Demographics and Evaluation
We’re not just a museum. We’re a scientific research facility, a place for learning, and a graduate school for aspiring science teachers.
The MAT Earth Science residency program at the American Museum of Natural History was founded in 2012 to address the critical shortage of qualified science teachers in New York State, particularly in high-needs schools with diverse populations.
In 2015, the MAT program officially joined the Museum's New York State–accredited Richard Gilder Graduate School, with the NYS Board of Regents authorizing the Gilder School to grant the degree. Residents who complete the program are awarded a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree, with a Specialization in Earth Science for grades 7–12.
By the Numbers
Our program has a 93% graduation rate. To date, 152 residents have graduated from the Museum. 100% of our alumni actively seeking employment have received offers of employment upon graduation.
Graduates have a 100% success rate in receiving their state certification. Graduates are recommended for an Initial Certification in teaching Earth Science Grades 7–12 in New York State.
Our graduates are teaching across New York State and the nation. Approximately half are working in high-need schools in Brooklyn and the Bronx, serving some of the most economically disadvantaged students in New York City. Program graduates advance to leadership positions within their schools (Science Chairs, Science Coordinators) and participate in prestigious professional development programs for educators, such as Math for America and the Teacher/Leader Quality Partnerships (TLQP) Program.
Program Accreditation
The program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and is nationally recognized by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA).
Program Demographics
Of the 132 students who joined our program from 2012–2020, 60% have been women and 40% have been men.
We have had 39 students who identify as a race other than white, including African-American/Black, Asian, Hispanic/Latino, and students who reported as 2 or more races.
Many of our students and alumni come from diverse educational and professional backgrounds, including recent graduates, advanced degree holders, career changers, and veterans. Approximately half of our students have come from New York state.
Due to federal funding guidelines, we only accept US citizens or legal residents.
Policies and Procedures
Evaluation and Research Reports
CEPARE External Evaluation
The Center for Education Policy, Applied Research and Evaluation at the University of Southern Maine (CEPARE), under Director David Silvernail, recently completed an evaluation of the MAT program. The evaluation collected information on the program components and provided feedback for improvement throughout its development and implementation.
CAEP Annual Report
This evaluation, completed as part of ongoing CAEP accreditation, found that our MAT program had a 94% graduation rate, a positive impact on student retention, and exceptional employer and teacher satisfaction.
IESP Impact Report
New York University’s Steinhardt Institute for Education and Social Policy (IESP) is investigating how the MAT ESR program impacts the preparation of grade 7–12 Earth Science teachers for low-performing, high-needs schools. The assessment compares the academic performance of students taught by program graduates against those by other teachers.
More about the MAT Program