Master of Arts in Teaching Earth Science Residency

Earn your degree and become a certified Earth science teacher for Grades 7–12.

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The Earth science teaching residency is a fully paid fellowship program for college graduates who want to become science teachers. We are seeking a student body of future teachers with diverse life experiences who are passionate about social justice and want to make a difference in the world of STEM education.  

The Museum leverages its unique scientific resources and long history of educational leadership to offer this innovative master’s degree program designed and delivered within a natural history museum and with urban partner schools. We prepare residents to teach in high-needs middle and high schools in an intensive 15-month program by combining scientific and pedagogical coursework with real-world teaching experience. ​​

Congratulations to the Class of 2024!

MAT ESRP graduates teach science in high-needs public schools in New York City and beyond. 

Meet the Graduates »

View program details. The application portal will open in the Fall for the program that begins in June 2026.

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How to Apply

Are you ready to take your first steps to become a science teacher?
See Admissions Requirements

Why choose the MAT Earth science teaching residency program?

Graduate in 15 months Start in June and graduate the following August.
Full financial support Residents receive free tuition, a $40,000 stipend, and more.
Unique learning environment Work alongside supportive scientists and urban teachers.
Residency in New York Schools Spend 10 months in New York area middle and high schools.
100% Employment Rate Residents often get job offers right after graduation.
Ongoing professional support Alumni receive 2 years of fully-funded professional learning.

Learn to Teach at the Museum and in New York-Area Schools

Faculty member points to the Museum's bronze model of Earth as she talks to five students.
MAT Faculty member stands in a classroom and talks to several students.

Our program offers residents a variety of experiences to best prepare them to teach in classrooms with diverse student populations. They begin teaching during their first summer as part of a Museum residency, then attend 2 school residencies in the fall and spring semesters to gain real-world teaching experience in New York area schools. They work under the mentorship of highly qualified, diverse educators and learn to teach in ways that respect, encourage, and engage all students.

See full program details.

Receive Full Financial Support

Two students wearing caps and gowns participate in the MAT graduation ceremony.

Enjoy fully paid tuition and fees, and receive a $40,000 stipend. And after graduation, receive 2 years of professional support from the Museum, at no cost.

Learn about eligibility requirements and financial support.

Hear From Our Graduates

Cynthia Montalvo, Cohort 2, Class of 2014

"The program provided me with curriculum resources and a strong network of science teachers that helped me build my lessons. I highly encourage qualified candidates to apply to this innovative program full of talented and accomplished faculty. This is an experience like no other!”

More Testimonials »
Cynthia Montalvo stands for a smiling portrait with a tote bag over her shoulder and holding a book.

FAQ Section

How to Apply

Are you ready to take your first steps to becoming a science teacher?

Stay in touch!

Get notified about upcoming events and important dates by signing up for our MAT for Earth Science Degree newsletter. 

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More About the MAT Program

Program Details Admissions and Financial Support After Graduation Alumni Testimonials

With deepest appreciation, the Museum acknowledges Kathryn W. Davis for her generous founding support of the Master of Arts in Science Teaching (MAT) Program.

Generous support has been provided by the Bezos Family Foundation.

Proudly sponsored by The Margarita & John Hennessy Family Foundation.

The MAT program is supported in part by the U.S. Department of Education under Grant Number U336S190042 and the National Science Foundation under Grant Number DUE-1852787.

NSF logo. CAEP logo. NSTA logo.