Teacher Education

Cinda Johnson, EdD, Chair

Overview

“A Teacher Affects Eternity.” -Henry Adams

The Master in Teaching Program at Seattle University is a full-time, cohort-based degree program in teacher education that offers both a master’s degree in teaching and a Residency Teaching Certificate in four academic quarters. Those who want to be part of the learning and growth of young people, demonstrate strong academic knowledge and skills, and are committed to social justice are encouraged to apply. Because MIT graduates are recognized as outstanding educational leaders, they are in high demand throughout the region.

Master in Teaching (MIT)

The MIT graduate program at Seattle University provides prospective teachers with an intensive, full-time program that builds on their in-depth undergraduate preparation in an academic major with advanced study in professional education at the graduate level. The program balances classroom experience and coursework; students spend 50 percent of the program in the classroom, beginning in the second week of their first quarter. They learn as part of a cohort, or learning community, mutually challenged and supported by their peers and an award-winning faculty. Successful applicants demonstrate leadership potential, a strong self-concept, and excellent interpersonal skills.

National Report Card for the Teacher Education Program (MIT)

This information is being provided as required by Federal Regulations under Title II. 

Certification and Endorsement Requirements

Elementary Applicants (K-8):

• Official scores from the WEST-E test in Elementary Education
• Elementary Endorsement Verification Form, outlining academic preparation related to content requirements: www.seattleu.edu/education/mit/degree-options/elementary-k-8-education/ or call 206.296.5759
• Additional possible prerequisite course work based on the Endorsement Verification form requirements
• Elementary applicants desiring to teach middle school should take one of the following WEST-E tests (the test can be taken at any time during the program):
  • Middle level humanities (two tests required)
  • Middle level mathematics
  • Middle level science

Secondary Certification

• Official scores from the WEST-E test in the subject(s) for which the applicant is planning to be endorsed
• Endorsement Verification Forms: www.seattleu.edu/education/mit/degree-options/secondary-5-12-education/ or call (206) 296-5759
• Documentation of academic major or equivalent course work in an endorsable or closely related field (For a broad-based endorsement such as social studies, applicants must have course work in all identified areas in the endorsement. If the applicant’s major is not an endorsable area, one should be sought that closely matches the subject the applicant desires to teach.)

Secondary endorsements include theater arts, visual arts, English/language arts, ELL, history, social studies, mathematics, general science, biology, chemistry, earth science, physics, French, Japanese, and Spanish.

• Note: The West-E test for ELL, World Languages, and Special Education are taken at the conclusion of the MIT program.

Pre-Education

Pre-Education is a program of advising and guidance that seeks to help undergraduate students prepare for application to graduate programs in education and for eventual careers in elementary or secondary school teaching. The Pre-Education advising program in the College of Education is intended primarily for undergraduate students who are not enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in Humanities for Teaching program in the Matteo Ricci Institute.

The best preparation for graduate programs in education is the completion of a four-year bachelor’s degree. Undergraduate students interested in elementary or secondary teaching must declare a major in the field in which they are most interested and for which they are best suited. The student’s program of studies must be approved by the academic advisor in the major department. A major in liberal studies is considered excellent preparation for those interested in applying to master’s level programs for elementary (K-8) teaching. For those interested in secondary (5-12) teaching, students are advised to pursue an undergraduate major in the area in which they wish to teach.

In advising pre-education students, the College of Education stresses the development of strong writing skills and the completion of a menu of courses and service activities including volunteer experiences in K-12 schools that will help students present a strong portfolio when applying to graduate programs in teaching.

Students interested in Pre-Education should attend an information session for the College of Education’s Master in Teaching (MIT) program and then make an appointment with the Pre-Education Advisor. Students are encouraged to contact the Pre-Education Advisor early in their undergraduate careers. For more information, please contact the MIT program at (206) 296-5759 or visit the website at www.seattleu.edu/education/mit/degree-options/master-in-teaching/.

Admission Requirements

The program reviews applications for two cohorts each year, one starting late August or early September and another in early March. Admission is competitive and requires the following for consideration:

• Application for Graduate Admission with non-refundable $55 application fee. (Application fee waived for SU alumni.)
• Four-year equivalent bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• Minimum GPA of 3.00 calculated from transcripts of all post-secondary educational institutions attended in the last 90 quarter/60 semester credits of the bachelor’s degree, including transfer credit earned during this time, and any post-baccalaureate course work. Submit official transcripts from any institution where endorsement credits were earned.
• Washington Educator Skills Test Basic (WEST-B)*  
  • Available online
  • Alternatives for all applicants include: 
    • ACT scores : Math-22, Reading-22, Writing-8 (2/2005 to 8/2015) 23 (after 9/2015)
    • SAT scores : Math-515 (prior to 3/2016) 530 (after 3/2016), Reading-500 (prior to 3/2016) 27 (after 3/2016), Writing-490 (prior to 3/2016) 28 (after 3/2016) 
    • Out-of-state applicants: In lieu of the WEST-B, you may also submit Praxis I, CBEST scores, or NES Essential Academic Skills test
    • Click here for more information on accepted alternatives for the West-B
• Washington Educator Skills Test Endorsement (WEST-E) or National Evaluation Series (NES) Test*
  • Available online
  • The WEST-E for SPED and ELL will be taken prior to completion of the MIT program. Students do need to take the WEST-E/NES for their primary endorsement (elementary or secondary) prior to the start of the program. 
  • Students seeking a foreign language endorsement: Must take the written and oral sections of the ACTFL in their designated language with a minimum score of advanced-low at the start of the program. The WEST-E for DWL will be taken near the end of the program. 

*Both the WEST B and WEST E need to be taken and passed prior to the start of the program. Applicants will be asked to submit official passing scores in their application, however this is not a requirement to submit your application. If applicants have not yet taken their exams, that application requirement will remain provisional until completed.  Admitted students will not be allowed to start the program until official scores have been submitted to Seattle University. 

• Minimum TOEFL score of 92 web-based or 580 paper-based or higher for any applicant for whom English is not the native language. Equivalent PTE and IELTS scores also accepted to determine English proficiency. See policy 2008-01 in Admission Policies for details. Admission through Culture and Language Bridge program is not an option.
• Two recommendations from people able to address applicant’s work with young people, using the College of Education forms.
• Satisfactory completion of: (1) Elementary or Secondary Endorsement Verification Form; (2) a one-page, double-spaced autobiographical statement outlining commitment to teaching, applicable course work, experiences with school-age students (including exceptional individuals), and understanding of cultural differences; (3) on-site writing sample; and (4) College of Education Self-Evaluation form.
• Complete the 30 Minute Online Writing Sample
• Selected applicants will be contacted approximately one month after the application deadline for a small group interview with faculty. Out-of-state applicants: If you cannot attend an interview, you must submit a video to the MIT program office.