Master of Arts in Teaching Latin and Classical Humanities

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Teaching Latin and Classical Humanities prepares students for careers as Latin teachers at the middle or high school level. The program combines education courses with MA-level Classics coursework, leading to a teaching certificate in Latin and classical humanities valid in 30 states. Students gain hands-on teaching experience through teaching Latin at UMass and cooperating schools, as well as serving as TAs in undergraduate classics courses. The program addresses the shortage of Latin teachers and prepares graduates for a competitive job market.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master of Arts in Teaching Latin and Classical Humanities is a program designed to prepare students for careers as middle or high school Latin teachers. It is equivalent to an MA in Classics supplemented with education courses. The program leads to a middle and high school teaching certificate in Latin and classical humanities, valid in 30 states. The program focuses on educational theory and practice, Latin language and literature, methodology, and the development of curricula in Latin and classical humanities. It includes seminars on the latest teaching trends and methodologies, providing students with hands-on experience in teaching, research, and developing teaching materials.

Teaching:

Students in the program teach Latin at UMass and at cooperating schools in the region, gaining exposure to a range of materials and methods for teaching Latin and classical humanities in secondary schools. They also serve as TAs in undergraduate classics courses.

Careers:

There is a shortage of Latin teachers at the secondary level, and the UMass MAT is excellent preparation for the job market.

Other:

The program strongly recommends an undergraduate minor in a second teaching area, with Spanish/Latin combinations being in especially high demand.