Earning your Master of Arts in Teaching in Illinois

How to Become a Teacher in Illinois through the MAT@USC

Do you…

• Currently Teach in Illinois?
• Or, would like to become a teacher in Illinois?
• Want to become an exceptional teacher with a comprehensive background in the most effective and up-to-date pedagogy and teaching strategies available?
• Live in Illinois and want to participate in a high quality Master of Arts in Teaching program without a long commute or drastic move?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then the MAT@USC might be the perfect program for you. The MAT@USC is available to all Illinois residents across the state.

Obtain Your Master of Arts in Teaching in Illinois

You no longer need to travel from Illinois all the way to southern California to attend the University of Southern California and become a teacher. The MAT@USC allows you to study with USC’s esteemed professors and earn a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Southern California — all without making a single journey to the West Coast.

The MAT@USC uses an interactive online platform to deliver lessons and assignments, hands-on field-based experiences and the excellence of USC’s faculty to foster a thorough learning experience. This unique, immersive program gives students an opportunity to become part of the Trojan Family from anywhere in Illinois.

Earn Your Illinois Teaching Certificate

Students who intend to earn their Illinois teaching certification will participate in hands-on field-based student teaching known as Guided Practice. Guided Practice occurs at an elementary, middle or high school close to your home or workplace. A Guiding Teacher, specially selected and trained by the MAT@USC, will oversee your Guided Practice. The MAT@USC will arrange for a location for your Guided Practice and a Guiding Teacher to supervise it, ensuring your peace of mind and maintaining the rigorous standards of the MAT@USC.

After successfully completing the MAT@USC Single or Multiple Subject Credential program, and the basic skills and subject area competency requirements, you will be eligible to be recommended for the California preliminary teacher certification. If you intend to teach in Illinois, your certification process will involve either first becoming certified in California, then transferring that certification to Illinois through interstate reciprocity agreements; or by directly applying to your Illinois’ credentialing authority for certification. Our expert Student Services team will provide you with the support and direction to choose the best path to Illinois teacher certification.

Illinois Student Spotlight

Alicia Bowers began the MAT in the February 2010 Cohort. She was born and raised in Redmond, Washington, but moved to Chicago, IL about 3 months ago to pursue her career in education. Alicia received her B.S. in Dietetics/Nutrition from Seattle Pacific University in 2007. Shortly after graduation she worked as a nutrition educator at a low-income school in Auburn, WA. Alicia loves living in a big city where she feels like there are endless opportunities. To learn more about Alicia, read her full bio on the MAT@USC Blog.

Teacher Demand in Illinois

According to Teach.com, there is a low shortage of teachers in Illinois. A Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Southern California’s highly regarded Rossier School of Education may help you to distinguish yourself from the competition, making the process of finding a teaching job in Illinois a bit easier.

No matter where you live in Illinois, you can earn your Master of Arts in Teaching from USC. Find out more about becoming an outstanding teacher by requesting more information. Explore the availability of teaching jobs in Illinois and learn why becoming a teacher in Illinois is more important now than ever before.

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