Relay Graduate School of Education offers a variety of programs for aspiring and in-service teachers designed to prepare and support educators for a career in the classroom. In academic year 2022–2023, Relay is transitioning Year One students in four states: Connecticut, Illinois, Tennessee, and Texas to an updated curriculum. As a result, program structures and program lengths are different in these states than in the rest of states in which Relay operates and enrolls students.
Higher Education Awards
Relay offers two types of graduate programs:
- Master of Arts in Teaching: Graduate degree program. Relay offers options to pursue teacher certification/licensure concurrently with a MAT degree (requires admission to corresponding educator preparation program), or to enroll as a degree-only student at most locations.
- Advanced Certificate: Graduate certificate program. The Advanced Certificate is awarded for completion of a focused program of study designed to support the development of knowledge and skills for career enhancement. Relay offers an Advanced Certificate in Special Education and the option to pursue teacher certification/licensure concurrently (requires admission to corresponding educator preparation program).
Teacher Certification/Licensure
Students who wish to obtain a teaching certificate/license must enroll in one of Relay’s educator preparation programs (EPPs). Relay offers both educator preparation programs that are embedded in a MAT or Advanced Certificate program and standalone alternative certification programs.
- Embedded Educator Preparation Programs: Many of Relay’s academic programs are designed to meet educational requirements for educator certification/licensure allowing students to pursue licensure/certification concurrently with their higher education award (MAT and Advanced Certificate).
- Alternative Certification Programs: In some states, Relay offers the opportunity to enroll in a stand-alone certification program. Students enrolled in these programs will pursue teacher certification/licensure, but will not be also pursuing a higher education award. Credits earned can be applied to a higher education award if the student wishes to transfer into a MAT or Advanced Certificate program.
Certification/licensure-seeking students complete a program of study that meets educational requirements for certification/licensure in a particular state. However, successfully completing Relay’s coursework in the program of study is only one of the requirements that must be met to complete the EPP and become eligible for a teaching certificate/license. EPP requirements vary by state and/or program. Common requirements include but are not limited to Relay coursework, content exams, pedagogy exams, workshops, and qualifying clinical experience.
Specific program offerings vary by location. See Professional Licensure Disclosures for details.
Requirements for admission to and completion of each of Relay’s educator preparation programs are detailed in the program’s Transition Points Guide.