Open Doors to a Brighter Future for Us All
Leap into teaching with Webster’s accelerated, fully online Master of Arts in
Teaching (MAT) program designed for aspiring educators who want to make a real-world
impact in kindergarten through 12th grade classrooms. Whether you are pivoting careers
or deepening your purpose, our program prepares you with the tools, mentorship and
flexibility to thrive.
Program Highlights
- Duration: Approximately 16 months
- Format: Fully Online Cohort
- Evidence-Based Curriculum:
- Learn practical skills and inclusive teaching strategies that support diverse learners.
- Participate in weekly synchronous seminars that offer dynamic mentorship, fostering a strong peer network and encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Gain flexible field experience through opportunities connected to real classrooms and work environments.
This program is eligible for a cohort reduced rate at $550 per credit hour. To inquire about eligibility, contact soe@webster.edu.
Program Distinctions
Distinctive Pedagogical Approaches of the MAT Curriculum
Webster University’s Master of Arts in Teaching program integrates innovative, research-based strategies to prepare future educators for success in diverse kindergarten through 12th grade classrooms. The curriculum is aligned with Missouri’s teacher certification standards while emphasizing inclusive, reflective and technology-enhanced teaching practices.
Curriculum and Assessment
Students design inclusive, standards-aligned learning experiences using Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated units and lessons, which are critically refined through Understanding by Design (UbD) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) frameworks. This approach ensures that instructional planning is intentional and adaptable to the needs of diverse learners.
Instruction
The program bridges theory and practice through immersive digital simulations and video-based reflections, allowing students to rehearse teaching strategies, receive feedback and refine instructional techniques in realistic classroom scenarios.
Classroom Culture
Future educators learn to cultivate equitable, restorative and technology-integrated learning environments that prioritize student voice, belonging and community connection. This focus supports the development of inclusive classroom cultures that reflect the social, emotional and academic needs of all students.
Professional Development
Students build a reflective teaching identity by creating personalized digital portfolios, setting ongoing goals and conducting continuous self-assessment. These tools promote professional growth and readiness for certification and classroom leadership.
Choose Your Emphasis Area
Each emphasis leads to initial teacher certification and includes real-world teaching experiences, inclusive classroom strategies and personalized professional development.
Support diverse learners with inclusive, restorative practices and specialized strategies for students with exceptional needs.
Build foundational skills and inspire curiosity in young learners through evidence-based, developmentally appropriate instruction.
Engage middle school students with interdisciplinary teaching and culturally responsive practices tailored to early adolescence.
Empower high school students with subject-specific expertise and transformative teaching strategies.
Career Opportunities for MAT Graduates in Missouri
Graduates of Webster University’s MAT program are well prepared to enter Missouri’s dynamic and evolving kindergarten through 12th grade education workforce. With initial teacher certification in hand, they can pursue a variety of impactful roles across public, charter and private schools statewide.
Common Career Paths and Average Salaries (2025)
Position |
Grade Level |
Average Annual Salary |
| Elementary School Teacher | Grades 1–6 | $56,692 |
| Middle School Teacher | Grades 5–9 | $56,722 |
| High School Teacher | Grades 9–12 | $61,853 |
| Special Education Teacher | K–12 | $58,000–$62,000 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Job Market Outlook
- Missouri continues to experience teacher shortages, especially in special education, math and science (middle and secondary) in rural and urban districts.
- The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) maintains a statewide job board where certified teachers can explore open positions across all districts.
Certification and Hiring
- Graduates earn an Initial Professional Certificate, the first step in Missouri’s educator
licensure system
Most school districts require a valid Missouri teaching certificate, a background check and completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program, such as Webster’s MAT programs.
