In Illinois, Relay offers Master of Arts in Teaching programs with the option to pursue teacher licensure. Relay students teaching in Illinois enroll in Relay Chicago.
Join our diverse community of practitioners focused on achievement, equity, and the well-being of students and teachers.
Our Programs
Relay offers a variety of practice-based programs where aspiring and current teachers develop their skills to ensure that all students thrive.
Master of Arts in Teaching
- Teaching Residency
- mat degree
- Licensure Option
This represents our program for Academic Year 2024-25.
Audience
Duration
(Typically 2 years)
Credits
DEGREE PROGRAMS
32 credits
MAT in Elementary Education
MAT in English Language Arts Education
MAT in Mathematics Education
MAT in Science Education
MAT in Social Studies Education
39 credits
MAT in Special Education
LICENSURE ENDORSEMENT AREAS
Students may elect to pursue their teacher licensure in one of the following areas. Licensure must correspond with the content of their degree program.
Elementary Education (Self Contained General Education) (Grade 1-6)
Middle Grades General Science (Grades 5-8)
Middle Grades Language Arts (Grades 5-8)
Middle Grades Mathematics (Grades 5-8)
Middle Grades Social Science (Grades 5-8)
Senior High English Language Arts (Grades 9-12)
Senior High Science - Biology (Grades 9-12)
Senior High Mathematics (Grades 9-12)
Senior High Science - Chemistry (Grades 9-12)
Senior High Social Science - History (Grades 9-12)
Only MAT in Special Education students may choose the following certification endorsement. Students in that program will also choose a content Area of Study in which to specialize, but are not eligible for dual endorsement.
Learning Behavior Specialist I (Kindergarten- Age 22)
Tuition & Fees
Relay programs operate on a fee-per-credit model. To learn more, see the Tuition and Financial Aid page.
Master of Arts in Teaching
- MAT Degree
- Licensure Option
This represents our program for Academic Year 2024-25.
Audience
Duration
(Typically 2 years)
Credits
DEGREE PROGRAMS
32 credits
MAT in Elementary Education
MAT in English Language Arts Education
MAT in Mathematics Education
MAT in Science Education
MAT in Social Studies Education
39 credits
MAT in Special Education
LICENSURE ENDORSEMENT AREAS
Students may elect to pursue their teacher licensure in one of the following areas. Licensure must correspond with the content of their degree program.
Elementary Education (Self Contained Gen. Ed.) (Grade 1-6)
Middle Grades General Science (Grades 5-8)
Middle Grades Language Arts (Grades 5-8)
Middle Grades Mathematics (Grades 5-8)
Middle Grades Social Science (Grades 5-8)
Senior High English Language Arts (Grades 9-12)
Senior High Science - Biology (Grades 9-12)
Senior High Mathematics (Grades 9-12)
Senior High Science - Chemistry (Grades 9-12)
Senior High Social Science - History (Grades 9-12)
Only MAT in Special Education students may choose the following certification endorsement. Students in that program will also choose a content Area of Study in which to specialize, but are not eligible for dual endorsement:
Learning Behavior Specialist I (Kindergarten- Age 22)
Tuition & Fees
Relay programs operate on a fee-per-credit model. To learn more, see the Tuition and Financial Aid page.
The Relay Chicago Approach
Relay Chicago started with just 61 graduate students in 2015-16, and has grown to over 300 in the 2021-22 school year. In its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, nearly 60% of all Relay Chicago students self-identify as BIPOC (i.e. Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color) in the current school year. Additionally, over 80% of Relay Chicago students are focusing on high needs subject areas, including math and science.
Faculty
Relay has nearly 140 experienced, supportive faculty across our campuses. Here is one example of a faculty member who teaches and advises our Illinois students:
"We aim to not only build the skills and strategy that teachers need to support all learners, but also support teachers in developing the confidence to be their authentic self in their classroom."
- Mathew Mauricio Rojas, Director of Clinical Practice
Mathew Mauricio Rojas serves as the Director of Clinical Practice for Illinois at Relay Graduate School of Education. A product of New York City public schools, Mathew’s work has been deeply informed by the inequities and challenges that exist for students of color as they navigate the intersection between personal identity, educational experiences, connection to community and personal aspirations. He is particularly interested in helping first year teachers navigate those waters and create just and equitable classrooms. Prof. Rojas has taught K-12 bilingual education, 5th, and 8th grade, as well as coached teachers before joining Relay. He is a graduate of Middlebury College, holds a Masters in Educational Policy and Leadership from American University, and is working on a Masters of Public Policy at University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy. Prof. Rojas lives in Chicago, IL with his husband and dogs, and enjoys cooking, running, and exploring Chicago’s food scene.
School and District Partners
Relay partners with over 18 public school systems and schools across the state. Here is just a sample:
- Chicago Public Schools
- Learn Charter School Network
- Chicago International Charter Schools
- Noble Schools
- The Menta Group
Teacher Recruitment Partners
Teach for America: Relay partnered with Teach for America Greater Chicago-Northwest Indiana in 2016 and since has supported hundreds of elementary and secondary teachers. Teach for America Corps Members enroll in Relay’s Master of Arts in Teaching program, and the staff at both organizations work closely together to support Corps Members.
Contact Details
Prospective students and prospective district partners can contact our team anytime at support@relay.edu
Prospective students can also fill out an interest form. See the right box below!
For School or School System Leaders
Relay can help you develop your aspiring and current teachers to gain the vital skills and credentials needed to transform student lives.
For Aspiring or Current Teachers
Interested in finding out more about Relay’s programs? Have a burning question? FIll out this interest form and a Prospective Student Advisor will reach out to you!