Do you have a Bachelor's Degree in an unrelated field and are looking at becoming a teacher? Kansas State University has a new Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Practitioner Track program. This 100% online program authorizes Kansas schools to hire qualified candidates to serve as teachers of record on a Restricted License (secondary) or Limited Elementary Apprentice Program License (elementary) while they earn a master’s degree and recommendation for an initial teaching license.
Join an interactive, information session about MAT Wednesday, May 24 at 7 p.m. (CST)
To register:
https://ksu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OWS7CMKSQqOdFQ_gzrzA5w#/registration
These tracks provide additional pathways to teaching based on our already successful 12-month MAT program that is ranked #16 by US News and World Report.
Reach out to K-State Online (online@k-state.edu) with application questions or check with MAT student success coordinator, TJ Duntz (tduntz@k-state.edu) for course enrollment guidance.
Here is how the secondary practitioner program (English Language Arts, mathematics, modern languages and social studies) works:
Admission to the MAT.
- Apply for teaching positions. You can reach out to local schools or visit Educate Kansas.
- Secure a full-time teaching contract. The teaching position must be full time and include at least 50% of FTE in the appropriate subject and grade level.
- Contact K-State. After securing a teaching position, inform K-State that you are selecting the residency option. Email TJ Duntz (tdjuntz@k-state.edu) with the subject line: Practitioner Track.
- Enroll in EDCI 886 - Orientation to Teaching. Practitioner program students participate in an intensive week-long professional development prior to teaching that continues with individual support throughout the semester.
- Apply for a Restricted License at KSDE. Apply for a Restricted License on Form 9.
- Successfully complete MAT. Practitioners who are teaching with a Restricted License are required to complete requirements for a Kansas Initial Teaching License within two years.
- Recommendation for Kansas Initial Teaching License. Upon successful completion of the MAT and the Praxis pedagogy (PLT), you will be recommended for an initial teaching license.
Here is how the elementary practitioner program works:
- Admission to the MAT.
- Complete Practitioner Pre-requisite Course. EDCI 702: Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment as well as EDCI 716: Teaching Diverse Learners.
- Apply for teaching positions. You can reach out to local schools or visit Educate Kansas.
- Secure a full-time teaching contract. The teaching position must be full time and in an elementary position.
- Contact K-State. After securing a teaching position, inform K-State that you are selecting the practitioner option. Email TJ Duntz (tdjuntz@k-state.edu) with the subject line: Practitioner Track.
- Enroll in EDCI 886 - Orientation to Teaching. Practitioner program students participate in an intensive week-long professional development prior to teaching that continues with individual support throughout the semester.
- Apply for a Limited Elementary Apprentice Program License (LEAP) for KSDE. Contact TJ Duntz (tduntz@k-state.edu) to apply for a LEAP License on Form 24b (includes fingerprints and background check).
- Successfully complete MAT within 24 months. This program allows you to earn your master’s degree in as little as 12 months or as much as 24 months of coursework and full-time teaching.
- Recommendation for Kansas Initial Teaching License. Upon successful completion of the MAT and the Praxis pedagogy and content tests, you will be recommended for an initial teaching license.
Don’t hesitate to contact the director of the program, Tom Vontz, tvontz@k-state.edu who will gladly answer your questions.