Exploring Career Paths: What Can I Do with a Master of Arts in Teaching?

Individuals with a career in education possess the remarkable ability to inspire, empower, and transform the lives of their students. However, it's important to recognize that the field of education extends far beyond traditional teaching roles. Thanks to the existence of various types of master's degrees in education, each offering unique opportunities and career prospects, educators have access to diverse career paths. One of these degrees is the Master of Arts in Teaching.

If you're wondering, "What can I do with a Master of Arts in Teaching?" keep reading and explore the many career avenues available to those with such a degree, which not only prepares you for careers as an educator but also opens doors to roles in research, consulting, leadership, and more.

What Is a Master of Arts in Teaching?

A Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is a graduate degree program designed to equip individuals with practical skills essential for a successful teaching career. Typically spanning around two years, MAT programs help aspiring teachers gain a comprehensive understanding of pedagogical strategies and instructional methodologies.

The curriculum of an MAT program usually begins with foundational courses that focus on essential teaching techniques and educational theory. As the program progresses, the emphasis shifts towards providing hands-on experience through practicum opportunities such as student teaching. These opportunities enable candidates to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world classroom settings.

What Can You Do With a Master of Arts in Teaching?

An MAT degree offers a versatile skill set and knowledge base that opens up a multitude of career paths in various educational settings. The expertise gained during an MAT program is transferable across diverse fields within education, providing graduates with flexibility and abundant opportunities for professional growth. 

The possibilities for MAT graduates are extensive and varied, including roles in special education, educational leadership, kindergarten teaching, curriculum development, and more. So, let's explore a few potential career paths in more detail.

1. Special education

Special education is a crucial field within education that requires specialized training and skills to support students with diverse learning needs. MAT programs often offer specializations in special education, providing graduates with the knowledge and tools necessary to work with students with learning disabilities or other impairments, as well as gifted children with advanced academic abilities. 

After graduating with an MAT degree, you may work as a special education teacher in inclusive classrooms, resource rooms, or specialized schools, where you will adapt curriculum, implement individualized education plans (IEPs), and provide tailored instruction to meet each student's unique needs. Additionally, you can pursue roles as a resource specialist or behavior interventionist, collaborating with educators, families, and community resources to create supportive environments and facilitate the academic and social growth of students with disabilities.

2.  Kindergarten teacher

Kindergarten is a crucial phase as it lays the foundation for young children's academic success and holistic development. With an MAT degree, individuals have the pedagogical knowledge and skills to create enriching learning experiences for kindergarten-aged children. Their deep understanding of child development principles allows these graduates to effectively scaffold learning experiences that promote their students' cognitive growth, language development, and early literacy skills.

As an MAT graduate in this field, you will design and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans, foster a nurturing classroom environment that promotes social-emotional growth, and utilize instructional strategies that cater to diverse learning styles. 

3. Adult education

Graduating with an MAT degree also enables you to find fulfilling opportunities in adult education settings, such as community colleges, vocational schools, or adult learning centers. Qualified professionals in this field can teach a variety of subjects like literacy, English as a second language (ESL), or workforce development programs. 

Whether teaching foundational academic skills or providing career-focused training, MAT-trained educators play a significant role in promoting lifelong learning and facilitating the socioeconomic growth of adult learners.

4. Educational leadership 

MAT graduates with aspirations for leadership roles within educational institutions can pursue careers as school principals, instructional coordinators, or educational administrators. These positions require strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of academic policies and practices, and the ability to foster a positive school culture that supports student success. 

As leaders, MAT graduates oversee school operations, develop and implement curriculum initiatives, and provide professional development opportunities for teachers. With their comprehensive understanding of teaching methodologies and educational policies, MAT graduates in educational leadership positions can effectively guide schools toward academic excellence and continuous improvement.

5. Education consulting

Education consulting offers a dynamic career path for MAT graduates with a knack for innovation and problem-solving. As education consultants, they collaborate with educational institutions, school districts, and organizations to provide strategic guidance, program evaluation, and professional development services. 

Leveraging their expertise in instructional best practices and educational research, MAT graduates offer valuable insights and solutions to improve student outcomes and foster organizational growth. If you become an education consultant, you will conduct needs assessments, design intervention strategies, and facilitate workshops to drive systemic improvements and promote continuous learning within educational communities.

