Depending upon your specific professional goals and interests, there are two areas of concentration:
Concentration 1: Curriculum and Instruction
This program invites teachers to explore current
educational theory, research, and best professional
practices to enhance their knowledge and skills as they
serve, and advocate for, today’s students. Designed for educators who aim to grow in their professional practice,
this program will help equip teachers to meet the needs
of diverse classrooms, creating culturally sustainable and inclusive learning spaces. Program graduates are highly skilled,
research-informed teachers and instructional
leaders in their schools. A master’s degree may also
qualify teachers for a higher placement on their district
salary scale.
Concentration 2: Teacher Leadership
The Teacher Leadership program is designed for current
teachers who are already serving, or who wish to serve,
as leaders in their schools. This program is aligned with
Teacher-Leader Model Standards and Washington state
Teacher Principal Evaluation Standards. Washington state
Principal or Program Administrator Certification courses
are embedded in the program course sequence.
Graduates from this concentration will have completed two
or more of the seven required classes for the Principal Certificate or
Program Administrator Certificate. The remaining courses
and the 9-credit internship can then be scheduled if the
graduate decides to pursue an administrative certificate
later in their career. Program graduates are teachers
serving in leadership roles such as instructional coaches,
department chairs, and leaders in assessment and school
improvement initiatives.
Concentration 3: MLL Instruction
This concentration focuses primarily on equipping
students with research-based practices in teaching
multiple language learners (MLLs), and is aligned with
WA state ELL endorsement requirements if students
wish to add it. Some students may choose to complete
the WA ELL endorsement following completion of this
concentration. To do so, students will complete a
supervised field experience. If students choose not to
seek this endorsement, they can replace the practicum
with an elective.
Concentration 4: Self-Designed Program
This concentration is the most flexible option, for those
who want to craft a program that best fits their
professional goals. Aside from our core courses,
students can design (with Chair approval) a course of
study drawing from our different graduate programs,
including Literacy, Language, and Equity, Educational
Leadership, Digital Education Leadership, and MLL
instruction.
Concentration 5: Literacy, Language, & Equity
Our concentration in Literacy, Language, and Equity is for teachers who want to deepen their knowledge of the science of reading and writing. Additionally, certified teachers who complete the program are eligible for Reading and ELL endorsements in Washington state. This concentration will prepare you to help students of all ages thrive through providing research-based instruction in reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Graduates may serve as reading specialists and/or literacy coaches, or as better-prepared teachers of reading and writing in P–12 classrooms.
Why Seattle Pacific for your Master’s of Education in Curriculum & Instruction?
- Accomplished Faculty
Courses within the Curriculum and Instruction program are
taught by full-time faculty and expert practitioners. Each
instructor is strongly committed to K–12 education and the
majority hold doctoral degrees. School of Education faculty
regularly engage in scholarly activities, and they are active
leaders in professional organizations engaging the K–12
educational community.
- Flexible Delivery
The Curriculum and Instruction program is offered through a
combination of online and face-to-face classes, or in a fully
online format. It is designed to be completed by full-time
teachers in less than two years (seven quarters, including
summer). Online courses utilize a user-friendly platform to
enhance communication and interaction between students
and faculty.
- Affordable
SPU’s tuition rate for the Curriculum and Instruction program is
comparable to other area institutions. Financial aid is
available through a federally insured student loan program.