Inside the 10-Month MAT Program at University of Portland: Q&A with Amelia Saddler '26

September 22, 2026 3 minute read

University of Portland MAT Program Highlights:

Program Length: 10-months
Format: Small cohort model focused on peer collaboration and direct faculty support.
Field Experience: Student teaching with dedicated Cooperating Teachers (CTs) in local partner schools (e.g., St. Pius X Catholic School)
Career Preparation: Direct transition to licensed teaching positions in Oregon and beyond

After graduation, Amelia Saddler (left), ’26, took a teaching job at St. Pius X Catholic School in Portland. We caught up with her to learn more about how she managed the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program at University of Portland and how it prepared her to lead her own classroom.

What is your advice to potential MAT candidates?
Be ready to make some sacrifices in all aspects of your life but know that it is only temporary (10 months) and there are so many people rooting for you. Do not compare yourself to other people in the program or other teachers because everyone has their own professional and life experience. You must trust yourself.

What should an interested MAT candidate know that you wished you had known before entering the program?
Student teaching might look different from what other classmates are doing and this is okay. Every Cooperating Teacher (CT) is different, and this can be a good thing because you will learn things that you like and things you would not do yourself.

Why did you choose University of Portland’s MAT program over other graduate teaching programs?
I ended up choosing this MAT program because every staff and faculty member was very kind, helpful, and uplifting. I felt like even though I knew it was going to be a hard program I had people to lean on.

What did you like best about UP’s MAT program?
I loved the small cohort style. I met some of my best friends that I will have for life. I was able to relate to them, and they were able to understand the stress I was under. It made me feel like I was not alone. I always felt like if I needed to, I could take some time or ask for help and the UP crew always had my back. I am thankful for the amazing people who are a part of the UP MAT program.

Now that you have graduated, do you feel prepared to lead your classroom?
I feel very prepared. Even though I am very nervous, I am very excited and I know if I ever have any questions or needs, I can email a UP professor or text a friend from the program. I love being a part of the educator community.

Is there a key piece of wisdom that you will carry into your professional career?
I learned so many valuable things this past year. I think when it comes to looking for a job I will always remember that it is about finding a good balance of being flexible and looking for an administration that will support you.

Can you describe a “teachable moment” you’ve had in the classroom as a teacher during your professional year or an “A-Ha! Moment” with a student?
I walked into my class this year and the word around school was how "hard" this class was of students. That clouded my judgment for a while. This was a great thing for me because kids can change so much over the summer and it made me realize I need to always give a clean slate at the beginning of the year.

Resources

Brian LeMaster’s MAT Journey at University of Portland

Master of Arts in Teaching Program

Certificate Programs