School	Education
Academic Award	Master in Teaching
Credits Required	30 semester credits
Faculty Lead	Heather Lucas
CIP Code	13.1399

Degree Requirements

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The Master in Teaching (MIT) program prepares post-baccalaureate candidates with strong academic credentials who seek the first level of teacher certification and who demonstrate a high aptitude for scholarship and teaching at the elementary and secondary levels. Candidates earn a Washington State Residency Teaching Certificate and the MIT Degree simultaneously.

The School of Education, directed by broad research and theory, and in accordance with state standards, prepares teachers in five specific proficiencies. The following outcomes guide our candidates’ experience throughout the program:

Holistic Teachers, 

1. Candidates demonstrate culturally responsive pedagogy aimed at the holistic learning of all students; 

Adaptive Teachers, 

2. Candidates demonstrate differentiated teaching, adapting instruction where appropriate to meet student needs while remaining aligned with learning standards; 

Learner-Focused Teachers, 

3. Candidates demonstrate reflective instruction, analyzing student work in order to further develop their own pedagogical practices; 
4. Candidates pass their state-required WEST-E/NES content assessments necessary for certification;
5. Candidates pass their state-required pedagogy assessment necessary for certification. 

Program Highlights

Post-graduate students commit to a three semester learning experience: fall, spring, and summer terms, in order to earn 30 credits for the MIT degree. The credit requirements include student teaching (7 credits) plus graduate-level coursework (23 credits). Classes meet in the evenings, on weekends, and during the summer months for cohorts commencing their programs in August. Student teaching is accomplished during daytime hours.

Five-year BA to MIT Pathway

Each spring, undergraduate NU students have the opportunity to apply for the five-year BA to MIT pathway. Students spend their first four years becoming experts in their chosen content and their fifth year applying content in the classroom. Therefore, they benefit from a lightened courseload and discounted cost in the MIT. They also exit program with a graduate degree and enter the workforce at a higher pay grade.

To apply, students must meet the following requirements:

• Complete the Elementary Education concentration with a Bachelors of Arts in Educational Studies, a Secondary Education minor, or Elementary Education minor.
• Earn at least a B- minimum grade in each of your Education courses.
• Apply and be accepted into the MIT program during your Senior year.

Regarding Endorsements

• On-campus MIT students who want to earn an English Language Learner (ELL) or Special Education (SPED) endorsement in addition to their subject endorsement have two options to do so:  
  1. Complete application by February 15 to complete prerequisite courses on time. SPED endorsement-seeking candidates must complete a second placement in the fall of the MIT degree; they should register for EDMA 5292 to do so; OR
  2. Complete a stand-alone endorsement program after the MIT program (see Graduate Catalog for details).
• The SOE recommends for add-on endorsements only if we participated in candidates’ preparation; we do not recommend for post-graduate test-only endorsements. 

Transfer Credits

MIT students may transfer up to 6 credit hours of eligible graduate level coursework (subject to the Dean’s approval) from an accredited institution towards their degree.

Academic Progress

Applicants whose academic histories reflect a GPA below 2.7 (B- level) may be admitted to the program conditionally and granted one semester in which to earn a satisfactory GPA. Students must earn at least a B- (2.7) in each class in order to progress to subsequent semesters.

Program Transition Points

To continue in program, candidates must meet minimum criteria at key transition points:

• Semester 1 to semester 2: Candidates must earn at least a B- in each of their classes;
• Part-time to full-time student teaching: Candidates must successfully complete content tests (WEST-E or NES), earn passing InTASC and dispositional scores from University Supervisor and Mentor Teacher, and complete the minimum number of part-time hours.

Readmission

Students who leave the cohort for any reason and wish to return are required to meet with the Dean of the School of Education or designee to initiate the readmission process. Readmission to the School of Education is subject to space availability, decided on an individual basis, and is allowed one time only. 

Critical Concern Report

From time to time, an issue arises which is beyond the scope of academic progress and program transitions.The SOE uses a Critical Concern Report (CCR) to document such instances. In the case that a CCR about a candidate is made to the Dean and found to be warranted, the SOE will conduct an evaluation of the candidate’s status in program.