River City Partnership MAT
The River City Partnership MAT is a specialized track within the College of Education's Master of Arts in Teaching program. The RCP MAT offers teachers who have made a commitment to teach in Shelby County School district, Achievement School District or local charter schools the following benefits:
- Master of Arts in Teaching Degree and Licensure in a High-Needs Area (Elementary Education, Secondary Math, Secondary Science, Secondary Social Studies or Secondary English/Language Arts)
- A hybrid course schedule combining face-to-face and online instruction
- Professional development seminars
- Custom curriculum developed to address the needs of in-service urban teachers with a focus on culturally relevant pedagogy, equity and social justice
- Specific on-the-job mentoring and coaching
- Scholarship Opportunities
- Praxis preparation support
- Opportunity for eligible Teacher Scholars to participate in I AM A MAN. . . I Teach
- New cohorts begin every fall!
Quick Links
Become a RCP Teacher Scholar:

River City Partnership Scholarship Requirements
- 2.75 Undergraduate GPA
- Enrollment in the UofM College of Education MAT program
- Commitment to teach with SCS, ASD or local charter schools for two years after receipt of Tennessee Professional Educator's license
- Remain enrolled in 2 courses (6 credit hours) per semester, including summers
- Maintain 3.0 GPA throughout the program
- Attendance at required seminars facilitated by UofM faculty and district leaders and practitioners
- Scholarship award preference will be given to job-embedded or permit hires with SCS, ASD or local charter schools
Ready to Apply?
Step 1: Apply to the University of Memphis Graduate School
Step 2: Apply to the River City Partnership MAT Program and Scholarship
Areas of Study
The MAT is available with licensure in the following areas (for both job-embedded and non-job-embedded candidates):
- Elementary Education (K-5th grade)
- Secondary English/Language Arts (6th-12th grade)
- Secondary Math (6th-12th grade)
- Secondary Science (6th-12th grade)
- Secondary Social Studies (6th-12th grade)
Additional Questions . . .
About the MAT program? Visit Instruction and Curriculum Leadership.
About licensure? Visit the Office of Teacher Education and Clinical Practice>
About being a graduate student in the COE? Visit the COE Graduate page.