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MAT Aspire Part-time Program

Mission Statement

The mission for MAT Aspire at Willamette University is the same as the MAT full-time program: to prepare teachers as educational leaders, with an emphasis on reflection, student-centered instruction, collaboration and sensitivity to diversity and culture. We also emphasize the application of theory in sound educational practices with considerable field experiences that result in the development of strong relationships with supervising teachers.

Unique Aspects of the MAT Aspire Program

The part-time, two-year Aspire program is designed to allow aspiring teachers to balance an MAT and licensure program with their already busy lives.

  • Program Length and Configuration

    The curriculum is spread over two years as opposed to the intensive 10 months of the full-time program. In the first year, classes are generally held on Mondays as well as one Saturday a month. In the second year, candidates will attend courses offered other evenings that support their particular endorsements.

  • More Time to Pass Subject Area Exams

    To enter the MAT Aspire program candidates must pass a basic skills test. However, candidates will have most of the first year of the program to pass the subject area exam needed for the teaching license.

  • Integration of Technology

    Each course embeds technology within course content and applications, including wewb-based research and projects using a variety of applications.

  • Flexibility

    Many students bring extensive school experience to the program.  In some cases, these experiences make candidates elibigle to spply for course waivers.  These waivers usually are used toward the the Practicum (Observation, EDUC 592) and Pre-Student Teaching ( EDUC 591) courses.

Candidates will be able to complete requirements for a Master of Arts in Teaching as well as endorsements for any two adjacent levels of authorization: Early Childhood (age 3 through grade 4), Elementary (grades 3-8), Middle Level (grades 5-9) and High School (grades 7-12). (See the full list of endorsement subjects.)