School of Education at Johns Hopkins University - Graduate Education Programs:


Master of Arts in Teaching: FlexMAT

FlexMAT is the part-time program option at Johns Hopkins University that has been developed to assist in the recruitment and initial certification of teachers. This program is designed for career changers and for individuals who did not prepare for teaching as undergraduates. Candidates can become eligible for certification in Elementary Education (grades 1-6 and middle school); or Secondary Education in the disciplines of English, Spanish, French, social studies, mathematics, and four sciences (biology, chemistry, earth science, and physics). FlexMAT is a program option that begins each semester; successful candidates receive certification eligibility and the degree of Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in two to five years.

The FlexMAT program was designed with the full-time working individual in mind. It has proven to be a wonderful program for those who need to continue to work full time or those who are full-time parents. The curriculum integrates theory and practice of teaching through a full-semester, supervised internship in a school setting. Day and evening classes are available at all locations, - Columbia, Rockville, and Baltimore, - but not consecutively every semester. Candidates admitted to the program pay for tuition and books for all 39 credits. Financial aid is available for those who qualify. For more information, you may contact the financial aid office at 410-516-9766. Each candidate may complete the program at his/her own pace within the five-year limit. Candidates are not obligated to take a specific number of courses per semester, but are recommended to not take more than three. Thus, each candidate may determine a comfortable course load. The candidate's course load and flexibility will determine the time necessary to complete the program. Upon completion of the program, candidates will be eligible for teacher certification in the state of Maryland, which includes reciprocity with most other states.

FlexMAT Requirements

  • Submission of application, fee, all official transcripts and an essay that convinces reviewers that the applicant has a commitment to becoming a teacher who believes in positive educational change
  • Bachelors degree in the area of intended certification, or equivalent, with a GPA of at least 3.0 in all college level work
  • Passing score on one of the following exams: Praxis 1, SAT, ACT, or the GRE.
  • Criminal Disclosure Statement
  • Interview with program coordinator and/or faculty adviser, which includes a review of undergraduate coursework
  • Faculty recommendation for admission
  • Final approval of the dean of the school

FlexMAT Framework

  • Candidates have a maximum of five years to complete all of the degree requirements
  • Candidates successfully complete a 20-week internship in a partner school
  • In lieu of a master's thesis, candidates submit and present a digital portfolio of their work to a review panel following the internship
  • Certification eligibility is met through successful completion of all MAT program requirements, including the supervised internship, Praxis I and II, content courses, portfolio, and 39 course credits

University Support for the FlexMAT Program

  • A faculty adviser to assist the candidate with academic course planning and portfolio support
  • A program coordinator to provide support and resources to candidates and interns related to field placements, internships, certification, and graduation
  • A supervising teacher, recommended by the school principal, and paid by the university to assist the intern on a daily basis with any tasks and/or issues related to teaching
  • A university supervisor (retired principal, supervisor, resource and/or master teacher) who works with the intern, providing feedback and support every other week during the semester-long internship
  • Electronic support and mentoring through the Electronic Learning Community

Student Obligations and Responsibilities

  • To complete a criminal background check prior to beginning classes
  • To complete course work in the sequence recommended by adviser
  • To complete all field experience observation requirements prior to internship
  • To complete any supplemental course work prior to internship
  • To complete all PRAXIS exams prior to internship
  • To agree to terminate all other employment once the internship begins
  • To accept placement in a school, and under no circumstances arrange own placement; and
  • To meet all program requirements, including the successful defense of a portfolio

For additional information, please contact the Flex- MAT program office at 410-516-9759.