About MATI - Teacher Certification

The Mid-Atlantic Teacher Institute, a collaboration between Norwood School and The George Washington University, grows from our commitment to the advancement of the teaching profession in both independent and publics schools. Studies have shown that quality teacher training and support are major factors in retention and in determining a teacher’s success.

The Mid-Atlantic Teacher Institute is based on current thinking about successful teacher preparation. Developed as a cohort immersion model, the program allows apprentice teachers to closely match theory with practice while developing collegial relationships in an independent school setting.

The Institute is designed to prepare teachers who are knowledgeable in curriculum and methods of instruction, actively dedicated to teaching in a pluralistic democracy, and eager to contribute to the national conversation about the reform of American schools and society. It will introduce candidates to the idea that elementary school teaching is socially significant, intellectually serious work for talented liberal arts graduates.

Program Highlights

Our program is…

Prestigious: M.Ed. in Elementary Education w/ elementary licensure through one of the top education programs in the country; a year-long apprenticeship at a leading independent school with a national reputation for excellence.

Affordable: Full tuition is approximately $20,000

Convenient: Graduate classes taught on-site at Norwood.

Efficient: The apprenticeship and coursework are finished in 13 months.

Hands-on: Apprentice teachers are in the classroom nearly every day applying what they learn in their courses to the classroom.

Collegial: As they learn the craft of teaching, apprentice teachers develop close, supportive relationships with their mentors, the Norwood School community, and each other.

Cutting Edge: Apprentice teachers will receive laptops to use during the program and will have access to the latest technology to use in their classrooms.

General Information

The Apprenticeship

Each apprentice is placed with two experienced mentor teachers with whom he or she shares in the planning and teaching for the primary and intermediate level classroom to which they are assigned. Additionally, each apprentice will have a short-term placement in a cooperating public school.

The apprentice works in the classroom 3.5 days per week, throughout the year, and meets regularly with the mentor teacher to discuss issues related to professional development. The apprentice is also supported by a site-based director who observes the apprentice, directs seminars at the Norwood School site, and serves as a member of the development team along with the apprentice and the mentor teacher.

In addition to opportunities for collaboration with veteran teachers, the apprentice cohort will actively participate in the daily life of the school and attend on-site classes and seminars taught by Norwood and GW faculty.

The Academic Program

The 39-credit program of study takes place during two summers and two academic semesters over 13 months, on Norwood’s campus.

As full-time students, apprentices have full access to GW resources and facilities.

The course of study consists of a comprehensive and innovative series of experiences designed to develop the knowledge, skills, and qualities essential for initial teaching effectiveness and is bolstered by a highly qualified set of independent school teachers who are partners in this effort.

Credentials

Apprentices earn initial elementary (grades 1-6) licensure in the District of Columbia, upon successful completion of the program and the Praxis series of teacher licensure examinations. Once licensed in D.C., teachers are eligible for licensure in 45 other states.