MEd Secondary Education 5-12 Certification in the Sciences or Mathematics

The Master of Education Program with a focus on Secondary Education and Teaching Certification, partners with local schools to prepare future teachers to help students in middle and high school gain knowledge and success in science or mathematics. The preparation of secondary teachers in science or mathematics education addresses among the most significant gaps in the teacher corps today.

The Secondary Education Program begins in summer quarter only and is four quarters of full-time (mostly evening) study and clinical practice (or approx. two years part-time) for the certificate only. Students wishing to also obtain a master’s degree can usually complete this in an additional year of part-time evening study which is conducive to a working teacher’s schedule.

This program is based on the most current educational research and theory. Our goal is to ensure that our graduates have a positive impact on student learning.

Students will earn certification in a specific content area:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Earth and Space Science
• Physics
• Mathematics

Students will also have an option to receive Middle Level Endorsements in one or more of the following subject areas during the first year of the program (you will not declare this option within the application process):

Secondary Science students:

• Middle Level Humanities (English Language Arts and Social Studies)
• Middle Level Mathematics

Secondary Mathematics students:

• Middle Level Humanities (English Language Arts and Social Studies)
• Middle Level Science

These endorsements cover grades 4-9 and would be ideal for those who wish to teach these subjects in middle school. Adding these endorsements does require passing the state content knowledge test (WEST-E or NES) in the subject area(s). We also recommend completing a teaching methods course for each subject area added.

CURRENT UWT UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS: Learn about the advantages of declaring a Teaching, Learning and Justice Minor!

The program of study must be completed in sequence, therefore students are admitted for Summer Quarter only. The application process is completed entirely online within the UW Graduate School Application. All materials will be either uploaded or completed online. Your application will not be reviewed for admission until all materials have been received. Complete applications received by the priority deadline will be assured of a review; complete applications received after the priority deadline will be reviewed on a space-available basis.

Background Check

The University of Washington, Tacoma School of Education does not consider an applicant's criminal conviction history when making an initial admission decision. The MEd applications for admission do not ask the applicant to disclose prior convictions. By law, the University of Washington will not automatically or unreasonably deny an applicant's admission or restrict access to campus residency based on an applicant's conviction history. Therefore, we strongly encourage all interested prospects to apply to our programs.

The program does review conviction history information for all admitted students through a Pre-Residency and Fingerprint Clearance for students attending Field Experience. Applicants who are offered admission will be required to complete a background check prior to beginning their field experience.

Bachelor's Degree

All applicants must have earned a bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited university or college. Applicants who are in the final quarter or semester of their undergraduate work may apply for provisional admission, but must hold a bachelor's degree before beginning the Secondary Program.

3.0 Grade-Point Average

Will be calculated from the accumulative gpa of the Bachelor or Master degree or from the applicant's final 90 graded quarter credits or 60 graded semester credits. Applicants who do not meet this requirement may be eligible for admission depending on the quality of their complete application file.

UW Graduate School Application

When applying online, be sure to choose "Graduate" from the pull-down menu of application types, then "Education - Tacoma (MEd - Secondary Education)" from the pull-down menu of graduate programs. The School of Education does not accept Graduate Non-Matriculated applications for admission to the Secondary Education program.

Unofficial transcripts

From every college or university you have attended must be uploaded into the online application. If admitted to the program, one official transcript from your bachelor's degree college (except if UW) will be required by the UW Seattle Graduate Admissions Office.

Courses in the Following Subject Areas

The applicant must have earned at least a 2.0 ("C") grade in all Mathematics or Science prerequisite courses and at least a 2.7 ("B-") grade in Developmental Psychology. All prerequisite courses must be completed before the Secondary Education program begins in summer quarter:

• Biology Prerequisite Worksheet
• Chemistry Prerequisite Worksheet
• Earth and Space Science Prerequisite Worksheet
• Physics Prerequisite Worksheet
• Mathematics Prerequisite Worksheet

Program Selection Document

Requires that you indicate the certification option that you will pursue.

Personal goal statement

The School of Education is committed to preparing the next generation of caring, anti-racist, decolonizing, and inclusive educators. In this context, please include the following in your 2-page double spaced goal statement:

1.  What experiences and strengths do you bring to this commitment?
2. How can the UWT Graduate program support your journey to be a caring, anti-racist, decolonizing and inclusive educator?

A discussion of Holistic criteria will be used for goal statement evaluation and will include attention to clarity and quality of discussion, example specificity, and mechanics.

You may wish to review UWT School of Education mission/values for guidance.

Resume

A resume should include professional experience, educational background, and other relevant information and skills including volunteer experience.

One Letter of recommendation

The Letter of recommendation should be secured from non-relative persons (no family or friends) who can describe your professional potential for working with children and/or for managing the academic requirements of a rigorous graduate school program of study. The letter of recommendation is incorporated into the online application and you will identify your recommender within the application. 

