Why earn a Master of Arts in Teaching at MC?
Well-known for its strengths in the sciences and mathematics, and having an excellent reputation for education preparation, Maryville College has expanded its academic portfolio. There is a critical need for STEM instruction in secondary schools for professionals who have the skills, dispositions and knowledge needed to be successful first-year teachers.
Maryville College’s Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) Secondary STEM program is specially designed for people who are pursuing – or have already earned– a degree in mathematics, biology, chemistry or related field without teacher licensure but would like to teach these subjects in grades 6 through 12.
This accelerated master’s degree program is designed to be completed in one year (May – April) and operates under a cohort model, giving students a supportive group of peers that enter and remain in the program together. Students are expected to enroll in courses each term, including summer sessions. The M.A.T. includes two semesters of clinical practice, when candidates are paired with a mentor teacher and work full-time in grades 6-12 classrooms.
Depending on a student’s area of expertise, degrees awarded at the successful completion of coursework and requirements include an M.A.T. in secondary Biology, an M.A.T. in secondary Chemistry, or an M.A.T. in secondary Mathematics with a STEM emphasis.
As enrolled students of Maryville College, M.A.T. students have access to similar amenities as undergraduates, including campus facilities (including the library), housing, academic support services, and disability resources.
Meet a Recent Graduate
Hallie Garber ’25
Algebra 2 Teacher at Coffee County High School in
Manchester, Tennessee
After completing majors in Theatre Studies and Mathematics at Maryville College in 2024, Hallie chose to continue her education at MC in the M.A.T. STEM program. According to Hallie, the program is unparalleled, and she says, “no other program would have allowed me to so quickly change my career in such a successful manner.”
Originally coming to MC for a career in theatre tech, Hallie decided to pursue teaching during her senior year. Currently an Algebra 2 teacher, Hallie is thankful for the remote option so she can complete her master’s degree from 100 miles away. She has confidence that teaching is her long-term career and is leaving her options open to one day teach at the collegiate level.
Meet a Recent Grad
Lacy Stinnett Pryor ’23
Currently: Teaching at Roane County High School in Kingston, Tenn.
A graduate of the first cohort of the MAT program, Laci said that the program was instrumental in preparing her for where she is now. Currently she teaches Biology, Ecology, and Earth and Space Science. She is also working with the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network, serving on the Tennessee Rural STEM Collaborative Cohort for the 2023-2024 school year. The network gathers educators across Tennessee to problem-solve issues specific to rural schools.
“I took away so much valuable information from my time in the MAT program,” she said. “Learning all about experiential learning, problem-based learning, and how to incorporate all facets of STEM into my classroom has really been the foundation of my classroom.”
