Master Technology Teacher Certification

The University and Teacher Education

The Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development represents the University's commitment to the professional development of educators through innovative and research-based undergraduate, graduate, and professional-development programs. In the field of professional education, the School offers a Doctoral program, three Master's degrees, and a number of graduate certification programs, including Master Technology Teacher (MTT), Master Mathematics Teacher (MMT),  Master Science Teacher (MST), Master Reading Teacher (MRT), English as a Second Language (ESL) certification, Gifted & Talented certification, Bilingual certification, Learning Therapist certification, and Dyslexia Teaching-Level certification.

Master Technology Teacher (MTT)

The Master Technology Teacher (MTT) program was developed in response to an increasing demand for teachers skilled in using technology to facilitate teaching, assessment, research, and professional development.  The curriculum comprises four three-credit-hour graduate courses–all of which can also be applied to the specialization module of SMU's Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree (pending acceptance into the M.Ed. program). Successful graduates of the MTT program are prepared to take the Master Technology Teacher TExES (Texas Exam for Educator Standards); those who pass the exam earn the MTT certification.

MTT Curriculum

The four required courses (12 credit hours) are designed to meet State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC) standards and competencies for the Master Technology Teacher certificate.  Click on their course titles below to link to their course descriptions.

The courses are delivered through a combination of traditional and technology-facilitated platforms.  Much of the coursework is taught online (using Blackboard as the online delivery mechanism).  Typical activities include reading, lectures (limited), research, hands-on practice (considerable), classroom and online discussions, and case studies.  Instructional technology tools facilitate active student learning throughout the coursework; examples include online discussions, Weblog, concept-mapping, brain-storming, peer reviews, and group projects.

Basic technology skills are necessary to succeed in the coursework; students should be able to use word-processing software, receive and deliver email, and navigate the Internet.  Each course must be completed with a minimum grade of “B."  

Tuition and Fees

SMU offers a substantially reduced tuition rate for professional educators. The 2008-09 academic-year cost is $411 per credit hour.   An initial application fee of $75 is required, and the estimated annual charges for books and materials are $100-$150.  The total cost for the program is approximately $4800.  Students are encouraged to seek sponsorship from their school districts.

Admission

Students interested in pursuing just the MTT program (NOT in combination with a Master of Education degree) please  click here for a printable PDF version of the Master Teacher application. This application form is in Adobe's PDF format; if you do not have the free Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is necessary to open a PDF, click here to download your free copy.  Program applications are also available in the Teacher Education office and can be faxed or mailed to you; please call 214-768-2346.  Students interested in pursuing both the MTT and the Master of Education (M.Ed.) should complete the M.Ed. application. 

The MTT courses may be applied to the specialization module of the Master of Education degree.

Each applicant must submit a portfolio that contains the following.

  • a completed application (see above)

  • a statement indicating the applicant's professional goals and why s/he would be effective as a master technology teacher

  • a copy of his/her valid Texas Teaching Certificate

  • a copy of his/her teaching service record

  • an official transcript (an unofficial copy will suffice until the first day of class) from the school that awarded the baccalaureate degree; the transcript must reflect both the degree status (i.e., bachelor's degree completed) and a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.  Transcripts from countries outside the United States must be accompanied by an official evaluation of the transcript by a recognized U.S. evaluation agency   

  • a resume

  • three recommendation letters/forms from individuals familiar with the applicant's academic abilities, experience in teaching, and mentoring of others; at least one recommendation must come from the principal or direct supervisor.  The recommendation forms are attached to the program application form (see above)

  • applicants from countries where the predominant language is not English are required to supply scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) administered by the Educational Testing Service. The minimum score for admission is 550 on a pencil and paper test or 214 on a computer-based test

  • a $75 non-refundable application fee payable to SMU

The portfolio must be received by the Teacher Education office no later than two weeks before the pertinent semester begins.

The Application

Click here for a printable PDF version of the MTT application, or call 214-768-2346 to have an application mailed or faxed to you.  However, if you have been admitted to the M.Ed. program or are applying to the M.Ed. program, please talk to your adviser about your interest in MTT certification rather than submit the attached application that serves non-degree students only. 

Additional Information

For additional information, please call 214-768-2346 or e-mail teacher@smu.edu.

“If you dare to teach, you must never cease to learn.”  −Harry Wong