The College of Charleston’s M.A.T. (Master of Arts in Teaching) Early Literacy Program is concluding its first year and looking to double for 2010-11. The program was launched in fall 2009 to increase the number of underrepresented groups, specifically African-American males, teaching in Charleston County Schools. This year five candidates are participating in the two-year program and leaders hope to increase total enrollment to 10 to 12 students for fall 2010.
“Currently it is conceivable that elementary students in Charleston County could never have a male teacher,” said Andrew H. Lewis, program director and associate professor at the College of Charleston. “Also, since African-American males make up less than one-percent of elementary teachers and about two-percent nationwide in K-12, it is possible elementary students may never even see an African-American male teacher.”
The M.A.T. Early Literacy Program is a partnership between the School of Education, Health, and Human Performance and the Charleston County School District (CCSD). Using stimulus funds, CCSD pays a significant portion of the tuition and fees of program participants in addition to securing them a full-time teaching assistant position in kindergarten or first grade with salary and benefits. In return, program participants agree to teach in a Charleston County school for up to three years after receiving their M.A.T.
Program participants are placed in Title One schools with a high number of students at risk and with lower literacy scores. This year, they are teaching assistants at Goodwin and Chicora Elementary Schools. The hope is that the M.A.T. candidates will help improve educational outcomes, student behavior, serve as role modes, and provide an opportunity for students to see more members of underrepresented groups in the teaching profession.
Recruitment for the fall 2010 semester is underway. For more information, contact Andrew H. Lewis by email at lewisa@cofc.edu or 843.953.8250.
