Recent changes to teacher licensure and certification in the State of Connecticut now allow for teachers in training to become fully certified teachers after 10 months in a teacher-preparation program.

In just over one year, students in Quinnipiac’s revised MAT programs in elementary, secondary and special education will earn their MAT as well as their teacher certification and licensure in the State of Connecticut.

This faster-tracked certification and licensure allows Quinnipiac teaching candidates to apply for full-time teaching positions before they receive their diploma, and to personalize their final program semester based on the status of their job search.

Based on recent changes at the state level, Quinnipiac’s newly designed MAT also allows working professionals in schools — such as paraprofessionals — to use that experiential work in lieu of an internship or residency. Quinnipiac’s afternoon and evening MAT program classes will allow professionals to keep their jobs while earning their degree.

Anne M. Dichele, dean of the School of Education, said Quinnipiac’s revised MAT programs will help students to begin their teaching careers more quickly, saving both time and money, while maintaining the quality of programming for which Quinnipiac is known.

“Our reputation for high-quality, teacher-preparation programs is really strong,” said Dichele. “School districts seek out our students to become their teachers.”

The School of Education partners with more than 20 school districts in Connecticut to place students in internships and residencies: providing meaningful experiential learning as teachers in classrooms, while also offsetting tuition costs.

Quinnipiac’s reputation for excellence is evidenced by a 98% hire rate within six months of graduation among school districts in Connecticut, New England — and beyond.

Quinnipiac MAT students are guided by the School of Education’s experienced faculty throughout courses, internships and residencies, and into the start of their teaching careers.

“We stay with you to ensure your success level,” said Dichele.

The quality of a Quinnipiac MAT degree is now also more affordable, as the university has significantly reduced the cost per graduate credit hour in these programs. Coupled with the tuition reimbursement option and increased opportunities for scholarships that support becoming a teacher, Quinnipiac MAT students could save nearly 50 percent on their education costs.

“Creating this affordable and accessible pathway to teaching will help break down barriers and give every future educator earning a Quinnipiac MAT the training they need to succeed in local school districts,” said Dichele. “Being able to save time and money, while maintaining the excellence and quality Quinnipiac’s School of Education and its experienced faculty provides, is very important to us. It is what differentiates Quinnipiac from other programs.