PROGRAM
Our master of art in teaching (MAT) middle school math provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to confidently teach mathematics to middle school students. Unlike many traditional math education programs, our program is centered on learning the deeper underpinnings of elementary algebra, calculus, geometry, statistics and number systems, so that students can learn how to think like a mathematician. Class formats are largely structured on group work and active learning rather than lecture, with emphasis placed on analytical reasoning.
We offer both an initial license track and a professional/an advanced studies track for our MAT middle school math program. The initial license track includes a 300-hour practicum built into the core curriculum. Educators already working in grades 5-8 mathematics classrooms may complete their practicum at their place of employment.
CURRICULUM
The initial license track is a 33.5-39.5-credit program consisting of courses in pedagogy, four courses in mathematics, a content-based methods sequence and a combined six-credit practicum and seminar in a middle school classroom.
The advanced studies track is for teachers who either already hold initial license or are not seeking initial license. This 30-credit program includes courses in mathematics, mathematics education and a capstone research methods course. Teachers who complete this track will have a master’s degree and can apply independently to DESE for their professional license.
SAMPLE COURSES
EDC 774 Methods of Teaching Mathematics
MSM 705 Geometry and Measurement for Middle School Teachers
MSM 709 Data, Statistics and Probability for Middle School Teachers
MAT 702N Research in Mathematics Education
CAREERS
The U.S. Department of Labor projects an 8% growth rate for middle school teachers between 2014 and 2024, about as fast as average for all occupations. The median (national) salary for middle school teachers is $58,600.* Median salaries for Massachusetts middle school teachers tend to be higher than the national average, particularly in the Greater Boston area.* Nearly 100% of those who graduate from our MAT middle school math program have been able to gain employment in the field upon successful completion of their degree.
*https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/middle-school-teachers. htm**https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes252022.htm#st
FACTS AND FIGURES
• Curriculum approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)
• Experienced faculty with teaching and research expertise in math education, math and statistics, probability, and the pedagogy of teaching
• Invaluable 300-hour practica at middle schools throughout the North Shore and Greater Boston including Cambridge, Concord, Everett, Lynn, Melrose, Salem, and Wakefield.
• Exemplar on-site school of education services center dedicated to helping students navigate state licensure requirements and providing MTEL support
• Part-time students can complete this program in 2-3 years, depending on the number of classes taken per semester
COST
For Massachusetts residents, each credit costs $450.80,* which includes tuition and fees. For non-Massachusetts residents, each credit costs $543.10.
For assistance funding your graduate education, options such as financial aid, graduate assistantships, employer reimbursement and tuition remission, and veteran’s benefits may be available.
*Tuition and fees subject to change.
Do you have a passion for math and a yearning do something that will make a difference in young people’s lives?
Our master of art in teaching (MAT) middle school math program may be just what you are looking for.
The initial license track is geared for career-changers, teachers in other disciplines, and those with a desire to explore math on a deeper level. Our unique program prepares students from all academic backgrounds for initial licensure to teach grade 5-8 mathematics.
The advanced studies track is designed for the practicing middle school math teacher to deepen their mathematical understanding; the degree satisfies DESE’s requirements for professional license.
Combining the pedagogy of teaching with the discipline of mathematics, our curriculum is approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
Salem State has been a trusted leader in teacher education for more than 160 years. Join us and see why!
Apply: salemstate.edu/apply
Financial Aid: salemstate.edu/finaid
Email: gradadmissions@salemstate.edu Phone: 978.542.6200
For accommodations and access information, visit salemstate.edu/access.