Calvin’s program for a Master of Arts in Teaching offers students the opportunity to pursue a fifth year if they opt for a teaching career later in their academic journey.
After coming across a LinkedIn post regarding Calvin’s new Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program during her senior year job search, Maaike Reitsma, a graduate of Calvin with degrees in Spanish and PPE, found the program intriguing. She noted that the one-year duration of the program made it low-risk and cost-effective compared to other paths she was considering. This led her to submit an application for the program.
Reitsma is now among the initial two students enrolled in Calvin’s innovative Master of Teaching initiative, designed to offer a swift one-year degree option for individuals aspiring to enter the teaching profession or transition into it.
Calvin has recently expanded its range of graduate programs, now offering a total of 12 different degree programs, including the MAT. The establishment of this program is part of a broader effort by Calvin to attract more adult learners to the university, as stated by Brian Bolt, the dean of the School of Education, with the additional goal of addressing the ongoing teacher shortage in the United States.
The MAT program at Calvin has a rich history, originating in 1976 as the university’s first graduate-level degree. Over time, the program evolved into a Master of Education (MEd.) in 2006, alongside the existing MAT. Brian Bolt highlighted the distinction between a Master of Education degree and an MAT degree in an interview with Chimes. The former is tailored for current educators seeking to enhance their teaching skills with specializations like literacy and curriculum and instruction, while the latter is aimed at individuals with no prior education degree or experience.
Eric Kooyman, the director of the Master of Arts in Teaching program, strongly supports the program based on his personal journey. Kooyman’s own experience involved a more prolonged path to education, whereas the MAT program offers a quicker and more cost-effective route for those developing an interest in teaching. The availability of a $9,600 student-teacher stipend from the state of Michigan further enhances the affordability of the program, as highlighted by Bolt and Kooyman.
The MAT program targets students who may have realized their interest in teaching too late to change their undergraduate major. Approximately half of the MAT class is expected to comprise Calvin graduates. The program is structured to align with the courses taken during undergraduate studies, facilitating the transition to obtaining a teaching certificate and a master’s degree within a year.
It is important to note that the MAT degree is specifically designed for individuals interested in secondary education or K-12 subjects such as physical education or art. Due to the comprehensive nature of elementary school teaching requirements, the program focuses on secondary education fields.
The MAT curriculum integrates existing classes offered at Calvin, combining summer sessions, undergraduate courses, and online graduate-level classes from the Master of Education program. This approach allows for a seamless transition for MAT students into the teaching profession.
Reitsma expressed her enthusiasm for the program, transitioning from initial uncertainties to a deep passion for education. Despite challenges in promoting this year’s cohort due to accreditation complexities, Kooyman has received numerous inquiries from students at other institutions. Looking ahead, Bolt envisions expanding the MAT program to accommodate around 20 students in the coming years, considering the current capacity limitations of the program.