Re: is MAT worth it?

Posted by Not so fast MAT-fan! on 3/14/07

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On 12/28/06, yes wrote:
> Unless you are willing to take ANY job in ANY school in ANY area
> in Arkansas, the MAT is the best thing to do. The NTLP really
> does NOT prepare you for the situations you will face in the
> classroom. Also, often the support for the teachers going
> through the program is nonexistent. Definitely find a way to do
> the MAT.

This isn't true. I work at one of the highest-paying schools in
the state, and I'm a first year teacher going through NTLP. On the
other hand, I have a LOT of prior experience.
I went NTLP, because I wanted to start teaching immediately. If
you are just coming out of college in your early 20s, you should
definitely go MAT, because you won't be able to compete with the
other candidates your age that have MATs. If, on the other hand,
you have 10+ years in the private sector, especially with a
management or technical background, MATs pale by comparison. So,
it really depends on your situation.
Regardless of which program you go through, you still have to
compete for jobs. So, maybe the question should be 'can you get a
job, now, or do you NEED the MAT to have a better shot at getting
hired?'

Now, having said all that, I find the NTLP office in Little Rock
to be overbearing and self-impressed. They can be quite annoying,
at times, but if you just do what they tell you to do, you'll be
fine... I think the satellite programs do a reasonable job of
preparing you for the classroom, IF you've had a few years of
prior work experience. I'm not sure that I'd consider it
sufficient, if you're looking at getting your first professional
job, ever.
My goal was to complete my Master's within a few years of starting
teaching, and I'm already looking at an MAT program, simply
because the program I found is designed to allow me to teach and
complete my degree in just over a year. Other degrees that
interest me would take at least 2 years to complete, and I'd like
to make that lane change to a higher pay rate ASAP.

So, the answer is a bit complicated, and really depends on you.

Posts on this thread, including this one

• is MAT worth it?, 12/26/06, by me.
• Re: is MAT worth it?, 12/27/06, by Me too.
• Re: is MAT worth it?, 12/28/06, by yes.
• Re: is MAT worth it?, 3/14/07, by Not so fast MAT-fan!.