New graduates also attend monthly meetings that provide a forum for reflection and development.
We invite you to explore the details about our programs using the navigation on the left. We are confident that you'll learn that Great teachers start here...