Tulane SoPA announces new Master of Teaching degree with full scholarships for future NOLA teachers

The Tulane School of Professional Advancement (Tulane SoPA)  has launched a Master of Teaching (MAT) degree to develop more certified teachers for Louisiana schools. Tulane encourages prospective students to enroll by offering substantial financial support through reduced tuition rates and discounts for current educators. Additionally, through a grant secured last fall, eligible students who enroll in the new MAT degree can receive a full tuition scholarship plus a $5,000 stipend when they commit to teaching in Orleans parish for three years after earning the degree.

“The MAT was developed by a team of faculty that understands the needs and roadblocks of aspiring teachers,” said Suri Duitch, Ph.D, Dean and Vice President for Academic Innovation at the Tulane University School of Professional Advancement. “This is a phenomenal opportunity for those interested in teaching as well as for the students who deserve and will benefit from having certified teachers in their classrooms.”

“With the launch of our new MAT program, Tulane brings Greater New Orleans one step closer to ensuring an excellent and qualified teacher in every classroom for every child.”

— Kelly McClure, Director of PreK-12 Education Programs

The application is open to current, non-certified teachers and individuals interested in starting a career in teaching. While a goal of the MAT is to prepare forward-thinking students to become certified, licensed teachers in Louisiana, those interested in working outside of Louisiana after graduation can benefit from a reciprocity agreement in place with 42 other states across the U.S. 

“Every single child in our community can grow, learn and thrive at a high level,” said Kelly McClure, Ed.D, Director of PreK-12 Education Programs and Professor of Practice. “With the launch of our new MAT program, Tulane brings Greater New Orleans one step closer to ensuring an excellent and qualified teacher in every classroom for every child.”

Tulane SoPA is a lead recipient of the U.S. Department of Education's (USDOE) Supporting Effective Educator Development (SEED) Grant Program, which aims to recruit and develop the next generation of certified educators in New Orleans public schools. This $10 million grant was awarded to Tulane SoPA and the following partners: Xavier University of Louisiana’s Norman C. Francis Teacher Residency, TNTP, New Schools for New Orleans (NSNO), and Reach University.

The "NOLA SEED" program partners will recruit and develop 552 knowledgeable, culturally aware, and socially and emotionally competent educators to work in public schools across New Orleans.

McClure said cost and time are often the top two reasons teachers go uncertified. 

Tulane SoPA’s teaching program provides low-cost avenues for teachers including grant funding, employee reimbursement, and articulation agreements to help defray costs. Courses are also offered in a mostly-online format with times conducive to a working teacher’s schedule. 

Learn more about the SEED grant here or visit the MAT webpage to apply.