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Master of Arts in Teaching

Master of Arts in Teaching Degree at a Glance

The Tulane SoPA Master of Arts in Teaching program prepares empathetic professional educators who continually develop the mindsets, knowledge, and skills necessary to empower all learners to thrive.

Full Tuition Scholarships & Stipends

You can earn your degree for free and receive a $5,000 stipend when you commit to teaching in Orleans Parish.

 

Benefits

20% discount on tuition for all teachers and paraprofessionals. Tuition reimbursement for teachers in Jefferson Parish. Tuition $623/credit hour.

 

Faculty

Nationally recognized faculty who practice what they teach and help you succeed beyond the classroom.

 

Wrap Around Support

All students receive support from Tulane faculty and classroom teachers, including mentorship and guidance during clinical experiences to connect theory to practice.

 

Admissions

Rolling admissions. No test scores. No recommendations. We make the application process easy.

 

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Supporting Educators through Impactful Financial Partnerships

Tulane SoPA students have an incredible opportunity to receive waived tuition and a yearly $5,000 stipend to participate in our induction program that provides additional coaching and support during the residency year and subsequent two years as a certified classroom teacher.

SEED Scholarship Information

Tulane SoPA is a lead recipient of the U.S. Department of Education's (USDOE) Supporting Effective Educator Development (SEED) Grant Program, which aims to recruit and develop the next generation of certified educators in New Orleans public schools. This $10 million grant was awarded to Tulane SoPA and the following partners: Xavier University of Louisiana’s Norman C. Francis Teacher Residency, TNTP, New Schools for New Orleans (NSNO), and Reach University.

The "NOLA SEED" program partners will recruit and develop 552 knowledgeable, culturally aware, and socially and emotionally competent educators to work in public schools across New Orleans.

Jefferson Parish Schools Tuition Reimbursement Program

Non-certified teachers are also eligible to take part in our partnership with Jefferson Parish Schools. In our Jefferson Parish Schools Tuition Reimbursement Program, Jefferson Parish Schools will pay up to $1,500 for 3 credit hours and up to $3,000 for 6 credit hours to help offset the cost of tuition and selected fees.

JPS Tuition Reimbursement Information


What You Will Learn While Earning Your MAT Degree

Teaching Master's Degree Key Concepts

  • Learn how to design and deliver effective, culturally responsive instruction that supports all learners, including diverse learners. Establish a deep understanding of educational theory and its application in real-world teaching scenarios
  • Strengthen your knowledge about social and emotional learning to cultivate student success
  • Acquire advanced knowledge and skills in instructional design, assessment, and evaluation to improve student learning outcomes
  • Develop expertise in using technology and other innovative teaching tools to enhance the learning experience for students

Master of Arts in Teaching Course Highlights

  • Historical and Philosophical Underpinnings of American Education
  • Methods of Educational Research
  • The Craft of Teaching
  • Effective Reading Instruction for Developing Young/Adolescent Readers
  • Student or Practitioner Teacher Residency I & II

Master of Arts in Teaching Degree Requirements

The MAT program is based on four foundational competencies that are aligned with the Council of Chief State School Officers’ InTASC standards (2013). These areas are:

  1. The Learner and the Learning
  2. Content
  3. Instructional Practice
  4. Professional Responsibility

Students pursuing the Early Childhood (PreK-3) Education and Elementary (1-5) Education specializations pathways must complete a total of 36 credit hours. Students in the Secondary (6-12) Education specialization must complete 33 credit hours. Six credit hours of the MAT are reserved for residency placement and coursework. Review Tulane SoPA's MAT courses.


The SoPA program offers a high quality MAT option to aspiring and current teachers that is also accessible, affordable, flexible, and attainable for working adults. Two key components are field experience and mentor support.

Field Experience

The MAT offers a wide variety of field experiences. Field experience in one or more of Tulane SoPA’s partner schools is required for almost every course, ensuring candidates spend a minimum of 180 hours in New Orleans classrooms before the residency practicum.

These experiences begin as observations and one-on-one interactions and culminate in the program’s final clinical experience: a one-year residency either as teacher of record or as student teacher. During these field experiences, candidates have the chance to work with an array of communities across Greater New Orleans, one of the most ethnically and socioeconomically diverse areas in the country. Students experience first-hand both the promise and perils of school reform efforts currently underway in schools across our region.

