Teaching, M.A.

Saint Louis University's Master of Arts in Teaching with alternative certification is designed to provide current and aspiring teachers with an advanced degree and an alternative route to certification through Missouri's Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. This program welcomes applicants with undergraduate degrees other than education. Individuals who were education majors are also encouraged to explore whether the M.A.T. will fit their career goals.

Program Highlights

In the spirit of the Jesuit tradition of education, Saint Louis University's Master of Arts in Teaching program is committed to providing students with:

• Individualized academic experiences
• Opportunities to address social and moral issues related to education, especially in urban settings
• Personalized coaching from the School of Education's faculty, allowing for real-time feedback on student-centered instructional strategies and classroom management

Available Pathways

SLU's Master of Arts in Teaching offers five unique pathways:

• Billiken Teacher Corps (BTC): Cura Community
• Billiken Teacher Corps (BTC): M.A.T. Magis (in-person cohort)
• Billiken Teacher Corps (BTC): M.A.T. Magis (online cohort)
• STL Teaching Fellows @ SLU
• International M.A.T. for Excellence (iMATE)

I chose the M.A.T. cohort at SLU because I was ready to teach. I had the experience, content knowledge and desire. This program put me in a classroom immediately and gave me a chance to become officially certified along the way." — Traron Shivers, M.A.T. Class of 2022

Curriculum Overview

This degree is designed to offer students expanded knowledge in pedagogy, current educational practices, and teaching and learning processes. The program requires consistent active engagement in school-based learning environments during the academic year. In order to pursue certification via the alternative route, students must successfully complete the alternative certification requirements as outlined by DESE, including a content area certification exam. Having obtained Missouri provisional certification, they will teach for two years in an accredited Missouri public or non-public school. Students participate in the school's or district’s professional development programs and performance-based teacher evaluation programs during that time.

Courses are concentrated during the summer, with one weekly evening course and a practicum requirement with monthly workshops during the fall and spring semesters, allowing students to focus on teaching during the academic year. Summer courses begin in early summer, preparing students to enter the classroom in August. Students who are already full-time teachers of record may also have the opportunity to begin coursework in the fall or spring semesters with approval from the program director.

Alternative Certification Pathways

Each pathway of SLU's Master of Arts in Teaching with alternative certification is designed to enable students who have undergraduate degrees in content areas and who were not education majors to seek Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education certification via an alternative route.

At the start of the M.A.T. degree, students will apply for their provisional certificate. They will hold this certificate for two years during the program. Students must work with the SLU certification officer to obtain their provisional certificate. Upon successfully graduating from the M.A.T. degree and meeting all additional requirements, graduates apply for their initial certificate.

Billiken Teacher Corps: Cura Community (37-38 credits)

The Billiken Teacher Corps: Cura Community is a program for recent college graduates that focuses on holistic support for participants as they begin their careers teaching in Jesuit or underserved Catholic schools. The name Cura Community speaks to the approach of the program, which balances cura personalis (care for the whole person) with cura apostolica (care for the mission work). The program offers a unique opportunity for participants to live out the Jesuit mission as men and women for and with others, making a transformative impact in their communities. Cura Community members gain two years of full-time teaching experience while earning their Master of Arts in Teaching with full tuition remission. Monthly stipends and low-cost housing are provided as part of this fellowship.

The hallmark of this program is the cohort model. Participants live in a supportive, faith-based community and participate in regular, intentional opportunities for spiritual nourishment, such as retreats and community events. Applicants work with the Billiken Teacher Corps program director to secure a school placement that fits their content background and teaching desires. For more information, contact billikenteachercorps@slu.edu.

Billiken Teacher Corps: M.A.T. Magis - in person (37-38 credits)

Inspired by magis, the Latin word for "more," Billiken Teacher Corps: M.A.T. Magis candidates do more as they grow and strengthen their knowledge and support for their students by earning their Master of Arts in Teaching with alternative certification (if applicable). This two-year, 37-38 credit-hour program is a flexible option for individuals who are already secondary, middle or elementary teachers in Catholic schools or who are seeking those positions. M.A.T. Magis is also open to half-time teachers and elementary classroom aides with a bachelor’s degree who would like to attain additional credentials.

Unlike Cura Community, M.A.T. Magis is not a residential program, although opportunities for spiritual development and community building are available to students in this pathway. If not already employed by a Catholic school, M.A.T. Magis applicants work with the Billiken Teacher Corps program director to secure school employment that fits their content background and teaching desires. Applicants to the M.A.T. Magis program earn an automatic tuition discount when employed by a Catholic school at the start of coursework and throughout the program. For more information, contact billikenteachercorps@slu.edu.

