M.S. in Counseling - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The CMHC program at Missouri State University leads to a Master of Science (M.S.) degre...
M.A. in Teaching and Learning
Springfield, Missouri
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.A.T.L. degree at Missouri State University is specifically designed for current K-12 educators aiming to deepen their understanding of teaching and learning without necessarily pursuing administrative certification. It is structured around what teachers truly desire: practical tools, innovative strategies, and a space for individual reflection and collaborative dialogue with peers. The program often features a cohort model, fostering strong professional bonds among participants. While it does not lead to principal certification, it provides a strong foundation for teacher leadership roles and can serve as an accelerated pathway to the Specialist in Education (Ed.S.) in Teacher Leadership. Many courses are delivered on-site in a two-year cohort model, with options for online or hybrid formats, offering flexibility for working professionals.
Curriculum: The M.A.T.L. curriculum is carefully crafted to provide a robust theoretical and practical framework for advanced teaching. It typically comprises 33 credit hours, with a significant portion dedicated to required professional learning community courses. Core coursework often includes "Teaching and Learning I: Current Issues and Trends in Education," "Teaching and Learning II: Diversity, Curriculum and Research," "Teaching and Learning III: Management and Assessment of Learning," and "Teaching and Learning IV: Curriculum Development." A crucial component is "Teaching and Learning V: Research Seminar," which usually culminates in an inquiry-based project or action research. Beyond these core courses, students select an emphasis area or a series of elective courses (12 credit hours) that align with their individual content area interests, allowing for personalized professional growth.
Research Focus: The M.A.T.L. program at Missouri State University strongly emphasizes an inquiry project-based approach, often utilizing an action research framework. This means that while it is a master's degree for practitioners, it instills a strong commitment to evidence-based practices and continuous improvement through systematic inquiry. Students are encouraged to identify real-world challenges within their own classrooms or schools, conduct research to understand these issues, and develop and implement innovative solutions. The "Research Seminar" course provides the necessary skills and guidance for designing and executing these inquiry projects, ultimately contributing to a deeper understanding of effective teaching and learning strategies.
Industry Engagement: Missouri State University is deeply connected to the educational community, and the M.A.T.L. program exemplifies this commitment through its practical relevance and engagement with K-12 schools. The cohort model itself encourages collaboration among practicing teachers, fostering a professional learning community that mirrors real-world school environments. The program's design, which often involves on-site meetings and directly involves MSU Education faculty, ensures a close link to current educational practices and challenges. Furthermore, the emphasis on action research means that students are directly applying their learning to improve their teaching within their own professional settings, creating immediate and tangible industry engagement. The university also offers various graduate certificates in education, further aligning with industry needs for specialized skill sets.
Global Perspective: While the M.A.T.L. program primarily focuses on enhancing teaching and learning within the context of U.S. public schools, Missouri State University maintains a broader institutional commitment to fostering a global perspective. The core curriculum, particularly courses like "Diversity, Curriculum and Research," implicitly encourages an understanding of varied cultural backgrounds and their impact on learning. While there might not be explicit global studies courses within the M.A.T.L. itself, the university's overarching dedication to global education and engagement through other programs and initiatives (such as opportunities for international students) contributes to a broader awareness of diverse educational systems and approaches worldwide. This general ethos encourages graduates to consider global influences on their teaching practices and to serve increasingly diverse student populations effectively.
Location
Springfield, Missouri
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 15914
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $72
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Missouri State University offers several scholarship opportunities designed specifically to support international students in pursuing their higher education goals. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, leadership qualities, and contributions to campus life, helping reduce the financial burden for international learners.
International Excellence Scholarship: This merit-based scholarship awards to outstanding first-time international freshmen. The scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years. Eligibility is based on strong academic records, and recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress to continue receiving the award.
International Leadership Scholarship: Targeting international freshmen who demonstrate exceptional leadership and academic achievement. It is renewable for up to four years. Applicants are required to submit an essay highlighting their leadership experiences and vision. The scholarship is competitive, with only about 10 awards granted each year.
Additional Scholarships and Grants: Besides the primary scholarships, Missouri State University provides various other financial awards through departmental scholarships, honors programs, and special initiatives. Some scholarships may require separate applications or nominations based on the student's major or area of study.
A Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning (M.A.T.L.) from Missouri State University is specifically designed for practicing K-12 educators who wish to deepen their instructional expertise, stay current with educational research, and take on leadership roles within their schools. While it doesn't lead to administrative certification, the program significantly enhances a teacher's capacity to lead and innovate in various educational settings.
Teacher Leader/Department Head: Many M.A.T.L. graduates leverage their advanced pedagogical knowledge to become teacher leaders, mentoring colleagues, facilitating professional development, and leading curriculum initiatives within their grade level or subject area. They may also move into roles as department heads, overseeing curriculum and instruction for a specific academic discipline.
Instructional Coach: Working closely with other teachers, instructional coaches provide individualized support, observe lessons, offer constructive feedback, and help implement new teaching strategies to improve student outcomes. Their role is to enhance the instructional skills of their peers.
Curriculum Developer/Specialist: Graduates can apply their understanding of learning theories and curriculum design to develop, evaluate, and refine educational materials and programs. This might involve working for school districts, educational publishers, or non-profit organizations to create engaging and effective learning experiences.
Professional Development Facilitator: With a deep understanding of adult learning principles and educational best practices, M.A.T.L. graduates are well-suited to design and deliver professional development workshops and training sessions for other educators, both within their school and at broader district or regional levels.
Assessment Coordinator: Schools often need specialists to manage and interpret student assessment data. An M.A.T.L. equips graduates to analyze test results, provide insights into student learning trends, and help teachers use data to inform their instruction and improve educational outcomes.
Action Researcher/School Improvement Specialist: The program's emphasis on inquiry-based learning and action research prepares graduates to conduct systematic investigations into educational challenges within their schools. They can lead school improvement initiatives, identify effective interventions, and contribute to data-driven decision-making.
Grade Level or Team Leader: In many schools, experienced teachers take on leadership roles as grade level or team leaders. An M.A.T.L. provides the enhanced communication, collaboration, and pedagogical skills necessary to effectively guide and support a team of educators.
Educational Technology Specialist: With the increasing integration of technology in classrooms, graduates can specialize in educational technology, helping teachers effectively incorporate digital tools, online resources, and innovative teaching strategies to enhance learning. This can involve training, troubleshooting, and curriculum integration.
Adjunct Instructor (Higher Education): While typically not leading to a full-time university professorship without a doctorate, an M.A.T.L. can qualify individuals to teach education-related courses as an adjunct instructor at community colleges or universities, sharing their practical expertise with aspiring teachers.
Education Consultant: For those seeking opportunities outside of traditional school settings, an M.A.T.L. can be a springboard to becoming an education consultant. These professionals advise schools, districts, or educational companies on various topics, including curriculum development, instructional strategies, teacher effectiveness, and program evaluation.
