Frequently Asked Questions about the
Masters of Arts In Teaching Program (MAT)

1. Some courses say “field work required”. What does that mean?  Can you explain student teaching practicum?
2. What Massachusetts Test of Educators License (MTEL) exams do I need to take?
3. What are the requirements for teaching at the secondary level?
4. How do we know what electives to take?
5. Can I also earn a licensure in special education?
6. What does it mean when a course is listed as ”hybrid” ?
7. Who do I contact for more information?

Northeastern University is known for its integration of theory and practice. As an approved teacher preparation program by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the School of Education meets and exceeds practicum requirements.  Several of your courses will require “field work.”  These fields are designed for “contextual learning “and will require approximately 20-25 hours over the quarter. We will work with you on a placement or you may use your own setting, if appropriate.

Practicum (student teaching) is full-time for fifteen weeks plus a seminar class to support your learning. The field placement director will work with you the semester before your students teach to find an appropriate placement.  Unlike pre-practicum, you cannot find your own placement.  Student teachers are placed in Boston Public School and some sites outside of Boston where we have an established relationship.   Practicum is unpaid.

Student teachers are placed in Boston Public Schools and in selected schools outside of Boston.   We try to accommodate MAT students who are already employed as teachers and who wish to use their current school as a teaching practicum site. Whether or not they can use the site depends on its location, the appropriateness of the site for licensure, and the support of the on-site principal and faculty.

2.  What Massachusetts Test of Educators License (MTEL) exams do I need to take?

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires that ALL professional personnel working in schools (school counselors, speech language pathologists, principals and teachers) pass the MTEL exams in  Communication and Literacy (01) and in the subject areas they will teach. MAT students should take the Communication and Literacy MTEL as soon as possible. (See below for registration and practice tests.) Students must pass this test prior to student teaching. Your passing score does not expire – once you pass MTEL, you have successfully completed the requirement for licensure.

MAT students are also required to pass these additional MTEL exams to complete their program of study and to be endorsed for educator licensure:

Elementary students:  

General Curriculum (03)
Foundations of Reading (90)

Secondary students:

            Content area test

You should take the General Curriculum or secondary content area test during the first few months of your MAT program. Some students take Communications and Literacy in the morning and subject test in the afternoon. This strategy is recommended for only strong test takers.

The Foundations of Reading test should be taken immediately after taking the Foundations of Literacy course.  We also offer a Saturday review workshop prior to each test administration of this test.

Registration information and practice tests are available on-line at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education:
http://www.mtel.nesinc.com/  

3.  What are the requirements for teaching at the secondary level?

Some of our applicants have a passion for teaching a high school subject (for example, history) but do not have the educational background (undergraduate major/minor) for the subject. We want to encourage potential secondary teachers with a passion for the discipline, but cannot accept students into the MAT in secondary education unless they have the appropriate background. You need to have majored (sometimes minors are possible) in math, one of the sciences, English, History, Political Science or Spanish to be qualified to teach at the secondary level.

For those student who may not have the appropriate undergraduate degree, the College of Professional Studies has “transition programs” available with content courses that can help you achieve your teaching goals.

4.  How do we know what electives to take?

Your teacher preparation program of study has 8 quarter hours (two courses) of electives. This is an opportunity for you to deepen your knowledge in your area of interest. Many electives are available during the summer term and some during spring.  We will provide a list of highly recommend courses, but you may choose to enroll in courses offered in your discipline or the MEd program offerings.

5.  Can I also earn a license in special education?

Special education is a high need area. An additional license in moderate disabilities increases your marketability and enhances your teaching. We offer a MAT plus program, which enables you to use your two elective slots plus 10 additional credits to earn an additional license in moderate disabilities. If you are interested in this option, contact Micky Cokely,  m.cokely@neu.edu. You will need to declare your interest when you are being placed for student teaching and/or are selecting your electives

6.  What does it mean when a course is listed as ”hybrid” ?

All of our graduate courses include an on-line component. Generally this means that you will meet every other week and may be able to enroll in two courses on the same night.  (for example, EDG3104/3107 both meet on Tuesday nights on ground on rotating weeks.) Our goal is to be efficient about your time and respectful of working students. You will, of course, have a class every week but in some cases it may be on-line.

7.  Whom do I contact for more information?

Do you still have questions?  Here are the people to contact:

Application/Admissions:                                                                            
Eric Cimino                             
Assistant Director of Admissions 
e.cimino@neu.edu or 617.373.2714

Financial Aid:
Student Financial Aid Office
sfs@neu.edu or 617.373.5899

Advising: 
Micky Cokely
MAT Academic Director
m.cokely@neu.edu or 617-373-5667                                                                     

Scheduling:       
Jackie Ramos                                                                                                     Academic Coordinator, MAT                                                                      
j.ramos@neu.edu or 617-373-5908