Secondary Education, M.A.T. - Reach to Teach

Reach to Teach is an accelerated Master of Arts in Teaching program for candidates seeking initial licensure in secondary education. This 39-credit program, completed in 16 months, meets the Connecticut requirements for initial teacher licensure in secondary content Grades 7-12.

Acceptance requirements

1. Graduate admission application and nonrefundable application fee
2. Minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0
3. Academic undergraduate major or equivalent major of at least 30 credits in English, History, Math, General Science, Biology, Chemistry, Family and Consumer Science, or World Language; or 39 credits of interdisciplinary courses as evaluated by the University of Saint Joseph licensure officer; or a minimum of 18 undergraduate credits in one area of licensure with the remaining undergraduate credits in other related area of licensure taken before acceptance to the School of Education.
4. Two sealed official transcripts of all undergraduate work and any prior graduate work
5. Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to the candidate’s suitability as a prospective teacher or to work with children and families, accompanied by the School of Graduate and Professional Studies cover form. Note: Recommendations must be obtained from individuals who are not family members, personal friends or members of the School of Education at USJ.

  6. Required meeting with the licensure officer once transcripts. Call 860.231.5335 to make an appointment.

  7. An essay to assess written communication skills in English and suitability for the Reach to Teach program. The essay should be no longer than three pages, typed, doubled-spaced.

 8. A professional interview with a faculty member of the School of Education. 

Continuation Requirements

Students must earn a grade of B or better in their first attempt in their first two classes to remain in the program. They must earn a B or better in all courses for continuous progression throughout the program.

Praxis II - Reach to Teach candidates must pass Praxis II/ACTFL prior to applying for student teaching, either during or prior to the first spring semester of coursework. The Licensure Officer can provide information about the required Praxis II or ACTFL test.