Frequently Asked Questions

Choose from the categories below to find answers to the most frequently asked questions about the site-based program from Saint Xavier University.

ABOUT SAINT XAVIER UNIVERSITY POLICIES
Q.	*Is Saint Xavier University accredited?*
A.	Saint Xavier University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Universities. The university is the provider of graduate credit for all site-based courses registered through LessonLab SkyLight in Illinois and Wisconsin. Contact them at: The North Central Association of Colleges (NCA) 30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400 Chicago, IL 60602-2504 800-621-7440 312-263-0456 Fax: 312-263-7462
Q.	*Will courses transfer to my Master's degree program?*
A.	The MATL program is a cohort program whereby all students attend all the same classes together. This allows for interactive discussions and group projects of which each student is an integral part. The MATL program has a defined curriculum. Courses taken build on one another and therefore we are not able to accept any transfers.
Q.	*Will these courses transfer to other colleges?*
A.	Saint Xavier University is a nationally accredited institution. The MATL Program is approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education and the Wisconsin Educational Approval Board. All courses taken in the program are graduate level courses. Acceptance of any transfer course is always dependent upon the approval of the university to which you are transferring.
Q.	*Will this Master's degree be accepted by other districts or in other states?*
A.	The MATL Degree is a recognized graduate degree from a nationally accredited university. However, acceptance of any degree by any school district would be dependent upon the individual school district's policies and guidelines.
Q.	*Whom do I call if I am having problems?*
A.	You should contact an MATL Program representative at 800-463-5174 with any questions about the program, available site areas, information sessions, application and admission procedures, or financing options. We will help you in any way we can or will refer you to the appropriate department or person to contact regarding your specific situation. If you have other questions or concerns, please refer to the following contact list: Graduate Admissions: 773-298-3053 Financial aid: 773-298-3070 Business Office: 773-298-3067 Registrar: 773-298-3507
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Q.	*Who is the site-based program for?*
A.	The Master of Arts in Teaching and Leadership (M.A.T.L.) program is designed for currently practicing teachers and focuses on the best instructional strategies and practices known to improve student academic performance. Teachers can immediately apply what they learn in our program with the students in their own classrooms. The majority of classes are taught by instructors with K-12 experience in a face-to-face collaborative learning environment.
Q.	*What are three key points that best describe your program?*
A.	It offers practical application of research-based instructional strategies. It has a convenient and learning-compatible program structure. It's all inclusive and affordable with several financing options.
Q.	*What is the focus of this degree?*
A.	The degree is a Master of Arts in Teaching and Leadership (M.A.T.L.), which focuses on curriculum, instruction and assessment.
Q.	*How does this program differ from other programs?*
A.	First, our program focuses on the practical application of the best instructional practices designed to improve student academic performance. Teachers can immediately apply what they learn in our program to their own students the very next day. Second, our program uses a cohort model and is taught in a collaborative learning environment. This approach allows students to interact face to face with both instructors and colleagues, providing them with the opportunity to share ideas and experiences throughout the program. Students receive constant support and immediate feedback from instructors and facilitators through interactive classroom discussions. You will learn new ways of teaching, experience student successes, and renew your passion for teaching.
Q.	*Is this an established program?*
A.	The M.A.T.L. has been offered since 1991. Since then nearly 5,000 teachers from over 450 school districts in Illinois have enrolled and graduated from our program. Currently there are nearly 1,200 teachers in the program.
Q.	*Where are the class sites located?*
A.	The program is held off-campus at sites convenient to where our students work or live. There are 60 sites to choose from in the Chicago area, throughout Illinois, and Southeast Wisconsin.
Q.	*How many total credit hours is the program?*
A.	The program is 32 total credit hours.
Q.	*Who teaches the program?*
A.	Each group of students in the program will have two facilitators throughout the two years they are in the program: one school-based and one university-based. The facilitators teach the team seminar classes and the action research classes. The other classes are taught by a wide variety of instructors who are currently teaching or have K-12 classroom experience utilizing the instructional strategies that the program studies. Students will most likely have between 6-8 different instructors throughout the program. All instructors are approved by and are adjunct or full-time faculty of Saint Xavier University.
Q.	*When do classes start?*
A.	There are two starting times: the last week in August and the third week of January. Applications should be submitted by August 1 and January 1 prior to each cohort start date.
Q.	*How long does it take to complete the program?*
A.	Students will complete the program in less than two years.
Q.	*How often and at what time do classes usually meet?*
A.	Generally, classes meet five times per month from 4:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.
Q.	*How many nights per week do you attend?*
A.	Students attend classes one night per week. In addition, in order to fulfill the 32 credit hours in two years, students attend team seminars, which meet once per month during the school year in addition to the regular class. There are two classes during one summer of the program whose days and times vary depending on whether the group begins in August or January.
Q.	*How do I apply?*
A.	Apply easily online at www.sxu.edu/admission/grad.asp. Then send for your transcripts from your undergraduate university, submit a copy of your current teaching certificate, and have two letters of recommendation completed and sent to SXU. That's it! No application fee or entrance exams are required.
ASSIGNMENTS AND MATERIALS
Q.	*How much homework is there outside of class?*
A.	Rather than spend countless "homework" hours learning theory from a book, you'll immediately transfer what you learn in our program to students in your own classroom. Assignments are incorporated into the daily lesson planning and curriculum of your students, and much of the time spent on your assignments outside of class is done with your own students during the school day.
Q.	*How are students in the program assessed?*
A.	Students demonstrate learning through the authentic assessment of classroom application. This assessment includes the development and implementation of lesson plans, portfolios, projects, presentations, action research and the exhibition of a group research project.
TUITION AND FINANCIAL AID
Q.	*What is the cost of this program?*
A.	We have an all-inclusive cost that includes tuition, all program fees, and all books, resources, and materials for the entire two years. There are no hidden or additional expenses. The total cost is $12,800.
Q.	*Is financing available?*
A.	There are many financing options available to meet the specific needs of each student, including low monthly payment options, no-interest loans and deferred tuition payment plans.
Q.	*Are there any program discounts available?*
A.	Yes! We have a group discount program available whereby if five or more teachers enroll in our program and begin at the same time, each will receive $500 off the tuition. If three or four teachers enroll, each will receive a $300 discount.
	NEW! Prospective students who attend an information session will receive $100 off the tuition. This discount is in addition to our group discount offer. Prospective students must be present at an information session to receive this discount.