The Master of Arts in Secondary Teaching- LUMEN (MAT-L) or Master of Arts in Education (MED-L) degree programs enable students to teach in an under-resourced Catholic school for two years while working on their advanced degrees. Teachers who hold an undergraduate degree in a teachable subject area obtain secondary teacher certification in Montana. Teachers, who are already licensed, work to deepen their knowledge of curriculum planning and student engagement.
LUMEN is a partner program with the University Consortium of Catholic Education (UCCE). Along with 14 other Catholic colleges and universities, we seek to strengthen Catholic education nationwide by providing needed teachers committed to community and spiritual growth. LUMEN targets Catholic schools on reservations in the Northwest.
The LUMEN program embraces the mission of the University of Great Falls through the three pillars that are foundational for our teachers: Professional Education, Community Growth, and Spiritual Formation. During the two-year program, students live together in a spiritual and physical community while gaining professional experience as teachers.
The desire to work with students from varied cultures is a must for LUMEN teachers! You will be directly involved in the lives of your students. Our teachers live simply on a stipend while in the program. All tuition is paid for by the program, and students are responsible for daily living expenses, books, and fees.
LUMEN teachers are recruited to teach in regional Catholic schools in high need teaching areas such as English, science, math, and religion. LUMEN teachers spend one summer on campus and take additional coursework on-line during the school year providing an immediate opportunity to put current coursework into practice.
LUMEN teachers live simply in spiritual communities of two to four students. Students share living experiences and become accountable to each other as community members.
During the school year, LUMEN teachers devote one evening a week to prayer and spiritual reflection. Attendance at weekly Eucharist and active participation in the liturgical life of their school is expected. LUMEN teachers have opportunities to attend "virtual" and full-gathering retreats during each year. It is not required that LUMEN students be Catholic but that they are willing to live the Christian faith through their service.
Candidates for the LUMEN program come from all walks of life. Traditional age students work side by side with non-traditional students to live a life of service. All candidates have a bachelor’s degree with an endorsable major or minor. Students display a strong desire to live the Christian faith in a meaningful way providing children in Catholic schools with a quality education.
LUMEN teachers commit to a 2-year program of study, live simply on a stipend provided through the program, and work where the need for them is greatest.
LUMEN teachers believe all children can learn and deserve a quality education. They seek to learn as much as they can to provide an education grounded in sound educational practices for their students. LUMEN teachers can be described as “lifelong learners.”
Additional classes beyond the MAT or MED requirements in the first summer of acceptance include:
Course Course Title Credits
MAT 555 Teaching Catholicism 1
MAT 635 Classroom Management with Special Populations 3
MAT 682 Pre-professional Integrative Experience 2
Entrance Requirements:
In addition to the requirements for admission to the MAT or MED programs LUMEN candidates will:
• complete a LUMEN application
• interview with a LUMEN committee by phone
• submit all LUMEN paperwork by April 1
No students will be admitted to this program without a guaranteed placement in a Catholic school.
LUMEN Application (pdf)
Please contact Angel Turoski at aturoski01@ugf.edu or call her office at 791-5347 for more information.