Graduate Programs in Education
At Earlham, few activities are more esteemed and joyful than teaching—and creating educators. The College’s long-standing commitment to excellence in teaching encourages and develops your passions and potential as an educator. Earlham’s M.A.T. and M.Ed. programs are unique in focusing on the cohort model and developing a culture of collegiality. Earlham intends to do more than provide licensure for teachers. The programs’ purpose is to develop educators to be leaders in their school communities, who model outstanding classroom practices and who prepare them to be socially active and morally conscious citizens.
Earlham’s grounding in Quaker practices offers an excellent vehicle to face the societal challenges reflected in every classroom; these practices include cooperative community, the pursuit of an openness to truth, respect for consciences of others and a commitment to equity. The M.A.T and M.Ed. programs seek to awaken the teacher within through a unique cohort model and four cornerstone principles.
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Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.)
Earlham’s M.A.T. program is an 11-month program that leads to a master’s degree and an Indiana teaching license (grades 5-12). The program offers licensure in social studies, English/language arts, mathematics, science, modern foreign languages, music, art, physical education, business, computer science, journalism and theatre at the middle and high school levels.
As a M.A.T. graduate, you’ll be immensely well-prepared for your first year of teaching. Besides engaging in rigorous coursework, you will plan and lead a summer enrichment program with middle school students and complete a year-long placement at a local middle or high school. Under the guidance of your supervisor and mentor teacher, you’ll gradually gain responsibility in the classroom, eventually assuming a full-time teaching load in the spring semester.
3+1 PROGRAM: B.A. AND M.A.T.
Students can earn both a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) degree within nine semesters, to be completed in four years. Learn more about curricular requirements and sample plans.
Master of Education (M.Ed.)
Earlham’s M.Ed. program is for college graduates who want to enter or further their career in education. Earlham’s M.Ed. program is for students interested in a variety of careers in education beyond the classroom—like outdoor leadership, community-based organizations, educational technology, coaching, museums and more. This track to a master’s degree is customized to your needs so that you can focus on the skills and experience you need to further the career in education that you envision. The traditional program follows an 11-month sequence (June to May) and offers a two-year option for candidates who prefer a less time-intensive commitment.
The M.Ed. is an individualized and comprehensive program that allows you to apply the theory from your master’s courses directly into your chosen fieldwork. As an M.Ed. candidate, you’ll complete a summer practicum and a year-long practicum, both of which have the option of being job-embedded. Flexibility and individual attention are key features of the M.Ed. program; you’ll work together with faculty to ensure that your coursework and fieldwork are relevant to your career focus and schedule.
Alumni outcomes
When you join the Earlham Graduate Programs in Education, you know you’re on a trajectory for success. Our graduates don’t just find jobs in education—they are leaders in the field.
100%
cohort ’20 job placement rate
96%
program retention rate over 5 years
Anthony Phillips ’23
- Working as the Social Emotional Learning Coordinator – Restorative Practice Facilitator at Connersville Middle School in Connersville, Indiana.
- Also serves with Lighthouse within Bedrock Youth Academy: My Brother’s Keeper.
- GPE practicum experience: Operated the reset room within Connersville Middle School, a space that provided middle school students with the opportunity to regulate escalated or somber emotions, behaviors and moods as an alternative to punitive disciplinary actions.
“The most valuable part of being a G.P.E. student was the bond my cohort created. We established a trusting chemistry that allowed for us to grow as educators, students, and young adults while enjoying the process. Even considering the bumps and bruises along the way, I genuinely would change nothing about what we’ve been through.”
Spencer Zimmerman ’14
- Teaching at Ballard High School in Louisville, Kentucky.
- Subjects: Japanese (freshmen through seniors, including AP Japanese Language).
- Sponsors the Japanese Club and Games Club.
- Takes students abroad to Japan every other year.
- Currently enrolled in the UK Changemakers program for continuing education.
“My favorite part of being a teacher is working with the students. They are amazing and have some of the most fun ideas for projects in my class.
“The most valuable part of being in the GPE at Earlham was the real classroom experience. I knew what I was doing the day I stepped into my classroom, with barely 48 hours notice. I’ve seen other new teachers and people transition into teaching who have struggled with a whole month of time to get ready.”
Tiauna Washington ’11
- Teaching at Hibberd Intermediate School, Richmond, Indiana.
- Subjects: Agriculture, Science, and Business Grades 5-6, Project Lead the Way Grades 5-8, Project Group Grades 5-8.
- Also serves as:
- Richmond Education Association Building Representative, Hibberd
- Richmond Education Association Executive Board Member
- Indiana State Teachers Association Board Member
- Indiana State Teachers Association Executive Committee Member
- National Education Association Indiana Resolutions Representative
- City of Richmond Parks & Recreations Board President
- City of Richmond Plan Commission – Vice President
“Since I am a science teacher, I simply love being able to teach and inspire my students to love science and understand the world around them.
“I love that we are able to be in the classroom with our mentor teacher and students on day one! We get to know the student very well by the time we take over as teachers.”
Keith Morey ’08
- Working as an Assistant Principal for Connersville Middle School, Connersville Indiana. Formerly worked as an 8th grade science teacher at Centerville Jr. High in Centerville, IN (3 years) and Dennis Middle School in Richmond, IN (8 years).
- Coached cross country and track and coordinated a yearly trip for students to the east coast and Washington, D.C.
- Elected and served one term on the Richmond Community School Board where I helped see the district through the COVID pandemic.
- Currently completing graduate coursework through Butler University for a certificate in Applied Educational Neuroscience.
“I really enjoy helping students navigate the challenges of adolescence. Now I get to help and support a fantastic group of teachers who are invested in that work as well.
“The most valuable part of my year in G.P.E. was the strong focus on relationships. Public school teachers and students face so many roadblocks to learning. Often there is a heavy focus on instructional strategy, data, etc.. but none of it works unless there is a relationship first. Earlham’s MAT program emphasized from the first day the importance of relationships and reflection. The program pushed me in ways I didn’t even know I needed at the time. I left feeling confident as well as supported. Fifteen years later, I still feel the support and love from retired faculty as well as faculty I once helped teach. I look for and try to hire as many GPE trained teachers as I can because I know they understand the importance of relationships.”
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