For aspiring educators who need to develop key skills, a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) may be a useful next step in achieving career goals. The online MAT in Secondary Education (9-12) program from Avila University is an ideal option for earning this degree.
Programs like these allow enrollees to dive into the world of education with specific attention given to the needs of high school students. Graduates gain advanced training in instruction with tools and techniques to enhance student outcomes and achieve institutional success.
What Is Secondary Education?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), “Upper secondary education immediately follows lower secondary education and includes general (academic), technical, and vocational education, or any combination thereof, depending on the country. An upper secondary attainment level is roughly equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma.”
These students are in a vital stage of development as they enter their early teenage years and approach adulthood. As a result, they need specific support, which teachers with MAT degrees can offer. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nationwide demand for high school teachers is expected to consistently remain around 64,000 jobs each through 2033.
Avila University’s online MAT in Secondary Education program is suitable for future teachers in a range of subjects, such as biology, chemistry, social studies, English and theater. In fact, specific certifications are available depending on the subject the teacher plans to pursue.
Secondary Education and Teaching
An Edutopia article on teaching strategies outlines helpful takeaways from a first-time high school teacher. As the author notes, teachers make an average of 1,500 daily decisions, so staying organized and reducing decision-making time is crucial.
Teachers can do this by planning protocols in advance, like listing responses to infractions or having written expectations when it comes to behavior in the classroom. The author created her own “decision-making mantra” to help guide her through the many crossroads she faced daily. She also noted the importance of modeling work to show assignment goals clearly and building repetition into instruction to help students follow along.
Aside from these kinds of tips and tricks, certain attributes go a long way in helping teachers provide the best environment for their students to learn in. Career Teachers states that good secondary teachers have knowledge, leadership and communication skills. It is this trifecta that creates a great educator who can handle a variety of situations and impart valuable information to growing minds.
Have a Real-life Impact With an Online Master’s Degree in Secondary Education
It cannot be overstated what a large responsibility secondary school educators hold. As Teachers of Tomorrow explains, “Owing to these duties and responsibilities, high school teachers are essential in making sure that their students become not only eligible for college but also thrive in it. Outside of higher education, high school teachers also play an important role in guiding high school students on their journey toward adulthood.”
High school educators can significantly impact the potential outcomes of their students. Those who want to support this critical period of learning should obtain a teaching license in Missouri. Avila University’s online MAT in Secondary Education (9-12) program offers a path forward.
Learn more about Avila University’s online MAT in Secondary Education (9-12) program.
