Elementary Education MAT, Alternative Route to Teacher Certification

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This Master of Arts for Teachers in Elementary Education program is intended for candidates seeking Washington State Residency Teacher Certification via the alternative route to teacher certification: elementary education program where candidates obtain the elementary education endorsement and either the English language learners (emphasis I) or special education (emphasis II) endorsement. After completing the alternative route program, candidates can choose to take more courses to obtain a Master of Arts for Teachers in elementary education degree.

Program Requirements
Successful completion of the alternative route to teacher certification program and required coursework in the MAT program.

Program Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

Apply the knowledge of the arts, English language arts, health and fitness, mathematics, science and social studies into teaching.
Establish classroom communities that support diverse student learning and positive human relationships.
Design and implement a wide range of instructional and assessment plans /strategies that support student learning within and across academic content areas.
Demonstrate professional dispositions, skills, and knowledge to meet the needs of diverse student populations.
Describe own process of teaching elementary school children including strategies, materials, and assessments that inform and set a direction for culturally responsive teaching.

Alternative Route to Teacher Certification: Elementary Education Shared Core

Admission Requirements
Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.

Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in last thirty credits of college (undergraduate or graduate) coursework.

Passing scores on the WEST B sub-tests (writing, reading, and mathematics).

Passing scores on the NES elementary education sub-test 1 and sub-test 2 and the WEST-E (English language learners or special education) before entering the program or within the first two quarters in the program.

District validation of qualifications that include a one-year-long internship.

Graduation Requirements
Candidates must complete all major courses with a B- or higher, maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0, and meet all requirements of the Teacher Certification Program for Washington State Teacher Certification.

Program Requirements
Successful completion of the following: Pre-residency intensive experience; a year-long internship that includes a minimum of 720 hours in a K-8 classroom; successful completion of a Saturday seminar once a month; successful completion of coursework.

Alternative Route Core Requirements Credits: (24)

These courses will be taken by all the students in the program.

EDBL 535 - Teaching Diverse Learners Credits: (5)
OR EDSE 535 - Teaching Diverse Learners Credits: (5)
EDU 572 - Clinical Practice I Credits: (1)
EDU 573 - Clinical Practice II Credits: (1)
EDU 574 - Clinical Practice III Credits: (1)
EDU 575 - Legal Issues in Education Credits: (3)
ELEM 470 - Since Time Immemorial Curriculum Seminar Credits: (1)
ELEM 510 - Elementary Education Methods I: Humanities Credits: (4)
ELEM 511 - Elementary Education Methods II: STEAM Credits: (5)
HPE 555 - Elementary Education Methods III: Physical Education and Health Credits: (3)

Emphasis I: English Language Learners Requirements Credits: (12)

These courses will be taken by students who select the English language learners emphasis.

EDBL 514 - Introduction to Linguistic Diversity in Education Credits: (3)
EDBL 530 - Sheltering in Mainstream I: Methods Credits: (3)
EDBL 531 - Sheltering in Mainstream II: Assessment and Resources Credits: (3)
EDBL 550 - Advanced Literacy Development with Linguistically Diverse Students Credits: (3)

Emphasis II: Special Education Requirements Credits: (13)

These courses will be taken by students who select the special education emphasis.

EDSE 520 - Behavioral Management and Interventions for Students with Exceptionalities Credits: (3)
EDSE 522 - Collaboration, Consultation and the Inclusive Environment Credits: (3)
EDSE 524 - Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment for Students with Exceptionalities Credits: (4)
EDSE 531 - Program Management for Students with Exceptionalities Credits: (3)

Total Core Credits: 36-37

MAT Requirements Credits: 9

These courses are required to complete the MAT in elementary education degree. Students will choose either EDBL 700 or EDSE 700 and will take 6 credits of elective courses.

EDBL 700 - Master’s Thesis, Project Study, and/or Examination Credits: (1-6)
OR EDSE 700 - Master’s Thesis and/or Project Study Credits: (1-6)
Elective Courses Credits: (6)

Total Credits: 45-46

College and Department Information

Education, Development, Teaching and Learning Department
College of Education and Professional Studies

Online Availability
The program will have both a designated online only option and an in-person or hybrid option.