WEST-B, SAT, ACT (or other state approved test) scores

In April 2019, Governor Jay Inslee signed HB 1621 which changes the WEST-B (Basic Skills) testing requirement for Washington state teaching certification. Before HB 1621, all teacher candidates were required to pass all three WEST-B subtests with a score of 240 or higher (or corresponding state approved test scores) for admission to a teacher preparation program. This new law still requires that teacher candidates take the WEST-B or an equivalent basic skills exam like the SAT or ACT, but no longer requires a passing score for admission or to become a certified teacher. Therefore, we only require a test to be taken once. NOTE: All three sections (Reading, Writing and Math) should be taken no later than May 1^st of the year you apply. Here is a link to the WEST website.

For information on state approved WEST-B alternatives Click here!

National Evaluation Series (NES) Test

NES Test in content area: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Physics, or Mathematics.

For more information on the NES, please visit the WEST Website.

NOTE: The NES Tests should be taken no later than May 1^st of the year you apply.

Important Immunization Information

All enrolled students are required to provide proof of measles (rubella) immunity.  Students will not be allowed to register for any classes until the UW Tacoma Registrar's Office confirms that they have satisfied this requirement. Students born before 01/01/57 are considered to be immune and therefore do NOT need to submit proof of immunity.

 Where do I start the process of learning about the program?
It is highly recommended that you attend one of the information sessions listed in the tab above.

How long is the program?
The Secondary Certification program begins in summer quarter only and is four quarters of full-time (mostly evening) study and clinical practice (or approx. two years part-time) for the certificate only. Students wishing to also obtain a master’s degree can usually complete this in an additional year of part-time evening study which is conducive to a working teacher’s schedule.

What endorsements are offered?
Upon successful completion of the secondary education program, students will be recommended to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction for a Residency Teacher Certificate in your chosen endorsement area:

NES Test in content area: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Physics, or Mathematics.

Students will also have an option to receive Middle Level Endorsements in one or more of the following subject areas during the first year of the program (you will not declare this option within the application process):

Secondary Science students:

• Middle Level Humanities (English Language Arts and Social Studies)
• Middle Level Mathematics

Secondary Mathematics students:

• Middle Level Humanities (English Language Arts and Social Studies)
• Middle Level Science

These endorsements cover grades 4-9 and would be ideal for those who wish to teach these subjects in middle school. Adding these endorsements does require passing the state content knowledge test (WEST-E or NES) in the subject area(s). We also recommend completing a teaching methods course for each subject area added.

How do I know if I have satisfied all of the prerequisite courses required for admission to the program?
Depending upon the subject area (endorsement) you are pursuing, complete the corresponding prerequisite worksheet listed below. Contact the School of Education for prerequisite course evaluation: uwted@uw.edu or 253-692-4430

• Biology Prerequisite Worksheet
• Chemistry Prerequisite Worksheet
• Earth and Space Science Prerequisite Worksheet
• Physics Prerequisite Worksheet
• Mathematics Prerequisite Worksheet

Where will I be placed for the clinical practice in the program?
We have contracts with several districts in the South Sound area. Students are not allowed to arrange their own clinical practice placements.

When will placement begin?

Field Experience will begin in the Autumn quarter when the school districts candidates are placed in begin instruction.

Are there online options?

The teacher certification programs were created as a face to face program. It was created to produce the best teachers. The program allows students to take what they are learning in the courses to translate into the classroom. It is a cohort model that provides students the ability to create a strong network and have a high level of support that you find in a in person program.

Research shows that students learn more when they are in-person at school. When together in the classroom,  teachers can better connect with each individual student and offer more personalized one-on-one attention and coaching. In addition, when teachers can provide more direct oversight of learning in person, and engagement. Scholars participating in in-person learning also benefit from more collaborative and hands-on work with their peers. This is why our program is a in person program. 

What does the transition to the Master degree look like after I complete the certification look like?

Students can pursue the M.Ed. courses or pause pursuit of the master’s degree. UW Graduate School allows 6 years for degree completion. Courses are in person courses and each course is a prerequisite for the following course and must be taken in order. 

SECONDARY 

SUM TEDUC/SP Elective*                              
AUT TEDUC 504                                         
WIN TEDUC 599                               
SPR TEDUC 599

How much is tuition?
Please visit the tuition webpage for current tuition rates and calculated costs with the program plan on the SOE program webpage.

How do I get information about scholarships and other financial aid opportunities?
Please visit the Student Financial Aid website for Graduate Students and the School of Education Scholarship webpage.

Questions? 

contact Ty Halton (thalton@uw.edu; 253-692-4437). 

The Secondary Certification program is a 45-credit (teaching certificate only) or a 57-credit (teaching certificate with master's degree) program. Most courses are offered in the evening and may be taken on a full-time or part-time basis. The clinical practice requirement during winter and spring quarters takes place during regular school hours.

Courses are subject to change at the discretion of the School of Education

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Please contact Ty Halton (thalton@uw.edu; 253-692-4437) for program and admission information.

For a map of campus click here!

For program and advising information please contact Ty Halton:

Email: thalton@uw.edu

Call: 253-692-4437