
In Illinois, Relay offers Master of Arts in Teaching programs with the option to pursue teacher licensure. Relay students teaching in Illinois enroll in Relay Chicago.
Join our diverse community of practitioners focused on achievement, equity, and the well-being of students and teachers.
Our Programs
Relay offers a variety of practice-based programs where aspiring and current teachers develop their skills to ensure that all students thrive.
Master of Arts in Teaching
- Teaching Residency
- mat degree
- Licensure Option
This represents our program as of Academic Year 2022-23. We are evolving our program model for Academic Year 2023-24, and will update this page as soon as it is finalized.
Audience
Duration
Credits
DEGREE PROGRAMS
Elementary Education (32 credits)
English Language Arts Education (32 credits)
Mathematics Education (32 credits)
Science Education (32 credits)
Social Studies Education (32 credits)
Special Education (39 credits)
LICENSURE ENDORSEMENT AREAS
Elementary Education (Grades 1-6)
Middle Grades Language Arts (Grades 5-8)
Senior High English Language Arts (Grades 9-12)
Middle Grades Mathematics (Grades 5-8)
Senior High Mathematics (Grades 9-12)
Middle Grades General Science (Grades 5-8)
Senior High Science- Biology (Grades 9-12)
Senior High Science- Chemistry (Grades 9-12)
Middle Grades Social Science (Grades 5-8)
Senior High Social Science- History (Grades 9-12)
Learning Behavior Specialist I (Kindergarten- Age 22)
Tuition & Fees
For information on AY 2022-23, see this page
For a preview of our intended model for AY 2023-24, see this page
Master of Arts in Teaching
- MAT Degree
- Licensure Option
This represents our program as of Academic Year 2022-23. We are evolving our program model for Academic Year 2023-24, and will update this page as soon as it is finalized.
Audience
Duration
Credits
DEGREE PROGRAMS
Elementary Education
English Language Arts Education
Mathematics Education
Science Education
Social Studies Education
Special Education
LICENSURE ENDORSEMENT AREAS
Elementary Education (Grades 1-6)
Middle Grades Language Arts (Grades 5-8)
Senior High English Language Arts (Grades 9-12)
Middle Grades Mathematics (Grades 5-8)
Senior High Mathematics (Grades 9-12)
Middle Grades General Science (Grades 5-8)
Senior High Science- Biology (Grades 9-12)
Senior High Science- Chemistry (Grades 9-12)
Middle Grades Social Science (Grades 5-8)
Senior High Social Science- History (Grades 9-12)
Learning Behavior Specialist I (Kindergarten- Age 22)
Tuition & Fees
For information on AY 2022-23, see this page
For a preview of our intended model for AY 2023-24, see this page
The Relay Chicago Approach
Relay Chicago started with just 61 graduate students in 2015-16, and has grown to over 300 in the 2021-22 school year. In its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, nearly 60% of all Relay Chicago students self-identify as BIPOC (i.e. Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color) in the current school year. Additionally, over 80% of Relay Chicago students are focusing on high needs subject areas, including math and science.
Faculty
Relay has nearly 200 experienced, supportive faculty across our campuses. Here is one example of a faculty member who teaches and advises our Illinois students:

“I loved seeing my elementary students grasp a new idea, and it’s even better when I teach graduate students and new teachers!”
- Mathew Mauricio Rojas, Director of Clinical Practice
Mathew Mauricio Rojas serves as the Director of Clinical Practice for Illinois at Relay Graduate School of Education. A product of New York City public schools, Mathew’s work has been deeply informed by the inequities and challenges that exist for students of color as they navigate the intersection between personal identity, educational experiences, connection to community and personal aspirations. He is particularly interested in helping first year teachers navigate those waters and create just and equitable classrooms. Prof. Rojas has taught K-12 bilingual education, 5th, and 8th grade, as well as coached teachers before joining Relay. He is a graduate of Middlebury College, holds a Masters in Educational Policy and Leadership from American University, and is working on a Masters of Public Policy at University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy. Prof. Rojas lives in Chicago, IL with his husband and dogs, and enjoys cooking, running, and exploring Chicago’s food scene.
School and District Partners
Relay partners with over 18 public school systems and schools across the state. Here is just a sample:
- Chicago Public Schools
- Learn Charter School Network
- Chicago International Charter Schools
- Noble Schools
- The Menta Group
Teacher Recruitment Partners
Teach for America: Relay partnered with Teach for America Greater Chicago-Northwest Indiana in 2016 and since has supported hundreds of elementary and secondary teachers. Teach for America Corps Members enroll in Relay’s Master of Arts in Teaching program, and the staff at both organizations work closely together to support Corps Members.
Contact Details
For School or School System Leaders
Relay can help you develop your aspiring and current teachers to gain the vital skills and credentials needed to transform student lives.
See the Contact Us tab for how to connect with Relay in Illinois.
For Aspiring or Current Teachers
Interested in finding out more about Relay’s programs? Learn more about the process by filling out this interest form. A team member will reach out to you!