Are you ready to enter a rewarding career in a profession that is in high demand? Consider the

1. Are you ready to enter a rewarding career in a profession that is in high demand? Consider the Texas Woman’s University Master of Arts in Teaching Program MAT New Student OrientationSpring, 2009

2. Why TWU? Texas Woman’s University is the nation’s largest university primarily for women, although it has admitted both men and women since 1972. Its campuses in Denton, Dallas and Houston are joined by an e-learning campus offering innovative online degree programs in business, education and general studies. Seven consecutive years of growth have produced a record enrollment of 12,469. MAT New Student OrientationSpring, 2009

3. Almost from its very beginning in 1901 graduates of Texas Woman’s University (then known as the College of Industrial Arts, or CIA) were being employed as teachers in the schools and communities of Texas. MAT New Student OrientationSpring, 2009

4. The first special teacher certificate law was passed by the State Legislature 1908-09 and made applicable to TWU only. As a result of this law, the Department of Education was created at TWU and Texas Woman’s University became the first institution in Texas to begin the formal preparation of kindergarten teachers. MAT New Student OrientationSpring, 2009

5. From that small beginning the teacher preparation program at Texas Woman’s University was launched. In the century since, TWU has been a leader in producing outstanding educators for our nation’s schools. Today, TWU sends over 500 educators each year into classrooms and schools throughout Texas and many other states. MAT New Student OrientationSpring, 2009

6. Educators graduate from TWU to serve as elementary, middle and high school teachers, early childhood and reading teachers, special educators, principals, superintendents, counselors, and educational diagnosticians. MAT New Student OrientationSpring, 2009

7. At Texas Woman’s University teacher preparation is truly a collaborative effort involving 18 different departments and over 45 different school district partners. MAT New Student OrientationSpring, 2009

8. Practical, hands-on experience has always been a hallmark of teacher preparation at TWU. Each semester our teacher education students spend an aggregate of 14,000 hours in observations and practicums in PK-12 classrooms. • Our student teachers and interns will finish their field-based experiences with over 560 hours teaching and working in classrooms and schools. MAT New Student OrientationSpring, 2009

9. Approximately 280 preservice teachers and 170 interns receive full-time field-based experience each year through TWU’s educator preparation programs. MAT New Student OrientationSpring, 2009

10. With a passing rate of 99% on state certification exams and high marks from the schools that employ them, the teacher preparation program at Texas Woman’s University has a well-deserved reputation for producing extraordinary educators who are making a difference in schools in Texas and throughout the world. MAT New Student OrientationSpring, 2009

11. Why the MAT at TWU? • Teacher Certification • Master’s Degree • Flexibility • Quality Preparation • Excellent Resources MAT New Student OrientationSpring, 2009

12. Teacher Certification TWU’s MAT program allows individuals to obtain initial teacher certification while at the same time earning a graduate degree. Certification is available in 23 different teaching fields and levels (Early Childhood-Grade 6, Grades 4-8, Grades 8-12, and Early Childhood – Grade 12). MAT New Student OrientationSpring, 2009

13. Master’s Degree Obtaining teacher certification within the context of a graduate degree program adds a level of quality and academic rigor not usually present in certification only programs. Texas Woman’s University has a national reputation for outstanding graduate programs. A TWU Master’s degree will add value and prestige to your career as a professional educator. MAT New Student OrientationSpring, 2009

14. Flexibility At the same time, the program has the flexibility to meet the needs of individuals who, due to their situations, may need to fit their graduate studies around many other demands and responsibilities in life. MAT New Student OrientationSpring, 2009

15. Outstanding Faculty The faculty of the Master of Arts in Teaching program come from across the university from many different departments. Most have doctorates in their field and many years teaching and mentoring prospective teachers. Most of them have considerable experience as elementary, middle school and high school teachers, reading, special education and bilingual teachers, as well as counselors, principals and superintendents. MAT New Student OrientationSpring, 2009

16. Excellent Resources As a program of a public university the MAT also offers you access to a great deal of resources and support services that you may not find in other teacher certification program. These resources are available to help you succeed in your graduate program and to gain the foundation and skills you need to be an effective and reflective educator. These resources include library and information services, technology, research, and access to the some of the top scholars and practitioners in the nation. MAT New Student OrientationSpring, 2009

17. The Master of Arts in Teaching at TWU The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is an interdisciplinary degree designed to prepare students who hold a baccalaureate degree but do not have initial teacher certification. The MAT meets the teacher certification standards set by the Texas State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC). MAT New Student OrientationSpring, 2009

18. The MAT emphasizes professional academic preparation that requires graduate students to become knowledgeable about academic disciplines as well as effective teaching practices. The program is designed to help students develop critical thinking skills and to provide an orientation toward lifelong learning. MAT New Student OrientationSpring, 2009

19. The MAT degree program focuses on: • The multiple roles of a teacher as a researcher/scholar/practitioner • Theory and research-based practices for curriculum design and instruction • Increased content knowledge needed for instruction • Application of appropriate technology in education • Assessment of teaching and learning • Understanding of socio-cultural and learning differences among students • Collaborative leadership to improve schools MAT New Student OrientationSpring, 2009

20. The Master of Arts in Teaching at TWU is a minimum 32 hour program composed of four components: • Coursework in Pedagogy (16 hours) • Coursework in Content (9 or more hours) • Supported Field Experience (6-12 hours) • Professional Portfolio (1 hour) MAT New Student OrientationSpring, 2009

21. Criteria for Admission to the MAT Program • A Bachelor’s Degree • A 3.0 or higher GPA on the last 60 semester hours of college work • A 2.5 or higher GPA on all previous college work • Texas Higher Education Admission (THEA) test scores of • 260 or above in Reading • 240 or above in Math • 240 or above in Written Language • (scores on an approved alternate test may be substituted for the THEA) • A completed application • Approval by committee MAT New Student OrientationSpring, 2009

22. How to Apply Complete the Texas Common Application for graduate admission online at https://www.applytexas.org/adappc/commonapp.WBX (A nonrefundable application fee of $30, $50 for international students, is required of each applicant.) Submit official transcripts from each college or university attended (no copies accepted) to Office of Student Records Processing, TWU, P.O. Box 425649, Denton, TX 76204-5649. MAT New Student OrientationSpring, 2009

23. Why the MAT at Texas Woman’s University? • Reputation and record of preparing quality educators • Expertise and experience of faculty • Course and program rigor • Resources and support • Extensive options and variety Find out more about why the Master of Arts in Teaching degree at TWU may be right for you! MAT New Student OrientationSpring, 2009

24. The MAT at TWU The Quality You Expect…The Flexibility You Need For More Information: http://www.twu.edu/mat Sfisher@mail.twu.edu mat@twu.edu 940-898-2211 MAT New Student OrientationSpring, 2009