The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program is an six-term, online program designed for post-baccalaureate candidates who are employed as a license teacher of record at birth-grade 12 partner schools. All MAT candidates also pursue a second endorsement in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education. Upon successful completion of the first four terms of the program and meeting licensure requirements, candidates are recommended for a Colorado initial teacher license and applicable endorsements. Most program completers elect to continue with their studies and complete a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree by completing an additional two terms of coursework and a capstone project. Elementary candidates have the option of adding a Special Education (SPED) endorsement and going on to earn a MAT in SPED.

Candidates will broaden their knowledge related to data-driven instruction and addressing learner variability in the classroom. They also deepen their understanding of pedagogical content knowledge and learn specific strategies that will help them build rigorous and joyful classrooms—the kind of learning environments that encourage both academic achievement and social emotional learning.  The Master of Arts in Teaching program includes a year-long process of goal setting, several cycles of data analysis aligned to goals and responses to data, and culminates in the presentation of a Master’s Defense, wherein graduate students present their year-long academic pathway results.

Candidates emerge from Relay’s programs  with the skills needed to embark on careers as outstanding educators prepared to support their PK-12 students in achieving the vision set by the Colorado Department of Education’s vision: “All students graduate ready for college and careers, and prepared to be productive citizens of 1 Colorado.”