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SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
PETERSON HALL
206-281-2214
GRADADMISSIONS@SPU.EDU

The Alternative Routes to Certification (ARC) program at ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ integrates a residency teacher certification program with a master of arts degree in the elements of teaching (M.A.T.). The ARC program is designed to prepare students who already have a bachelor's degree to teach. The program is to be completed on a full-time basis.

Throughout the program, students receive a broad base of information about education, the nature of students, society, and the teaching profession as a whole. In addition, they gain skills and knowledge in the use of instructional and management strategies. The certification component of the program is a one-year, internship-based program of study leading to recommendation for Washington state residency certification. All credits are offered at the graduate level and are adaptations of courses offered in SPU's current master of arts in teaching program.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
The certification component of the program is considered quite intense. Students progress through this component as a cohort and begin with an intensive, on-campus learning academy during the summer. The summer coursework includes classes in general teaching methods, classroom management, professional teaching issues, and the creation of the student's personalized teacher development plan, which serves as his or her individualized plan throughout the time in the program.

Students continue throughout the year with internship experiences and additional coursework. The coursework involves field-based, online, and traditional classes. The traditional on-campus classes meet one night a week from approximately 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The online courses allow students to engage in a virtual learning environment and benefit from its asynchronous discussion formats. Field-based classes allow students to take concepts under consideration into the field and to study directly from their internship site. During this time, they are required to carry out observations and engage professionals in the field in meaningful, learning-focused discussions.

THE ARC INTERNSHIP

The internship is a vital, integrative experience in which students are paired with a mentor-teacher and conduct supervised teaching in a school setting over the course of an entire school year (three quarters, September through June, five days a week). Typically, the internship begins with an extended period of observation, one-on-one, and small-group work. This leads to individual lesson and unit instruction. Throughout the school year, the intern takes on additional teaching responsibilities so that by Winter-Spring quarter, the intern has assumed responsibility for his or her mentor teacher's instructional load. Interns are also expected to help out during after-school hours just as any new teacher would.

COMPLETION OF THE M.A.T. MASTER'S DEGREE

Five non-certification classes (15 credits) comprise the master's degree component of the program. The master's component is typically completed during the summer immediately following the certification component, or it may be completed after the student begins his or her teaching career. It includes classes in educational inquiry, educational technology, and moral issues in education. Students who already have a master's degree when entering the program will need to complete only the certification component and EDU 6085 to receive a second master's degree.

ADVANTAGES OF THE ARC PROGRAM

• Washington State Residency Certification in one year.
• Progression through the program as a cohort.
• Emphasis on field-based experiences with diverse learners.
• Development of personalized Teacher Development Plan.
• Personalized advisement and mentoring.
• Guaranteed enrollment in certification courses.
• Technology embedded in the curriculum.
• Master of arts degree in the elements of teaching.

APPLICATION
Applicants are those people who:

• Have a baccalaureate degree.
• Meet the endorsement requirements for their desired teaching area.
• Meet University graduate admission requirements. This includes a GPA of at least 3.0 (4.0=A) in the last 45 quarter credits (30 semester credits) of coursework completed before applying for admission or in all undergraduate work, whichever is higher.
• Are available for full-time internship during the entire school year.
• Have successfully completed the . This is a Washington state requirement.
• Have successfully completed a competency test. This is one of the Washington state requirements for completion of an endorsement.

Completed applications will include the following:

• Graduate student .
• Cover letter clearly indicating the endorsement area and teaching level of interest.
• Personal statement that addresses the following areas: personal strengths, knowledge of the subject matter, interest/experience in teaching, ability to be a positive role model for students, and leadership skills. The statement should also summarize previous experience of working with children or adolescents in a school or other setting.
• Professional résumé.
• Two letters of recommendation.
• WEST-B scores.
• WEST-E/Praxis II score(s).
• Official transcript(s).
• or — either a score of 950 or higher (verbal and quantitative) on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or a scaled score of 385 or higher on the Miller Analogy Test.
• Application fee.

APPLICATION INFORMATION AND DEADLINE

Financial aid is available for qualified applicants through or by calling 206-281-2061.

Paraprofessionals, instructional assistants, and conditionally certified teachers are encouraged to apply to the Alternative Routes to Certification program as they may be able to use their positions as internships.

For your general reference, visit the for useful information as you consider the teacher certification process in the state of Washington.

If you are interested in the Alternative Routes to Certification program please contact:

Ted Hiemstra
Associate Director of Graduate Admissions

ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ
3307 Third Avenue West, Suite 111
Seattle, WA 98119-1922
206-378-5478
800-601-0603

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