Earn Your MAT Through A New Pathway To Moderate Disabilities, 5-12, MA Licensure
A Collaboration Between the CEUE and the Division of Education
8-week modules within a two-year period with a two-day institute to launch
Supportive cohort model
with bi-weekly
release time for Seminars
Schedule-friendly format; online/low residency, follows public school vacation dates
Culturally responsive
pedagogy and MTEL preparation woven throughout
MAT with Moderate Disabilities, 5-12, MA Licensure
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is eligible?
This program is designed for Springfield
Empowerment Zone teachers with provisional, emergency, or waiver licenses seeking an Initial Moderate Disabilities (5-12) MA license.
2. What is the program structure?
• Hybrid, cohort-based learning model
• 8-week courses
• Two-day kick-off institute
• Bi-weekly release time for MTEL prep & collaboration
• 33-credit reduced course load through Prior Learning Assessment (originally 42 credits)
3. How long does it take to complete?
We expect candidates to complete the program within two years.
4. What is the time commitment?
Expect to dedicate 10-15 hours per week to coursework, sessions, and fieldwork.
5. What makes this program unique?
• Culturally Responsive Focus: Equity-centered content and applied strategies
• Embedded MTEL Prep: Targeted support to help you succeed
• Career Advancement: Gain credentials and skills that enhance your impact in SEZP classrooms
• Inter-Institutional Collaboration: Designed and delivered by Elms College experts and SEZP practitioners
Program Cost: $16,788*
**Tuition Cost $5,750 for participants who have secured written SEZP principal support
REQUIREMENTS
• Online application
• Official transcripts
• Submit MTEL Results, if any
• Principal Recommendation
Empowering Springfield educators with credentials and culturally responsive skills to advance their careers.
To express interest, contact
Nicole Christoforo
SEZP Chief of Talent
Teach@sezp.org
This program is tailored to empower educators in Springfield with the skills, credentials, and culturally responsive teaching strategies necessary to advance their careers and support their students effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Who is eligible for the MAT program?
This program is designed for current Springfield Empowerment Zone teachers who hold a provisional, emergency, or waiver license and seek to advance to an Initial Moderate Disabilities (5-12) Massachusetts license.
2. What is the structure and format of the program?
The MAT is a cohort-based, hybrid program with an accelerated 8-week course model accommodating working teachers. The program includes:
- A two-day kick-off institute
- Bi-weekly half-day release time for MTEL preparation, culturally responsive teaching, and collaboration
- A reduced credit load (33 credits instead of 42) through Professional Learning Assessment credit
3. How long does it take to complete the program?
The program is designed for completion within two years, depending on the pacing of coursework.
4. What is the time commitment for one 3-4 credit, 8-week accelerated course?
Each 8-week course requires a significant but manageable time commitment. On average, students should expect to dedicate:
- 10-15 hours per week for coursework, including readings, discussions, and assignments
- Synchronous online or in-person sessions as scheduled
- Fieldwork and applied learning experiences embedded into the program
5. How does this program support culturally responsive teaching?
Culturally responsive pedagogy is woven throughout the curriculum, ensuring educators can effectively support diverse learners. This includes:
- Course content centered on equity and inclusion
- Collaborative learning experiences to apply culturally responsive strategies in real classrooms
- MTEL preparation is embedded within the program to help teachers succeed in their licensure requirements
This is a special cohort available to those at SEZP. If you are not with SEZP, please inquire about our other MAT programs MATprograms@Elms.edu
About The Education Division at Elms College:
The Education Division at Elms College has a long-standing tradition of preparing compassionate, skilled, and innovative educators. Rooted in the college’s mission of social justice and academic excellence, the division has evolved to meet the changing needs of students and schools. Over the years, it has expanded its programs to include undergraduate and graduate degrees, teacher licensure pathways, and partnerships with local districts to provide hands-on learning experiences. With a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the development of future educators, the division continues to shape the next generation of teachers and leaders in education. Since 2019, the Center for Equity in Urban Education at Elms College has offered innovative degree-completion program pathways to increase the number and diversity of qualified educators and school leaders in our local schools.