6. Educational researcher

MAT graduates who are passionate about advancing the field of education through empirical inquiry can pursue rewarding careers as educational researchers. These researchers enrich the knowledge base of their field through rigorous study, data analysis, and dissemination of their findings via scholarly publications and presentations.

Whether they work in academic institutions, research organizations, or policy think tanks, MAT-trained researchers explore pressing educational issues and provide evidence-based insights to inform local, national, and global decision-making. Their research endeavors help improve teaching and learning processes, leading to more effective educational practices and policies.

7. Online education

With the increasing popularity of virtual classrooms and online learning platforms, you can also explore career opportunities in online education. With an MAT degree under your belt, you can work for academic institutions, educational technology companies, or various online learning platforms.

MAT graduates in online education play a vital role in expanding access to quality education and providing personalized learning experiences for diverse learners. Their expertise in pedagogy, combined with proficiency in digital tools and platforms, ensures the delivery of engaging and effective online learning experiences.

8. Private tutor

Meanwhile, if you seek greater career independence and flexibility, you can work as a private tutor, offering tailored instruction and academic assistance to individual students or small groups. With the advent of remote tutoring platforms and online learning tools, as a tutor, you can teach students from anywhere in the world.

Leveraging their expertise in subject matter and teaching techniques, private tutors cater to their students' unique learning needs. They support struggling learners, prepare students for standardized tests, and supplement classroom instruction with personalized learning experiences.

9. Curriculum development

As an MAT graduate, you can also pursue careers in curriculum development, where you must collaborate with educators, administrators, and content specialists to design, implement, and evaluate curriculum materials and instructional resources. 

MAT-trained curriculum developers ensure alignment with educational standards, promote student engagement, and foster continuous improvement in teaching and learning practices. They are crucial in shaping students' academic experiences and supporting educators' professional growth.

10. School administrator

If you're interested in assuming leadership roles in educational institutions, you can pursue a career as a school administrator. In assistant principal, dean, or department head positions, you will oversee school operations, manage budgets, and promote a positive school culture. 

With their comprehensive understanding of teaching and learning principles, MAT-trained administrators can support teachers, students, and families in achieving academic success and organizational excellence. By providing instructional leadership, promoting professional development opportunities, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, school administrators contribute to educational institutions' overall effectiveness and success.

The Career Outlook for MAT Graduates

Given the ongoing importance of quality education, individuals who possess a Master of Arts in Teaching degree are positioned as pivotal contributors in shaping the future of teaching and learning. Projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) suggest little to no change in employment for kindergarten and elementary school, middle school, and high school teachers from 2022 to 2032, highlighting that the need for qualified teaching professionals remains steady.

Moreover, MAT degree holders, like other master's level professionals, often enjoy increased job stability, competitive salaries, and opportunities for advancement within the education sector.

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, MAT graduates are integral agents of change as their role extends beyond traditional teaching as they spearhead innovation, advocate for equity, and cultivate environments conducive to success. 

If you're inspired to become a catalyst for positive change in education, consider pursuing our MAT program. Join us and elevate your career in teaching to new heights.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is a master of arts in teaching worth it?

Yes, a Master of Arts in Teaching can be worth it as it not only enhances teaching skills and knowledge but also opens doors to several career opportunities within the field of education. Graduates can expect increased job prospects, higher earning potential, and the ability to make a meaningful impact in classrooms and educational settings.

What does a master of arts in education do?

A Master of Arts in Education provides advanced knowledge and skills in educational theory, research, and practice. Depending on their specialization and interests, graduates may pursue careers as educators, educational policy analysts, principals, district administrators, and more.

Which is better: Master of Arts or Master of Education?

The choice between a Master of Arts (MA) and a Master of Education (MEd) depends on individual career goals and preferences. An MA may focus more on academic research and theory, while an MEd may offer more practical, hands-on training and coursework tailored to educators.

How many years is a master's degree?

A master's degree typically takes around two years of full-time study. However, the duration may vary depending on program structure, enrollment status, and individual progress. Some programs offer accelerated options or part-time study, which may affect the time required to earn the degree.