How will I know if I have all the coursework I need to enter the MAI program?

Through the application process, your transcripts are analyzed to find if you have the necessary prerequisite courses completed. All official transcripts from accredited higher learning institutions should be included in your application file. Depending on the amount of courses that you have yet to complete, your eligibility for admission may be affected. However, having prerequisite courses to complete does not necessarily exclude you from participating in the MAI program. You will need to complete all prerequisite courses before you can be eligible for licensure.

Can I enter the MAI program if I have prerequisite courses I need to complete?

Yes; It is common for students to enter the MAI program with some prerequisite courses to complete. Your situation will be conditional on how many, what type, and availability of courses. If you are choosing to pursue a 5-12 licensure, and you are more than two content area prerequisites away, you will complete your practicum experience at the high school level, and student teach at the middle school level. Our staff will help you to find approved courses, and advise you through this process.

I know the program will prepare me for licensure in the state of Minnesota; Can I also teach in other states?

Yes; We have graduates all over the country and the world, and they have found this process to be very manageable. The MAI program prepares you to become licensed in the state of Minnesota. Although each state has different requirements, typically they will recognize your Minnesota licensure and be willing to work with you.

Is it better to complete the Masters degree right away, or to wait and complete it after I’ve secured my first job?

The decision to complete the masters degree is a personal one. Our masters degree includes action research, which has set a part our graduates in interviews from candidates with only a bachelors degree. Generally, having a masters degree has not been a barrier for obtaining employment for our MAI graduates. If you choose not to complete the masters degree right away, you will have up to five years to be able to come back and complete that portion of the program.

Can I work during the program?

You will be in classes from 8:00 in the morning until 4: 00 in the afternoon, and the program is intense. There are many outside readings and writing assignments. Students may choose to work during the program, but financial aid is also available to make this more manageable. During the second term, you will be student teaching. This is typically a more difficult semester to work during than the first.

What are the field experiences like? Will I need to drive for my placement?

During the first semester you will be placed in a 10 week practicum experience. For elementary graduate students, if you complete your practicum within a K-5 classroom, you will student teach at the 6-8 grade level, and vice versa. For secondary graduate students, if you complete your practicum at the high school level (9-12) you will student teach at the middle school level (5-8), and vice versa (conditional upon prerequisite courses). The practicum experience is two days a week, all day according to your particular school’s schedule. For student teaching, you will be required to complete 75 contact days. We work with area school districts, and you may have to drive up to 50 miles for one or both placements. We typically have great success placing our students close to home for both experiences. We have partnerships with schools in Winona, LaCrosse, Rochester, and the surrounding areas. Our Field Placement Coordinator works with you to incorporate your interests and concerns to the greatest extent possible.