Billiken Teacher Corps: M.A.T. Magis - online (37-38 credits)

Inspired by magis, the Latin word for "more," Billiken Teacher Corps: M.A.T. Magis - online candidates do more as they grow and strengthen their knowledge and support for their students by earning their Master of Arts in Teaching with the possibility of earning Missouri state alternative certification. Applicants desiring certification should check with their state to see if Missouri certification will transfer or is reciprocal. This two-year, 37-38 credit-hour program is a flexible option for individuals who are already secondary, middle or elementary teachers in Catholic schools or who are seeking those positions. M.A.T. Magis - online is also open to half-time teachers and elementary classroom aides with a bachelor’s degree who would like to attain additional credentials.

Unlike Cura Community, M.A.T. Magis - online is not a residential program. As M.A.T. Magis - online applicants live in a variety of states, they must secure employment in a Catholic school before beginning classes. Applicants earn an automatic tuition discount when employed by a Catholic school at the start of coursework and throughout the program. For more information, contact billikenteachercorps@slu.edu.

STL Teaching Fellows @ SLU (31-32 credits)

The STL Teaching Fellows @ SLU offers a unique opportunity for students to teach in one of SLU’s partner school districts, earning a full-time teaching salary of at least $40,000 while pursuing a master’s degree. Once admitted to the M.A.T. program, students receive assistance from our faculty advisors to arrange job interviews at partner schools. We offer a competitive tuition rate to allow students to earn a high-quality degree for roughly $11,000 per year. For more information, contact us at slued@slu.edu or 314-977-3292.

International M.A.T. for Excellence (iMATE) (31-32 credits)

The iMATE program offers international educators the opportunity to advance their careers in education. This two-year program provides teaching experience in St. Louis area public schools while supporting students’ completion of a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) degree. Students receive personalized coaching from University supervisors and school mentors, and complete requirements for an alternative teaching certification. For more information, contact us at slued@slu.edu or 314-977-3292.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

Master of Arts in Teaching with alternative certification students teach full-time for two years on a provisional teaching certificate from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The school principal assigns a mentor who teaches in the same content area as the student and at a similar grade level. A University supervisor makes classroom observations and holds follow-up conferences every month.

SLU faculty assist students with job placement in partner schools before the beginning of the program if needed.​

Careers

Possible careers for graduates with a Master of Arts in Teaching include teaching at the secondary, middle or elementary level. SLU is approved by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to provide alternative certification in the following areas:

• Art (K-12)
• Biology (9-12)
• Business (9-12)
• Chemistry (9-12)
• English (9-12)
• English language arts (5-9)
• Family and consumer science (K-12)
• French (K-12)
• Instrumental music (K-12)
• Vocal music (K-12)
• Math (5-9; 9-12)
• Physical education (K-12)
• Physics (9-12)
• Science (5-9)
• Social studies (5-9; 9-12)
• Speech and theater (5-9; 9-12)
• Spanish (K-12)

Those looking to earn certification at the elementary level may pursue certification through an alternate route. Information is available on the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's website. 

The MAT coursework has given me the opportunity to look at my work from a new perspective while also being flexible with my school schedule. What I’ve learned in class helps me to make better decisions in my day-to-day teaching, but more importantly, it helps me to see the overall importance of working in education.” – Megan Kraus, Class of 2024

Admission Requirements

Master of Arts in Teaching with alternative certification applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree or higher in a content area or a related field of the desired certificate from a regionally accredited institution.

All students seeking teacher certification from the State of Missouri must attempt the state required content assessment (Praxis) at least once before summer one classes. If not passed, they must attempt the exam again prior to the beginning of the fall one term. If Praxis is not passed, earning certification cannot be guaranteed.

Application Requirements

• Application form
• Transcript(s)
• Letters of recommendation:
  • Billiken Teacher Corps: Cura Community: Four letters
  • Billiken Teacher Corps: M.A.T. Magis (in person & online): Two letters
  • STL Teaching Fellows @ SLU: Two letters
• Résumé
• Professional goal statement (see application portal for prompts)

Requirements for International Students

The Master of Arts in Teaching degree programs is only open to international students who have an employer-sponsored work visa to teach in the St. Louis metro area.

All Saint Louis University admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students. International students applying to SLU must also meet the following additional requirements:

• Demonstrate English language proficiency
• Academic records must include an English translation. Unofficial copies may be accepted in some cases for initial admission review, however official copies must be received prior to enrollment. Course-by-course transcript evaluations are accepted. 

Students must submit financial documents to be issued an I-20 for their F-1 visa application. Proof of financial support must include:

• A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the student's time at Saint Louis University
• A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of the student's study at the University

Please note that application deadlines for this program differ for international students.

