Master of Arts in Teaching Middle School Mathematics, Initial Licensure

Our master of arts in teaching middle school mathematics is a unique program that serves practicing middle school mathematics teachers who already hold an initial license in middle school mathematics and are seeking to further their education in both mathematics and pedagogy. This track includes advanced pedagogy coursework along with middle school mathematics content courses, and will help teachers satisfy DESE requirements for professional license.

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Program Requirements

Program Features 

  • Tailored for students, career changers, and education professionals: The program is designed for both people new to the field of education as well as for people who have previously worked in school settings. 

  • Flexible pacing options: This program can be completed in ~2 years full time, or 3 to 6 years part-time. Flexible evening, on campus, online, and hybrid class formats available to meet the needs of working professionals. 

  • Faculty: You will work with faculty who hold doctoral degrees from research universities and have interests and expertise that range broadly over pure and applied mathematics. 

  • Exciting 300-hour practicum: We have strong partnerships with more than 50 area schools throughout Greater Boston and the North Shore offering excellent field work opportunities for those seeking placement. Educators already working in the classroom may be able to complete their practicum at their place of employment. 

  • Culturally sustaining practices: Our teacher candidates are trained to create equitable learning environments in public schools. They learn how to design and implement culturally responsive lessons manage classrooms of diverse learners, respond to the needs of all students and increase equitable access to learning for all students. Our dedicated faculty are committed to promoting social justice and equitable access to learning for all students. 

  • Graduate assistantships: Opportunities to apply for graduate assistantships, grants, and scholarships. 

Curriculum 

Our robust 33.5-39.5 credit curriculum is designed to provide students with the skills and confidence needed to begin teaching on day one. All students will complete core education, SEI and methods, advanced teaching methods and content courses, along within a semester-long (300 hours) supervised practicum experience. 

Licensure Opportunities 

We offer the opportunity to progress from your preliminary license through your professional license through one program. As soon as you pass your MTELs (state teacher tests), you can apply for your preliminary license and begin your career as a classroom teacher. Once you have completed your core classes and student teaching, you will be endorsed for your initial license. Upon completing your MAT and finishing at least three years of teaching under your initial license you will be eligible for your professional license. This means that graduates of our program are able to complete all licensure requirements without needing to pursue additional coursework. 

Please be aware that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts may change licensure requirements. Students are advised to contact the state for specific, current licensure requirements. Students may access that information at the Department for Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

Explore Pathways to a Career in Math Education

Salem State University offers five unique pathways to prepare you for the next steps in your career as a secondary mathematics teacher:

Mathematics Education Program Options

  • MAT middle school mathematics initial licensure program: for those seeking to obtain initial license to teach middle school mathematics (5-8) in conjunction with their master’s degree.

  • MAT middle school mathematics advanced studies program: for those who already hold an appropriate initial license and wish to complete a master’s degree program to become eligible to apply for professional licensure.

  • MAT mathematics initial licensure program: for those with a background in mathematics who are seeking to obtain initial license to teach secondary mathematics (8-12) in conjunction with their master’s degree.

  • MAT mathematics advanced studies program: for those with a background in mathematics who would like to increase their formal education in mathematics and pedagogy and/or seek professional licensure.

  • Licensure only, teacher of mathematics program: for those seeking to obtain initial license to teach middle school mathematics (5-8) or (8-12) in Massachusetts, but not a master's degree.

Are you seeking a sound mathematics foundation for further graduate study at the doctoral level, for teaching at the secondary, junior college or college level, and for careers in industry, research and commerce? If so, our Master of Science in Mathematics program may be a better fit.

If you have any questions about which program would be the best fit for you, please reach out to graduate admissions.

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