Mentor Support

A committed network of cooperating and mentor teachers, and faculty mentors, ensure overall success while candidates complete their field experiences. 

The highly-qualified university-based and classroom-based educators provide observation, feedback, space for reflection, and planning to support MAT graduates. Research shows that instructional coaching and mentorship are  crucial levers for improving teachers’ pedagogical skills and that mentor support given to first and second-year teachers has a positive effect on students’ achievement in English/language arts  and mathematics.*

 


Learn From Education Leaders

Our Master of Arts in teaching faculty are seasoned practitioners with varied experiences of teaching and leading schools in Orleans Parish and beyond. We bring a wealth of experience and expertise in diverse teaching environments to help you discover your calling in the classroom.

PROGRAM FACULTYADVISORY BOARD

Career Outlook for Master of Arts in Teaching Graduates

The demand for well-trained, highly effective, and certified teachers is on the rise, with a 7% growth in education jobs projected from 2021 to 2031. By completing Tulane SoPA's MAT program, you're gearing up with the necessary knowledge, and skills to make your mark on this growing field and impact the minds of young learners.

Graduates of the Tulane SoPA MAT program go on to fulfill rewarding, in-demand roles teaching Early Childhood Education or Secondary Education in:

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Social studies, and
  • Foreign language

If you're already working in a school while completing your MAT, becoming certified with a graduate degree is your way of advancing professionally and increasing your earning potential at the same time. According to U.S. News, MAT holders see salary increases of about $12,000 compared to those with just a bachelor's degree, offering a significant opportunity to increase your competitive edge and your pay.

Tulane SoPA's Master in Teaching program is designed to prepare forward-thinking students to become certified, licensed teachers in Louisiana. For those interested in working outside of Louisiana after graduation, we also offer a reciprocity agreement in place with 42 other states across the U.S. to help you obtain certification in the area you plan to work. Find more information about state certification reciprocity here.

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Engaging & Flexible Student Experience, On-Campus & Online

Flexible & Engaging Online Courses

The MAT is designed as a hybrid program with a combination of synchronous and asynchronous elements. For the first phase of the program, Foundations, courses are designed for largely independent, asynchronous learning experiences. The synchronous portion of each course requires students to attend evening classes virtually with the presence of an instructor for three hours approximately once per month.

Early Childhood Education

EDUC 6000 Historical and Philosophical Foundations of Education
EDUC 6810/ 3410 The Craft of Teaching
EDUC 6060 Methods of Educational Research
EDUC 6820/ 3420 Foundations of Emergent Literacy
EDUC 6870 Childhood Development

Secondary Educuation

EDUC 6000 Historical and Philosophical Foundations of Education
EDUC 6810/ 3410 The Craft of Teaching
EDUC 6060 Methods of Educational Research
EDUC 6970 Adolescent Development
Varied Content Area Elective

For the second phase of the program, Methods, all courses require students to attend evening classes for three hours each week. Approximately half of these classes will take place in the virtual setting while the other half will occur in-person. For the in-person work, candidates participate in field experiences in a classroom at a partner school, allowing them to practice pedagogical techniques in true-to-life classroom settings. Those courses include:

Early Childhood Education

EDUC 6830/ 3801 ECE Reading Methods
EDUC 6834/ 3804 Early Childhood Reading Instruction for All Learners
EDUC 6840/ 4110 Teaching SS in ECE
EDUC 6850/ 4120 Teaching Science in ECE
EDUC 6860/ 4130 Teaching Mathematics in ECE

Secondary Education

EDUC 6910/ 3802 SE Content Reading Methods
EDUC 6900/ 4210 Secondary Methods I: General
EDUC 6980/ 3806 Effective Reading Instruction for Developing Adolescent Readers
EDUC 69__ Secondary Methods II: Content Area
EDUC 6910/ 3802 SE Content Reading Methods

For the third phase of the program, Residency, the greater portion of the experience is spent full time at a partner school in the field teaching PreK-12th grade students with an assigned mentor teacher to provide guidance and feedback on lesson delivery and classroom management.

