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  • The Fastest Paths to Becoming a Teacher

December 03, 2025

Turn Your Bachelor’s Degree into a Master of Teaching (MAT) Degree

Have you ever considered a career pivot into a profession that truly matters? Teaching is one of the most stable, impactful, and professionally satisfying careers available, yet many people believe the path to the classroom is too long or rigid. If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in a subject area, you might be surprised to learn that you are perfectly positioned to become a certified teacher in Kentucky in a matter of months. With critical teacher shortages across the state, especially in STEM, special ed, and world languages, there has never been a better time to pursue your calling and enter the classroom—and there are now highly efficient, supportive routes to make it happen.

“At Midway, part of living our mission is providing clear, accessible pathways for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree,” said Dr. Ellen Bloomfield, Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences. “We walk alongside students as they turn their expertise into opportunity, and we’re proud to be the team that supports them on that journey.”

kids and teachers

How to Become a Teacher in KY

Many teachers begin their careers with a four-year education degree and later pursue a master’s, such as an M.Ed. or MAT. But if you already have a bachelor’s degree, particularly in subjects like Biology, English, Math, or Business, you don’t have to start over. There are alternative paths that let you put your existing degree to work and become a certified educator.

One way is to find a program designed specifically for career changers looking to become teachers, like Midway’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree.  Even specialty degrees, like Midway’s Coaching and Sport Leadership, Sports Management, and Equine Business & Sales, make perfect foundations for becoming an educator.  This route to teacher certification offers an official, alternative pathway to becoming a certified teacher in Kentucky’s P–12 classrooms. It’s curated for working professionals and offers flexible, hybrid options to accommodate busy schedules.

Transforming your bachelor’s degree into a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is a powerful way to pivot into a new career, and Midway University makes the transition affordable and within reach.

Alternative Paths to Teacher Certification

Midway University’s MAT program is designed specifically for this transition, offering a focused graduate curriculum and the essential pedagogical skills you need.

“Our program prepares students in every aspect of teaching—from lesson design to classroom management to student support,” said Dr. Neha Anand, Midway University Faculty. “We make sure our candidates feel confident, capable, and ready to lead their own classrooms.”


We understand that flexibility is key, which is why our hybrid program offers two primary paths:

    1. The Traditional MAT Route

      This option is for candidates who need full-time, culminating clinical experience. It includes field experience hours and a full-time student teaching/co-teaching placement, ensuring you are fully prepared before leading your own class.

    2.  The Accelerated Option 6 Alternative Route

      This is the fastest path for motivated individuals seeking to step into teaching quickly. The Option 6 program allows you to begin teaching immediately as a full-time, salaried teacher while simultaneously completing your MAT coursework.
      • Immediate Income: Secure a certified teaching position first, then begin teaching on a temporary provisional certificate while you earn your master’s degree.
      • Dual Support: You receive comprehensive mentorship from both a school-based mentor teacher and a University Supervisor.
      • Fast-Track to Rank II: Upon successful completion of the MAT, you earn your initial professional certificate and qualify for Kentucky Rank II status, resulting in a significantly higher state salary.

 science class outside

Why Become a Teacher…Now?

Switching careers is a big decision, but the current landscape makes teaching a compelling choice for stability and advancement:

      1. High Demand and Career Security

        According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment in K–12 teaching is projected to grow. More importantly for Kentuckians, growth is often faster than the national average, due to the rising number of retirements, which ensures excellent job security for new educators.

      2. Maximize Your Earnings Potential

        Beyond the immediate earning opportunity of the Option 6 program, Midway’s MAT degree puts you directly on the path to a higher income bracket. Earning your Rank II status immediately upon graduation is a major financial advantage that often takes years to achieve through other methods.

      3. Teach in a High-Need Area

        Our MAT program prepares you for initial certification in high-demand subjects where your content expertise is needed most,2  including:
      • Middle Grades & Secondary Mathematics, English, Social Studies, Biology, and Chemistry
      • P–12 Agriculture Education and Spanish Teaching

 

Changing Careers Without Starting Over

A career shift doesn’t mean starting from scratch. It means bringing your knowledge, experience, and passion into a profession that offers purpose, stability, and impact.

“What makes Midway special is the personalized learning experience,” said Dr. Sue Lasky, Midway University Faculty. “We invest in our students as individuals, tailoring support so they can succeed in the classroom and build fulfilling careers.”


Ready to start your journey to the classroom?

Learn more about the curriculum, admission requirements, and how the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) at Midway University can help you achieve your goal in as few steps as possible. Simply apply online to begin.