Aquinas College :: Education

Admission	M.A.T. Course Schedule
Program Requirements	Graduate Course Descriptions
Endorsements & Concentrations	Policies & FAQ

M.A.T. Program Overview

The Master in the Art of Teaching program at Aquinas College was created in 1988 to offer advanced studies for classroom teachers and to improve the quality of direct instruction to children. Today our M.A.T. is the graduate program of choice for scores of teachers throughout West Michigan. The program’s philosophy is that teacher education should promote thinking. We have structured the course of study to encourage the individual skills of each of our students. In turn, our Master degree candidates learn to apply the same strategies within their own classrooms to form connections with each of their students. In education today, the mastery of communication skills is paramount to any teacher’s success. Here, those skills will become the key to your success – in and out of the classroom. (Click Endorsements & Concentrations for more information about the M.A.T. program options available.)

Our M.A.T. faculty are exemplary professors and professionals. They are selected not only for their academic preparation and theoretical knowledge, but also for their extensive practical experience – as teachers, consultants, administrators and researchers. Each faculty member has earned advanced degrees and has pursued additional study; many have published articles in their respective fields. Extensive experience in the classroom with both K-12 students and college students has enhanced their ability to provide a dynamic mix of professional theories and practical approaches for teachers to use in the classroom. At Aquinas, we know the best teachers and administrators are those who have the ability to recognize a good idea and who know how to share it with others. Who better to teach you than those who have mastered the techniques themselves?

You will also be exposed to different perspectives in every project and every class. Just as all students are unique in their learning style, aptitude, and exposure, teachers come from a multitude of backgrounds and varied interests. Whether you are a teacher with years of experience or new to the field, you will benefit from interacting with the Aquinas faculty and peers who share your passions.

At Aquinas, we are anticipating changes and preparing teachers for whatever the future may bring. Here, you will become a master thinker and adapter. By focusing on issues from sociology to school motivation and problem solving to research design, you will learn more than new ways of teaching. You will learn new ways of thinking. What you bring to your own classroom will depend on your life experiences. Here, your studies will lead you to a style of teaching that is authentically your own. We believe a life balanced among teaching, family and friends has greater stability than one centered solely on work and achievement. That is why we have designed our Master in the Art of Teaching program to help you develop the knowledge, skills, and perspectives that will serve you well both professionally and personally.

With the demands of family, jobs and other responsibilities, flexibility may not be possible in your schedule. We have made our schedule as versatile as possible to compensate. Aquinas offers late afternoon, evening and Saturday class times, as well as late night and early morning library and computer lab hours. Regardless of the time you choose, our specially-trained advisors, experienced faculty and accommodating financial aid programs will help make your transition to Aquinas as stress-free as possible. On behalf of all our faculty and staff, welcome to Aquinas College and to the School of Education.


1607 Robinson Road S.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49506-1799 - (616) 632-8900