Completion of the program fulfills requirements for the Master of Arts in Teaching degree and Washington state Residency Teacher Certification. After completing certification requirements, the Certification Office in the School of Education at SPU recommends candidates for teacher licensure to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. Completion of five additional graduate-level classes throughout the program fulfills requirements for the Master of Arts in Teaching.
Program Schedule and Cohort Info
Classes are offered online and in-person. Classes that meet in person meet one night per week, generally from 5–7:35 p.m.
Certification
The certification component of the MAT program is 50–58 credits, depending on endorsement area. Approximately one-quarter of these credits are allocated for a 70-day (14-week) internship. Completion of certification courses, internship requirements, and passing program assessments qualifies candidates for a Washington Residency Teacher Certificate. This certificate enables candidates to teach in public and private schools in Washington state.
Candidates in the Master of Arts in Teaching program are recommended for certification by:
- Demonstrating effective teaching practices
- Centering instruction on high expectations for student achievement
- Recognizing and responding to individual student learning needs
- Providing clear and intentional focus on subject matter content and curriculum
- Fostering and managing a safe, positive learning environment
- Using multiple student data elements to modify instruction and improve student learning
- Communicating and collaborating with parents and the school community
- Exhibiting collaborative and collegial practices focused on improving instruction and learning
NOTE: Tuition rates for the certification portion of the program and the master's component of the program are differentiated. While certification courses are offered at a reduced rate, students across all master's programs take the master's component classes at the regular graduate tuition rate.
Coursework and Internship
Coursework begins in the autumn with online and on-campus classes in learning theory, general teaching methods, education reform, and educational technology. Coursework varies depending on endorsement area to provide discipline-specific emphasis.
The internship begins mid-winter during the second year. Candidates are paired with a mentor teacher and university field supervisor in a school setting. Internship is 70 days, or 14 weeks (the 70-day requirement does not include days off for mid-winter or spring vacations). Candidates continue with coursework during internship. Additional field-based work includes a 40-hour spring field experience in the first year of the program and a 20-hour autumn field experience beginning the second year of the program.
Candidates and mentor teachers follow a co-teaching model during internship, where responsibility for planning, instruction, management, and assessment is shared. Candidates begin internship with focused observations and progress to independent teaching. Across internship, candidates complete assignments designed to maximize field experiences, such as portfolio reflections, lesson plans, and program assessments. Internship concludes with candidates returning control of classroom responsibilities to their mentor teachers.
Completion of the MAT Degree
Candidates earn the MAT degree by completing additional graduate-level courses, totaling 3–6 credits. Classes required for the MAT degree are not needed for certification. However, most candidates complete degree requirements along with certification to increase their salary. Candidates may delay completion of degree requirements for five years following the quarter of admission, as long as active enrollment status is maintained by completing one class every four quarters.
Students admitted to the MAT program with an advanced degree may qualify for a waiver of up to 6 credits and a reduction in internship credits, thus reducing the overall cost of the program.
Sample course sequence
Depending on your endorsement area, your required program coursework will vary. Please refer to the sequences currently listed in the Graduate Catalog listings below to view course requirements.