Overview of Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
Maryland Institute College of Art
Nationally recognized for its successful approach preparing to art education professionals, MICA’s Master of Arts in Teaching Program (MAT) focuses on the notion that teaching is an art in itself and that the best art teacher is a practicing, accomplished artist. In the MAT program, offered through MICA’s Center for Art Education, students develop mastery as artists and teachers simultaneously through intensive study in both pedagogical theory and practice. Through this process, teachers successfully integrate personal artistry with the skill and understanding to direct the art making of others.
The two-year residency, directed by art educator Karen Carroll, consists of 53-60 credits of graduate education and liberal arts courses, student teaching, and independent studio work. The program leads to certification to teach art in grades K-12 throughout the State of Maryland, with reciprocity in 39 other states. Successful passage of the national Praxis exams, as set by the State of Maryland, is also required for program completion and certification.
Through initial classes that examine the role of art education in schools and in child or adolescent development, students move on to develop teaching strategies, original research, and the practical teaching tools necessary for their profession. Along the way, they receive individualized attention and support from the program’s community of students and renowned faculty, as well as visiting educators. Center for Art Education faculty have collectively earned state, regional, and national recognition.
From the start, every MAT course has a direct connection with the practice of teaching art to children in a variety of settings. Through the program’s formal partnerships with area secondary schools, students begin by observing and assisting experienced teacher and mentors, gradually assuming the full role of a teacher through two internships and intensive student teaching in K-12 classrooms. In the program’s final phase, students assemble professional portfolios, develop interview skills, and complete job applications.
In addition, students can take advantage of the program’s facilities, including the Hurwitz Study Center for Art Education, which boasts an extensive library of art education materials, dedicated seminar space, computers, and other equipment. In addition, MICA’s Young People’s Studio program—a Saturday school for K-12 children that has provided high-quality art experiences for children for more than a century—provides a unique laboratory experience for MAT students.
Schools around the nation actively pursue MAT graduates, with many receiving multiple job offers. To date, program graduates enjoy a 100% placement rate. MAT graduates have also taken on leadership positions in school systems throughout the state and around the country, often directing curriculum development and teacher training.
Federal law requires publication of our pass rates on the Praxis exams. Out of 17 graduates completing the program between August 2002 and May 2003, pass rates are as follows on Praxis I: Reading, Writing, and Math composite scores: 100 percent. For Praxis II, art content, traditions, criticism, and aesthetics 100 percent, and art content knowledge 100 percent. The percentage of students passing all five exams is 100 percent. The program includes preparation for these exams. Students who have formal diagnosis and appropriate documentation of a learning disability can apply to take the exams untimed or under special conditions and should alert art education faculty as soon as possible to seek consultation.