Teach English and Language Arts with Purpose and Impact
Help students discover the power of literature, language, and their own voices with the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in English Education for Equity & Justice. You’ll be prepared to teach English and language arts with an equity-centered approach that empowers the next generation of readers, writers, and critical thinkers.
The MAT in English Education for Equity & Justice will prepare you for initial teacher licensure in English for grades 5–12. The program can be completed in one year on a full-time basis (longer for part-time), and can be started in the spring or fall.
Program Features
English Teacher Certification and Licensure
Our master’s (MAT) in English and language arts education prepares you to teach middle and high school students through focused study of literacy, literature, writing, and effective instructional practices. You’ll graduate ready to pursue initial teacher licensure and create engaging, equitable learning experiences in English language arts classrooms.
Gain Meaningful Field Experience
Students in the English and language arts MAT program complete a two-semester practicum experience culminating in student teaching. This ensures strength in the field of study and comprehensive teaching skills.
TESOL Add-On Licensure
The TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) Program offers a five-course, 18-unit add-on license pathway that allows master of arts in teaching English students to meet requirements for an initial license in English as a Second Language (ESL) (5–12) in Massachusetts. Licensure-seeking students complete an ESL practicum.
Career Outcomes
The MAT in English education will prepare you to teach English and language arts in grades 5–12, creating inclusive, engaging classrooms that foster literacy, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of reading and writing. Graduates are equipped to:
- Create inclusive English language arts classrooms that support equity and literacy
- Design effective lessons and assessments using evidence-based practices
- Deliver culturally responsive instruction that promotes student growth
- Build community partnerships while strengthening English education expertise
Alumni in the Master of Arts in Teaching in English Education
Learn to foster literacy, critical thinking, and equitable learning environments. Graduates are prepared for careers such as:
- Middle and high school English and language arts teachers (grades 5-12)
- Literacy teacher
- Curriculum developer
- Instructional leader
Featured Faculty
The faculty for the MAT in English Education for Equity & Justice are experienced educators, committed to equity and social justice in their research, teaching, and service.
Courses in the MAT in English Education for Equity & Justice
Develop expertise in English education through coursework in literacy, literature, lesson design, and evidence-based teaching practices. You’ll also gain hands-on classroom experience and learn strategies to support multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and diverse classrooms. Courses include:
- Teaching Classic and Contemporary Texts
- Teaching in American Literature
- Lesson Design & Instruction Delivery in the Humanities
- Teaching English Learners: Middle/High School
- Critical Literacy as Lens: Exploring Theories, Processes, and Strategies
Related Programs
Strengthen your teaching practice with a Master of Education (EdM) in English & Language Arts Education. This program is for current and aspiring educators who already have an initial teacher license or do not require one.
Elevate your professional impact with a certificate of advanced graduate study (CAGS) in Curriculum & Teaching. This post-master’s credential delivers training in planning, teaching methods, and outcome evaluation, and is open to educators working in mathematics education.
Scholarships Available
Don’t let funding keep you from pursuing a master’s in teaching English education. In our MAT in English Education for Equity & Justice, merit-based scholarships are available, making your degree more affordable.
Admissions & Dates
Fall & Spring 2027
Aug 3, 2026
Application Opens
Spring 2027 Start
Dec 15, 2026
Application Closes
Fall 2027 Start
Jan 15, 2027
Priority Deadline
Fall 2027 Start
Aug 1, 2027
Application Closes
Still wondering which master’s in teaching English and language arts is right for you? Connect with BU Wheelock to learn more about the unique aspects of the MAT in English Education for Equity & Justice. Learn about application requirements and deadlines, sign up for an information session, or start your application today.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in English Education for Equity & Justice prepares aspiring educators to teach English language arts in middle and high schools through an equity-centered approach. The program combines English education coursework, professional teaching preparation, and field experiences to prepare students for initial teacher licensure in English for grades 5–12.
This program is designed for individuals who want to become English language arts teachers and are committed to creating inclusive, engaging classrooms. It is ideal for future educators who want to deepen their knowledge of literature, writing, literacy instruction, and culturally responsive teaching practices.
You’ll develop skills in lesson design, critical literacy, instructional delivery, and evidence-based approaches to teaching literature, reading, writing, and language. Coursework also prepares you to support multilingual learners and students with disabilities while understanding the social, cultural, and historical factors that shape students’ educational experiences.
Yes. The MAT in English Education for Equity & Justice prepares students for initial teacher licensure in English for grades 5–12 in Massachusetts. The program includes pre-practicum and practicum experiences that provide hands-on classroom experience with guidance from experienced educators.
Graduates are prepared for careers as middle and high school English language arts teachers, with the skills to design meaningful literacy instruction, foster critical thinking, and create equitable learning environments for diverse students.
Licensing Disclosure
BU Wheelock Educator Preparation Programs Licensing Disclosure provides information about BU Wheelock state-approved programs and how the educational requirements compare with those in other states. Education students in licensure programs should review this resource and contact edlic@bu.edu with questions.
Background Checks
Students who are admitted into BU Wheelock routinely participate in field experiences as a part of their respective program curriculum and requirements. Most field sites require criminal background checks to determine students’ eligibility for participation. History of a criminal background may disqualify students from participating in these required experiences, which in turn may impede the successful completion of one’s degree program