The Ursuline College Master Apprenticeship Program (MAP) offers four-year grads an accelerated path toward earning a master’s and teaching licensure
By Patricia Nugent
The growing teacher shortage, both in Ohio and across the country, is spurring increased demand and opening doors of opportunity for people who might be considering a rewarding second career in education.
One local college offers a one-year accelerated program to turn that dream into a reality with a Master of Arts degree and teacher’s licensure. Ideal for busy people who have already earned their four-year undergrad degree, the Ursuline College Master Apprenticeship Program (MAP) is intensive, immersive and innovative.
According to Dr. Marc Gray, Jr., associate professor and director of MAP, each year about 25 students go through the program, and, after they graduate, the percentage who have good jobs waiting for them is about 95%.
Invaluable In-Classroom Mentorship
Starting on Tuesday, May 31, students take foundation classes during the summer. Then, in the fall and through the school year, they are immersed in the classroom under the guidance of a mentor/teacher. Licensure is available for Primary Pre K- 5th grade, Middle 4th-9th grade, Adolescence 7th-12th grade, Special Education K-12th grade and Multi-Age Visual Arts K-12th grade.
Meet Anna, Clarence and Jamie
These recent graduates of the MAP program come from diverse backgrounds. Yet, there are common threads woven through their stories.
Anna Love, a 2020 grad of the MAP program, is currently an eighth-grade U.S. history teacher at Parma Community Middle School.
“I graduated from Miami University in 2017 with a degree in international studies and a minor in violin performance and Latin American studies,” she says. “I went on service trips through my church and worked with nonprofits. At one position, I tutored children in an inner-city school in Columbus. I loved it. The program at Ursuline stood out to me because of the real experience it afforded in the classroom. Going back to school can be intimidating. I was nervous. All the professors and administrators at Ursuline were supportive and personable. They reached out to me right away and we formed relationships that continue to this day. I’m living my dream job and am thankful to everyone who helped me get here.”
Clarence Bucaro graduated from the program in summer 2021 and is now a fourth-grade math teacher at Chardon Hills Elementary School in Euclid.
He graduated from Ohio State University in 2001 with a degree in political science. After school he moved to New York City and enjoyed a successful career as a professional singer and songwriter.
“When the pandemic hit, I moved home to Ohio with my children. I started substitute teaching at their school and really enjoyed it,” he says. “Since I’m a full-time parent, I thought the program would be a good fit. Everyone at Ursuline was wonderful in helping me manage the challenging program. They facilitated everything.”
Jamie Bergsman graduated from the MAP program in May of 2021. The energetic 30-year-old is a first-grade teacher at Chardon Hills.
After graduating from Xavier University, Jamie put her business major to good use in marketing and sales. But after a few years, it just wasn’t working for her.
“Spending an entire year at the placement school was a big factor for me, allowing me to make unique connections with the students, other teachers and my mentor teacher,” she shares. “Everyone at Ursuline took a personal interest in me. They were supportive. I still go to them for advice and to connect.”
Find out more about the MAP program and apply online between now and Sunday, May 1. MAP students signing up for the upcoming year receive reduced tuition. The program kicks off Tuesday, May 31, and runs through the following spring. Ursuline College is located at 2550 Lander Road, in Pepper Pike. The school also offers several master’s degrees for teachers who wish to become administrators, principals or superintendents. Call 440-646-8146 or visit Ursuline.edu/MAP for more information.