North Central Launches Master of Arts in Teaching Program

North Central College has introduced a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Program that provides a pathway to Illinois teacher licensure for those who did not receive an undergraduate degree in teaching. The program features a hybrid format – fully online coursework combined with on-site field experience – and an accelerated timeline.  The program is available in two tracks: Secondary Education, which can be completed in five semesters, and Elementary Education, which can be completed in six semesters. The program capitalizes on North Central College’s long history of teacher education at the undergraduate level.

“Our new Master of Arts in Teaching program builds on North Central’s more than 150-year history of educating some of the most exceptional teachers in the region and across the country,” said Dr. Kristin Geraty, North Central’s provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Teacher education is part of our DNA at North Central. We are well positioned to be able to provide this additional pathway for people to realize their dream of becoming a teacher.”

North Central’s Master of Arts in Teaching program was designed, in part, to accommodate and capitalize on the expertise of employed paraprofessionals interested in maintaining their full-time job while pursuing a teaching license. The program’s accelerated timeline is also beneficial for those who may be looking to make a career change to the teaching profession. The initial semesters will be devoted to fully online coursework – both synchronous and asynchronous – with the latter part of the program consisting of clinical placement in a classroom. Students will gradually take on full-time teaching responsibilities and classroom leadership responsibilities.

“There is an increasing need for alternative pathways to teacher licensure, particularly given the dire teacher shortage that exists in Illinois,” said Dr. Kathleen King, associate professor of education and chair of North Central’s Department of Education. “We’ve worked closely with our district partners across the state and tapped into our own experience here at North Central to design a program that is efficient, effective, and rich in practical experience and discipline-specific information.”

Program Features:

• 100% online and flexible coursework with on-site field experience
• Students can choose Elementary or Secondary licensure with the option to add on a Learning Behavior Specialist licensure
• Expert faculty members who serve as mentors and are dedicated to supporting students throughout the program, including the admission process
• North Central College assists students in finding field and student teaching placements
• Opportunity to reduce the cost of tuition by 20% through the Education Alliance Partnership

Program entry is available in Spring 2026 for the Master of Arts in Teaching with State of Illinois Elementary Licensure eligibility, and Summer 2025 for the Master of Arts in Teaching with State of Illinois Secondary Licensure eligibility.

Questions

Additional questions can be directed to Jenny Jeschke, North Central College’s graduate outreach and recruitment coordinator, at jjeschke@noctrl.edu.