Call for applications: Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

Maine College of Art’s (MECA) ten-month Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program prepares artists to become effective art educators who learn to translate their unique qualities into creative teaching practices.

MECA’s MAT Program emphasizes learning by doing. Our connections with the Greater Portland community of public and private schools, nonprofits, galleries, professional artists and community centers, coupled with MECA’s own resources—a vibrant visiting artist program, the Joanne Waxman Library, the Institute of Contemporary Art—make our program an exceptional pathway to a teaching career in visual art. For an art educator, the classroom becomes another type of studio where artistic inspirations translate into engaged learning and expressive art making. MAT classes are held in spaces that lend themselves to working with children and youth, at MECA or on location in schools or community-based organizations. ​

The ten-month MAT program is divided into three phases: a one-month summer intensive where theory-based courses are taught in an institute-like setting with field experiences beginning on the very first day; a fall semester of courses that include studio art, teaching methods and curriculum building, work in alternative settings, and a consideration of how to manage a classroom for all students; and a spring semester that culminates with a 15-week student teaching experience, enhanced by an action research seminar. 

Teacher candidates carry a full course load with extensive observation hours and formal readings to connect theory to practice. Demanding, real-world deadlines and extensive practice writing lessons prepare candidates through detailed feedback to meet our expectations for creatively incorporating and interpreting state and national standards. Online portfolios document the progress being made toward reaching these high expectations for teacher preparation, and candidates participate in reflection and critique of works-in-progress for their lesson plans, papers, and their own studio artwork. 

The rigorous ten-month schedule of dedicated, full-time learning allows candidates to complete the MAT program in time for Spring and Summer employment opportunities and job interviews. The program itself instills a sense of reflective practice and an in-depth knowledge of current educational practice so that graduates are prepared for their interviews. 

The MAT program goal is to help all graduates reach full-time employment within one year of graduation. While a few candidates begin with part-time or temporary placements, in 2018, 100% of those who sought teaching positions are now employed.

Summer course list
MAT 801 Fundamentals of Teaching, Learning, Creativity and Cognition (6 credits)
MAT 800 The Artist as Educator Experience: Art Studio Component (3 credits)—this course continues into the fall.

Fall course list
MAT 806 Exceptionality in the Art Classroom (3 credits)
MAT 809 Alternative Settings for Art Education (3 credits)
MAT 810 PK-8 Curriculum Design, Development, and Assessment (3 credits)
MAT 812 High School Curriculum Design, Development, and Assessment (3 credits)

Spring course list
MAT 832 PK-8 Student Teaching (6 credits)
MAT 833 High School Student Teaching (6 credits)
MAT 836 Professional Practices Seminar (3 credits)

Graduate faculty:
Fern Tavalin, Chair of Art Education Department, Professor
Kelly McConnell, Director of Art Education Outreach, Associate Professor
Rachel Somerville, Ed.D., Assistant Professor of Art Education
Piper Bolduc, Adjunct Instructor of the Master of Arts in Teaching

Accepting applications for summer 2019 through June 1 as space permits. Classes start July 26.