Candidates who have already completed a four-year degree in a field other than education may elect to pursue the Masters of the Arts of Teaching (MAT).  This is a two-phase program; Phase One/Residency Licensure leads to initial licensure, and Phase Two offers candidates the opportunity to attain an advanced degree in education. The MAT program was created for the working student and features small class sizes, a supportive atmosphere, a customized and flexible course of study, and is entirely online.

Students in the MAT program initially engage in coursework that allows them to develop the pedagogical knowledge required to effectively teach all students. Coursework is infused with relevant fieldwork experiences, whereby candidates engage with students in classrooms and put their coursework learning into practice. This culminates in a full student teaching experience. After student teaching, candidates may choose to engage in coursework that results in eligibility for an advanced license.

• Students in the MAT program can specialize in Elementary Education, Special Education: General Curriculum, Middle School/High School content areas, Second Languages, or Art. With a focus on developing teachers who will lead in their schools from a student-centered, constructivist lens, teachers learn the effects of physical and social-emotional health on the development of healthy communities. A focus on Education as one of the five Social Determinants of Health is emphasized throughout the program.
• Students in the MAT program learn to recognize, evaluate, and address specific physical, social-emotional, and learning needs of individual students. They become health leaders in their schools by addressing the needs of all students to support their health, well-being, and school success.

Candidates who complete the first phase of the MAT program will be licensed to teach in their area of specialization. Candidates can choose Elementary Education (K-6), Special Education: General Curriculum (K-12), Middle School/High School content areas, K-12 Spanish, or K-12 Art as their area of licensure. Upon completion of the second phase of the MAT program, candidates will hold a Master’s Degree. Candidates who complete all licensure requirements are “Highly Qualified” to teach.

Those interested in elementary education can earn a living wage stipend while receiving a Master’s degree from Salem College through a partnership with WS-TEACH. Winston-Salem Teachers for Excellence, Achievement, Community, & Humanity (WS-TEACH) is the story of three Winston-Salem institutions of higher education and Winston-Salem Forsyth County public schools joining together to transform the quality of education in the city of Winston-Salem. WS-TEACH is committed to creating a pipeline of highly-effective teachers in high-need Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools. Residents in the program receive the stipend to complete their initial licensure and Master’s degree, with a commitment to teach for three years in a high-needs Winston Salem Forsyth County school. Click the button below to learn more.