Application Deadlines

For aspiring and beginning teachers, a summer start for classes is required. If teachers who are already employed are applying for the M.A.T. degree, they may begin in the fall or spring semesters with approval from the program director. The application deadlines are as follows:

Billiken Teacher Corps: Cura Community:

• Summer semester: January 25 (priority deadline); April 15 (final deadline). (This program offers a summer start only due to the residential living component.)

Billiken Teacher Corps: M.A.T. Magis (in person & online):

• Summer semester: January 25 (priority deadline); April 15 (final deadline).
• Fall semester: April 1 (priority deadline); July 15 (final deadline).
• Spring semester: August 1 (priority deadline); November 15 (final deadline).

STL Teaching Fellows @ SLU:

• Summer semester: March 1 (priority deadline); April 1 (final deadline).

Review Process

A committee reviews each application holistically.

Tuition

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

Net Price Calculator

Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Students should complete their applications by the program admission deadlines for priority consideration for departmental graduate scholarships. For more information, visit the Office of Student Financial Services.

Each of the M.A.T. pathways offers unique scholarship opportunities

Billiken Teacher Corps: Cura Community

Cura Community members gain two years of full-time teaching experience while earning their Master of Arts in Teaching with full tuition remission. Monthly stipends and low-cost housing are provided as part of this fellowship. This scholarship is premised upon successful adherence to the Billiken Teacher Corps: Cura Community residence standards and the standards for teachers in Catholic schools. For more information, contact billikenteachercorps@slu.edu.

Billiken Teacher Corps: M.A.T. Magis (in person & online)

Those working in Catholic schools automatically receive scholarships covering up to one-third of the M.A.T. degree. Applicants to the M.A.T. Magis program earn the automatic tuition discount when employed by a Catholic school at the start of coursework and throughout the program. For more information, contact billikenteachercorps@slu.edu.

STL Teaching Fellows @ SLU

Scholarship opportunities may be available for those who apply by the priority deadline. All applicants are reviewed for scholarships at the time of admission. For more information, contact us at slued@slu.edu or 314-977-3292.

International M.A.T. for Excellence (iMATE)

iMATE students gain two years of teaching experience at partner public schools in the St. Louis area while earning their Master of Arts in Teaching with full tuition remission. This scholarship is premised upon successful adherence to the Saint Louis University standards and the standards for teachers in partner schools. For more information, contact us at slued@slu.edu or 314-977-3292.

1. Graduates will be able to understand the central concepts, structures, and tools of inquiry of the discipline(s) and create learning experiences that make these aspects of subject matter meaningful and engaging for students.
2. Graduates will be able to understand how students learn, develop and differ in their approaches to learning. 
3. Graduates will be able to provide learning opportunities that are adapted to diverse learners and support the intellectual, social and personal development of all students.
4. Graduates will be able to recognize the importance of long-range planning and curriculum development. 
5. Graduates will be able to develop, implement and evaluate curriculum based upon student, district and state standards.
6. Graduates will be able to use a variety of instructional strategies and resources to encourage students’ critical thinking, problem solving and performance skills.
7. Graduates will be able to use an understanding of individual/group motivation and behavior to create a learning environment that encourages active engagement in learning, positive social interaction and self-motivation.
8. Graduates will be able to model effective verbal, nonverbal and media communication techniques with students, colleagues and families to foster active inquiry, collaboration and supportive interaction in the classroom.
9. Graduates will be able to understand and use formative and summative strategies to assess the learner’s progress, and use both classroom and standardized assessment data to plan ongoing instruction. 
10. Graduates will be able to monitor the performance of students and devise instruction to enable students to grow and develop, making adequate academic progress.
11. Graduates will be able to be reflective practitioners who continually assess the effects of choices and actions on others.  
12. Graduates will be able to actively seek out opportunities to grow professionally in order to improve learning for all students.
13. Graduates will be able to have effective working relationships with students, families, school colleagues and community members.

Master of Arts in Teaching with alternative certification students must complete the Missouri requirements for a provisional certificate, the appropriate Praxis test, and all other certification requirements established by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

All students seeking teacher certification from the State of Missouri must attempt Praxis at least once before summer one classes. If not passed, they must attempt the exam again prior to the beginning of the fall one term. If Praxis is not passed, earning certification cannot be guaranteed.

M.A.T. students collaborate with their school mentor and university supervisor to schedule observations aligned with the Missouri Educator Evaluation System (MEES).

Additionally, students must participate in the assigned school district’s professional development programs.

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Master of Arts in Teaching with Alternative Certification (STL Teaching Fellows @ SLU)

Master of Arts in Teaching with Alternative Certification (Billiken Teacher Corps: Cura Community and M.A.T. Magis)

Apply for Admission

For additional admission questions, please contact:
Saint Louis University School of Education
314-977-3292
slued@slu.edu