Master of Arts in Teaching (MA/T)

A cohort-based master’s degree program that leads to Illinois teacher certification in only two semesters of course work and one semester of clinical practice.

For more than ten years Trinity International University has been helping working adults become certified teachers in the State of Illinois.  Trinity’s MA in Teaching program is specifically designed to serve the unique educational characteristics and scheduling needs of adult learners.

• Trinity’s MA in Teaching program enables candidates to earn Illinois teaching certification in 18 months (3 semesters), including clinical practice.
• Classes meet one evening a week, with occasional Saturday seminars.
• Courses are taught from a Christian worldview.
• Small cohort groups provide mutual support.
• Instruction is collaborative and interactive.
• Off-campus library services, email, and other technology resources are readily available.
• The MA in Teaching program allows adults to continue to work full time until they begin clinical practice.
• Courses are taught by highly credentialed School of Education faculty.
• Faculty members provide personal guidance and attention.

Mission Statement

• The MA in Teaching (MA/T) seeks to develop highly qualified Christian teachers who view teaching as a mission; they nurture students, reflect critically on practice, and facilitate classroom experience to maximize the potential of all learners.

Program Objectives

Students graduating from the MA/T program upon graduation will be able to

• Evidence Christian values in their personal and professional practice while respecting the exercise of individual moral decision
• Work towards becoming integrated individuals, applying their faith to their continued quest for knowledge and truth
• Address the different needs of a diverse student population with respect and fairness
• Engage in caring relationships through effective educational collaboration among the classroom, school, family, and community
• Critically reflect upon their teaching to refine their practice in order to maximize student learning
• Display thorough content knowledge and understanding of human development necessary to teach in their respective fields
• Plan, deliver, and assess effective instructional experiences that align with learning standards, educational theory, and knowledge of student development
• Demonstrate proficiency in using action research and the assessment data it provides to improve the quality of student learning and their own teaching performance (objective specific to TGS/SOE MA/T graduates, see below)
• Graduates will demonstrate proficiency in using action research and the assessment data it provides to improve the quality of student learning and their own teaching performance  

Additional Admissions Requirements

In addition to the General Admissions requirements for all applicants to Trinity’s master’s programs, prospective MA/T candidates should be aware of the following:

• An education advisor will analyze the transcripts of all prospective candidates. It may be necessary to meet with an advisor to develop a personal plan for completion of state standards-aligned certification requirements. Advisors are available in Trinity’s School of Education (847.317.8070).
• MA/T/Elementary (Type 03) applicants will be required to take the School of Education’s proficiency exam in mathematics (score will be used for placement purposes).

Program Prerequisites

The following are program prerequisites for the MA/T.

• All prospective candidates must submit a passing score on the Illinois Test of Basic Skills (096)
• MA/T/Secondary (Type 09) applicants must also submit a passing score on the Illinois Subject-Matter Knowledge test in the subject area for which they wish to be certified. Trinity Graduate School offers secondary certification programs in: Biology, English, History, and Mathematics.

Note: The Basic Skills and/or Secondary Subject-Matter Knowledge tests are typically taken prior to the start of the professional education course sequence. In rare cases where this is not possible, students must meet with the Coordinator of Graduate Programs in Education to make alternative arrangements.

• Students whose undergraduate course work does not fully meet Illinois state standards may be required to take additional courses to augment their content knowledge. These will be determined in consultation with the education advisor at the time of application.

Candidacy

In addition to candidacy requirements outlined under “Academic Policies,” MA/T students must be officially admitted into the School of Education. Following successful completion of 12 hours with a 3.0 or above GPA, students will be admitted into the School of Education and accepted for candidacy based on a successful School of Education entrance interview and completion of all state and institutional requirements as outlined in the Academic Handbook (see especially Gateways of Certification).

Certification

Eligibility for certification requires (1) completion of all certification requirements, (2) grades of “C” or better in all certification-related course work, and (3) a minimum GPA of 2.75. A minimum GPA of 3.0 with grades of “C” or better in all MA/T course work is required for completion of the master’s degree.

Updated to 2008-09 Catalog

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