Brown's Master of Arts in Teaching program is a one-year program that prepares future educators to understand fundamental principles of teaching and learning and to apply that understanding to work effectively with children, families, and communities. Intentionally small in size, the program seeks to insure that future teachers learn best practices in curriculum design and instruction. Student teachers are encouraged to seek constructive feedback, take risks, engage with colleagues in exploring sensitive issues, and explore opportunities for personal and professional growth. The elementary and secondary M.A.T. programs are dedicated to the idea that teaching is creative and intellectually serious work. Those who are introduced to the craft of teaching at Brown are immersed in a community of education scholars and practitioners engaged in national and local efforts to improve education and the teaching profession. That community includes education department faculty and staff, the Education Alliance, and the Annenberg Institute for School Reform.

Completion requirements: M.A.T. Elementary Education: Eight courses: seven graduate level courses in teaching and pedagogy including student teaching, and one elective in education studies.

M.A.T. Secondary Education: Eight courses: four graduate level courses in teaching and pedagogy including student teaching, one elective in education studies, and three courses in the area of content specialization.

Requirements for Certification: Upon completion of the program and the Praxis II test(s), students are eligible for Rhode Island certification in elementary or secondary education. It is required of each teacher education program that receives funding from the federal government that it make public the results of the professional test taken by each completer. Brown University’s Teacher Education Program had a 100% pass rate in the year 2006. Rhode Island is a member of the Interstate Certification Compact (ICC), which has reciprocal agreements with forty-four states.

ADMISSION INFORMATION

Admission requirements: It is not necessary for applicants to have prior teaching experience or coursework in education, although prior work with children or adolescents is expected. Once applications are submitted, selected candidates are contacted for in person or telephone interviews. See below for specific program requirements. Prospective applicants with questions about their coursework or academic background are urged to contact the department.

Elementary Education: Bachelor's degree with coursework in child development and multicultural issues. Praxis II: Elementary Education: Content Knowledge test strongly recommended (this test is required for RI certification). Register for test #10014 at www.ets.org/praxis.

Secondary Biology/Science: Bachelor's degree in biology or closely related field; if the degree is in a related field, applicants should also have substantial training in biology (four courses, at least two with a laboratory component). An appropriate background to teach intended subject area.

Secondary English: Bachelor's degree in English or related field; at least one course in composition strongly recommended. An appropriate background to teach intended subject area.

Secondary Social Studies/History: Bachelor's degree in history or a social science (excluding psychology). An appropriate background to teach intended subject area.

GRE General: Required

GRE Subject: Not required

Application deadline: February 1 for Financial Aid and March 15 for all other applications