Converse University Focusing On The Future By Investing In Teachers
Written by Amanda Mathis
On Tuesday, April 16, 2024, Converse University, Wofford College, OneSpartanburg, and Spartanburg County School Districts Three and Seven announced their recent collaboration to invest in Spartanburg’s future through education with a signing ceremony for Wofford students for the 2024-2025 academic year. This 4 + 1 cooperative alliance allows students to achieve their Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in five years. It will develop and implement educational programs for Wofford College undergraduate students to allow for a smooth transition into Converse University’s MAT programs and initial teacher certification.
“I’m excited to be here and celebrate this collaboration,” President Boone Hopkins shared as he addressed the first group of students during the signing event. “This year marks 60 years of graduate education at Converse University. We are excited about welcoming these new students, and we look forward to the impact they will have on the education system in our state.”
“I am forever indebted to all who have made this possible, and I know just from my one class at Converse so far that I’ve made the right decision.”
Brandi Wylie
Wofford students are also enthusiastic about this collaboration and the opportunities it presents. “I grew up in Spartanburg and went to school in District Seven, so I knew that this program would give me the ability to not only get my MAT for free but to give back to the community that has poured into me for so long,” said Brandi Wylie, who is the first student to participate in the new program. “I am forever indebted to all who have made this possible, and I know just from my one class at Converse so far that I’ve made the right decision.”
Collaborating For The Future
Teachers are the catalysts for transformation in a community, and investing in their education is critical. This program is designed to advance Spartanburg County’s teacher workforce through a partnership between Wofford College and Converse University. It will ensure degree completion for Converse’s 30-hour program in one calendar year and a 37-hour program at a similarly expeditious rate. OneSpartanburg, Inc., and Spartanburg County School Districts Three and Seven will provide the resources that cover tuition, fees, and course materials for participating MAT students.
“We talk about teaching being a calling rather than a profession.”
Dr. Lienne Medford – Dean of the Graduate School and Professor of Leadership
“We talk about teaching being a calling rather than a profession,” said Converse’s Dean of the Graduate School and Professor of Leadership, Lienne Medford, EdD. “It’s essential to address today’s most pressing educational issues, and even more critical to ensure that all students – regardless of their background – have access to motivated, professionally qualified, and well-supported teachers.
“This program is a wonderful opportunity for Spartanburg students and the participating school districts. And since we have a history of partnering with Wofford, this collaboration is natural. We are excited about preparing the next generation of teachers at Converse.”
Catalysts for Spartanburg’s Education Systems
Converse University’s MAT degree program is designed for initial teacher certification. It incorporates a baccalaureate undergraduate degree with a major in an area other than education and specified courses and field experiences in education. After earning an undergraduate degree or being admitted to the program early, participating Wofford students will complete at least one additional year of graduate study and any related requirements to satisfy the MAT degree and professional teacher certification requirements.
Areas of specialization within the articulation agreement with Wofford College include Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education (require 37 credit hours of study), Middle-Level English/Language Arts, Middle-Level Mathematics, Middle-Level Social Studies, Middle-Level Science, Secondary English, and Secondary Social Studies (all of which require 30 credit hours of study). Students pursuing specializations such as special education (LD, ID, ED, MC) are also part of the program, but due to the credit hours required to earn this credential, it will take longer than one year to complete.
Collaborative MAT Program Eligibility
This specific collaboration between Converse, Spartanburg County School Districts Three and Seven, and OneSpartanburg is available only to Wofford College students who have completed or are within one year of completing all requirements for their Wofford degree and who have completed a minimum of nine hours of the Wofford core education course component.
Wofford students wishing to begin courses in the fall or spring semesters of their senior year should file a Special Status Students form with Converse University by April 1 of their junior year for enrollment in the fall semester of their senior year and by November 1 for enrollment in the spring semester of their senior year. Students must have a cumulative 3.00 overall GPA and be within 30 hours of completing the requirements for graduation from Wofford College.
To learn more about Converse University’s MAT programs, visit our website here.