Children's Literature + Teaching

See program requirements for the Children’s Literature (MA)/Teaching (MAT) program.

The MAT curriculum combines theory with practice, including multicultural perspectives and teaching skills. Methods courses include related field experiences that allow students to observe and apply teaching strategies and techniques. Our courses address instructional strategies and materials for teaching reading and language arts, math, social studies, and science.

Additional courses explore developmental psychology and contemporary issues in education. We offer a Master of Arts in Teaching, with preparation for initial licensure in Elementary Education (grades 1-6) in Massachusetts. Dual degree students may pursue a 64-credit program with a 14-week full-time practicum, or a 70-credit program with a full-year internship. Some partnering schools and districts provide a stipend for Simmons teaching interns.

Children's Literature students may opt to take advantage of internships and research opportunities in Boston and beyond, building their skills and resumes and learning from mentors in their fields. Students have interned at publishing houses such as Delacorte, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Charlesbridge, Candlewick, Scholastic, Penguin, David Godine, and St. Martin's; at a variety of literary agencies in Boston and New York; and at advocacy groups, such as Reach Out and Read and the Boston Book Festival. Some students also seek professional internships with local schools and libraries.