Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Education - Chemistry

In the MAT program, we conceive of teaching as practical intellectual work dedicated to enlargement of human capacity at the individual and societal level. Successful completion of the program leads to the degree and (with the exception of the secondary Bible concentration) the initial license to teach in Massachusetts, which has reciprocity agreements with the other states and the District of Columbia. This is a four semester (summer, fall, spring, summer), 50-60 credit masters program. The MAT in elementary education offers a choice of two concentrations: public elementary or Jewish day schools (the DeLeT program). The MAT in secondary education offers a choice of several concentrations: biology, chemistry, Chinese, English, history, mathematics, physics, or Bible/Tanakh. In all concentrations, a coherent one-year/four-semester course of study integrates sustained guided-teaching practice in area schools with challenging course work and analysis of educational problems and issues at macro and micro levels. In each concentration, a small cohort of students works closely with peers, mentors, and faculty in an atmosphere that is collegial and open to risk-taking. Inquiry is a theme across the year. As the culminating project, students design, conduct, and report on a classroom-based, research project. All graduates are expected to demonstrate strong conceptual and practical command of the field; commitment to children as learners and thinkers; and habits of reliance on reason, evidence, and values in pedagogical decision making. One exceptional feature of the MAT is the early career induction support provided to graduates who teach in the greater Boston area. Social support, reflection on teaching challenges, and individual advising are offered in monthly meetings and in one-on-one conferences. Learning Goals After graduation, a Brandeis Education Studies major will be well prepared to be a citizen in our democracy. S/he will also be prepared to pursue: Education policy, legislative, or non-profit work; Careers in education-related fields such as school psychology, higher education, Informal education, museum education; Graduate study in preparation for teaching or a scholarly career in education. Program of Study Within a coherent, sequenced course of study, students examine theories and cases of human learning, study principles and practices of teaching specific subjects, and engage in some of the big questions and debates that characterize the field. Guided teaching practice begins in the summer and continues through a year-long internship in a nearby classroom. Working closely with an experienced mentor teacher, students gradually assume increasing instructional responsibility and begin functioning as junior colleagues in the school community. Over the course of the year, students learn principles and practices of inquiry-oriented pedagogy in the subject area(s). They study formal and informal methods of assessment learn how to interpret and adapt curricular standards, and practice engaging families in meaningful conversation about children's educational accomplishments and needs. This program base on Chemistry. In addition to Chemistry, there are biology, Chinese, English, History, Mathematics, Physics, or Bible/Tanakh also available.