Step 1: Apply to Bemidji State University

• Select “Earn Graduate Degree” as your intent
• Select “Education, MAT” as your major/academic program.
• Submit application materials:
  • Applicants must have a completed bachelor’s degree.
  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions.
  • Non-U.S. post-secondary transcripts must be evaluated course-by-course by ECE, WES, or any NACES-certified evaluation agency.
  • Overall undergraduate GPA requirement:2.5
  • Why Teach Essay answering the following (500 words minimum)
    • Why do you want to be in the graduate program?
    • Explain your background in education or your current degree field.
    • Why do you want to be a teacher?
• International Students
  • Online Programs, Non-Degree-Seeking Programs, and licensure programs are NOT ELIGIBLE FOR AN I-20 to apply for an F1 student visa.
  • International students must provide Proof of English Proficiency.
  • Visit the International Program Center for questions related to applying for an I-20.

Step 2: Complete the virtual MAT FasTrack Student Orientation

• During the orientation, student’s previous transcripts will be reviewed by a content expert. Student will work with program advisor(s) to create an individual plan of study.

Step 3: After completing the MAT FasTrack New Student Orientation Course

• Register in the upcoming fall or spring semester for your first semester coursework: ED 6101 Educational Foundations and ED 6107 Advanced Educational Psychology
• For students applying in the spring: Work with your program advisor to discuss options for summer courses.

Step 4: Secure a practice teacher mentor

• Select your mentor carefully and ensure they meet all requirements.
• Have your mentor complete the FasTrack Mentor Application

Step 5: Provide evidence of student liability insurance before you begin courses

• Each academic year taking courses, all current MAT FasTrack students must obtain student liability insurance.
• Students may purchase student liability insurance from Education Minnesota. As a requirement to begin FasTrack, you need to purchase student liability insurance before stepping into the classroom for your classroom experience. It is your responsibility to renew your student insurance every August at the start of the academic year.
• Purchase liability insurance from Education Minnesota
• BEFORE ATTENDING your first semester: Please send verification that you purchased Student Liability Insurance to our program manager at fastrack@bemidjistate.edu

Step 6: Start Teaching

Students may apply for teaching jobs when enrolled in MAT FasTrack. Any school that hires you is responsible for applying for the teacher candidate’s Tier 1 or Tier 2 license.

If hired, your appointment can serve as your student teaching experience if your desired license area aligns with the subjects and grade levels being taught in the classroom setting. You will still need a university supervisor and a cooperating teacher, and you will need to complete all student teaching competencies as required by the MN Board of Teaching.