Teaching, Learning and Social Justice

Mark Roddy, PhD, Chair

• School Psychology
• Teacher Education

School Psychology

Ashli Tyre, EdD, Program Director

Overview

This Washington state approved program prepares students for educational staff associate (ESA) certification as a school psychologist in K-12 settings. Students who complete the NASP-approved Educational Specialist (EdS) degree program are automatically eligible for the National Certificate in School Psychology (NCSP) upon satisfactory completion of the NCSP exam. The curriculum of the program is based on a best-practices orientation as defined by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and Washington state standards for accreditation.

The school psychologist is charged with making ethical and moral decisions in his or her professional practice. The basis for leadership in this decision making is a clear dedication to social justice, child advocacy, the ability to take responsibility for the consequences of one’s actions, and the moral courage to make decisions that will lead to appropriate interventions for an individual child. The faculty of the school psychology program is committed to education that is participatory. The relationship of faculty and students is both professional and personal.

Certification

Persons serving as Educational Staff Associates in public schools shall hold certificates authorized by the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) for service in the respective roles as required by statute or rules of the PESB. The university recommends a student who has successfully completed an approved program to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction which issues the appropriate certificate.

Admission Requirements

We seek applicants who demonstrate strong academic knowledge and skills, a commitment to equity and justice, and continued growth and learning. In addition, applicants must demonstrate potential
for leadership and effective interpersonal relationships. The following documents are required for consideration:

• Application for Graduate Admission. Applications for upcoming quarters are reviewed twice a year and decisions are made on a space available basis. The deadlines to submit all application materials for each review period are October 20 for winter or spring quarter enrollment and February 1 for summer or fall quarter entry.
• Evidence of four-year equivalent bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
• For candidates without graduate course work, minimum GPA of 3.00 from the last 90 quarter/60 semester credits of bachelor’s degree; 3.25 cumulative graduate-level GPA for students entering with a master’s degree. Strong applicants whose GPA is below 3.00 may be admitted with probationary status.
• Optional submission of official GRE scores. The GRE is not required for admission. If submitted, GRE scores are considered in the admissions process.
• Two professional recommendations using the College of Education forms
• Résumé reflecting at least one year’s successful professional, educational or related experience with school-age youth
• One to two-page autobiographical statement indicating motivation and commitment to school psychology, relevant experience with children and adolescents, understanding of the school psychologist’s role in K-12 schools, and reasons for choosing the program at Seattle University.
• College of Education Self-Evaluation form
• Small group interview by invitation following file review

Post-Master’s Educational Specialist Degree/School Psychology

A minimum of 60 credits is required for this educational specialist degree. Post-master’s candidates must submit official transcripts and syllabi for any coursework that is applied toward the educational specialist degree requirements. In considering equivalency with program requirements, faculty will review the transcripts and syllabi on an individual basis to determine whether prior coursework included the domains of school psychology articulated in state and national standards. Previous coursework may be considered for substitution only for those courses specified on the Program of Study as foundational or elective.

All students must demonstrate competency in the domains of school psychology practice through a supervised internship in a school setting, either on a full-time, 1200-hour basis for three successive quarters, or on a half-time 600-hour basis per year for two years.

School Psychology students must pass a written comprehensive exam prior to receiving the EdS degree and being recommended for state educational staff associate (ESA) certification in school psychology and for the National Certificate in School Psychology (NCSP). The Educational Testing Service (ETS) Praxis II Exam in School Psychology meets the requirement for the program comprehensive exam.

Teacher Education

Carol Adams, PhD, Program Director

Web: https://www.seattleu.edu/education/mit/program-details/ 

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 approximately 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 a commitment to social justice and equity, leadership potential, and a humanizing approach to working with peers, students, families and communities.

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, history, social studies, mathematics, general science, biology, chemistry, earth science, physics, French, Japanese, and Spanish.

• Note: The WEST-E test for World Languages is 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

Beginning in the 2022-2023 academic year there will be one cohort per year starting in late summer.  Admission is competitive and requires the following for consideration:

• Application for Graduate Admission 
• 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
    • More information on accepted alternatives for the WEST-B: https://www.seattleu.edu/education/mit/admissions/#d.en.3106652
• Washington Educator Skills Test Endorsement (WEST-E) or National Evaluation Series (NES) Test**
  • Available online
  • Students 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. 

*The WEST B needs to be taken prior to the start of the program. WA State does not require a passing score for WEST-B or its accepted alternatives. Scores will be taken into account upon department review.

**The WEST E must 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. 

• If English is not the applicant’s native language, official English proficiency scores meeting the University entrance requirements are necessary. See Admissions Policy (2008-01) 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 and linguistic diversity; and (3) College of Education Self-Evaluation form.
• 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 will be invited to an online interview.

Programs

• Educational Specialist/School Psychology
• Master in Teaching