For the two courses associated with Residency, students can expect 90-minute synchronous evening meetings approximately twice per month. These courses include:

Early Childhood Education

EDUC 6890/2 Residency I (Student/ Practitioner)
EDUC 6891/3 Residency II (Student/ Practitioner)

Secondary Education

EDUC 6890/2 Residency I (Student/ Practitioner)
EDUC 6891/3 Residency II (Student/ Practitioner)

For more information about our online learning philosophy, visit the link below.

LEARN MORE

Financial Incentives for Educators

We believe in supporting aspiring teachers. That is why we offer full-time teachers and paraprofessionals a 20% discount on all tuition. This includes teachers located anywhere in the country and teaching in a public or private school. Tuition discounts, waivers, and funding opportunities let you save as you prepare to lead in the classroom.

Ready to commit to teaching in Orleans Parish? We waive all tuition costs and you can earn your degree for free!

Already teaching in Jefferson Parish? Learn about our tuition reimbursement for teachers in Jefferson Parish.

Located elsewhere in Louisiana? You may have access to the GEAUX Teach Grant with the state of LA. Students may apply for up to $5,000 each year to pay for tuition and fees.

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Tuition and Aid

Tulane SoPA is more affordable than traditional private university tuition and is on par with many state schools. With limited fees and a 20% tuition discount (if qualified), the cost of one graduate class can be as low as $498, or $1,495 for one course.

Tuition Rates & Calculator

All tuition is charged by credit hour, and we have minimal fees. Visit our tuition page to see our current tuition rates and use our net price calculator.

Financial Aid, Discounts, & Scholarships

Many of our students qualify for 20% tuition discounts, waivers, stipends, and financial aid to help offset the cost of their studies. Learn about financial aid, discounts, waivers, and scholarship opportunities for help funding your Master of Arts in Teaching.

Ready to commit to teaching in Orleans Parish? We waive all tuition costs and you can earn your degree for free!

Already teaching in Jefferson Parish? Learn about our tuition reimbursement for teachers in Jefferson Parish.

Master of Arts in Teaching Admissions

Apply anytime—no test scores or letters of recommendation are required.

Admissions Information: No Previous Graduate Degree Credit

Whether you're just stepping foot in the classroom or you've been teaching full-time for years, Tulane SoPA welcomes you to join our online MAT program and work towards your certification. We encourage newcomers, career changers, and already-practicing teachers to apply and enhance their teaching skills with a degree that makes a difference in the educational landscape of today and tomorrow.

To be eligible for entry into the MAT program, you must meet the following admissions requirements:

  • Have earned an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution prior to the first semester of the proposed graduate study
  • Have at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average in undergraduate coursework; students with grade point averages below 3.0 may be considered for provisional admission, provided that they demonstrate significant professional experience in a relevant field
  • Provide official college transcripts from each college attended
  • Provide a statement of 250-500 words discussing your interest in teaching and how the program will assist you in achieving your personal or professional objectives

If you're interested in applying for tuition waivers or other forms of financial support, you may also be required to submit additional materials to determine your eligibility.

Admissions Information: Graduate Transfer Students

You may transfer up to 9 credits to our graduate programs. Learn how to apply to Tulane SoPA's master's in teaching as a transfer student.

Admissions Deadlines

Fall Application
Deadline

August 1

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Spring Application
Deadline

January 1

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Summer Application
Deadline

May 1

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FAQs

Still have questions? Visit our MAT FAQ page!

Earn Your Master's in Teaching at Tulane SoPA

Flexible, affordable, and attainable, Tulane SoPA's master's in teaching program offers real-world coursework and field-based experiences for aspiring and current teachers. If you're interested in pursuing a career in teaching, start your application with a world-renowned university today.

 

*Kraft, M., Blazar, D., & Hogan, D. (2018). The Effect of Teacher Coaching on Instruction and Achievement: A Meta-Analysis of the Causal Evidence. Review Of Educational Research, 88(4), 547-588.
https://doi.org/10.3102/0034654318759268

Young, V., Schmidt, R., Wang, H., Cassidy, L., & Laguarda, K. (2017). A comprehensive model of teacher induction: Implementation and impact on teachers and students. Evaluation of the New Teacher Center’s i3 Validation Grant, Final Report. Menlo Park, CA: SRI International. Retrieved from
https://www.sri.com/publication/a-comprehensive-model-of-teacher-induction-implementation-and-impact-on-teachers-and-students-evaluation-of-the-new-teacher-centers-i3-validation-grant-final-report/