Master of Arts in Education (M.A.E.)

253.535.7272	www.plu.edu/education/	educ@plu.edu
Jan Weiss, Ph.D., Associate Dean

The School of Education and Kinesiology offers three programs leading to a graduate degree in education within the Department of Education; including, two leading to teacher certification and one for international students. In addition, the department offers principal certification and add-on endorsement programs. All programs are aligned with the department’s Guiding Principles.

The one-year master’s degree with certification begins in June and includes a year-long internship in a K-12 school. Students complete all program requirements within a one year time frame.
The Alternative Routes to Certification (ARC) is for current paraeducators and conditional teachers or career changers endorsements in high needs areas with admission priority given to high need areas within the state (e.g., special education, mathematics, sciences, etc.). The program begins in June and includes a full-time, year-long mentored internship starting in September. Candidates complete 19-25 of the required 36 program semester hours in order to become certified. After completing certification, candidates have three additional years to complete the remaining program semester hours to obtain the M.A.E.

34-38 semester hours depending on program

M.A.E. with Teacher Certification

The Master of Arts in Education with Teacher Certification Program helps prepare preservice teachers to establish a socially just and responsible world. To facilitate this, the program encourages candidates to explore their vocation as teachers and to work for meaningful social change by recognizing the perspectives of the students and families in the communities they serve; by providing opportunities for powerful and authentic learning grounded in the lived experiences of their students; by facilitating candidate inquiry into the formulation of critical educational questions; by honoring the vast array of cultural and linguistic resources in schools, classrooms and communities; and by modeling the skills, habits, and ethical passions required for effective democratic citizenship.

The primary aim of the program is to prepare teachers to assume a variety of roles in 21st Century schools. Faculty work with students to develop understandings and skills for their work as leaders, inquirers, and curriculum/instructional specialists.

Program Overview

Students can apply to one of two options within the graduate teacher certification program:

1) The one-year option begins in June and includes a year-long internship in a K-12 school. Students complete all program requirements within a one year time frame.

2) The Alternative Routes to Certification (ARC) is for students seeking elementary or secondary endorsements with admission priority given to high need areas within the state (e.g., special education, mathematics, sciences, etc.). The program begins in June and includes a full-time, year-long mentored internship starting in September. Candidates complete 23 or 25 of the required 34 program semester hours in order to become certified. After completing certification, candidates have three additional years to complete the remaining program semester hours to obtain the M.A.E.

All teacher candidates must pass the WEST-B, WEST-E, or NES as mandated by the state for certification.

Prerequisites

For regular admission, applicants must have completed a baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited institution of higher education. Passing scores on the WEST-B or SAT/ACT equivalent and WEST-E or NES are required as well. Candidates not meeting these requirements may be granted conditional admission on a case-by-case basis. Candidates must also have background coursework corresponding with the subject they want to teach. Please consult the department for more information on endorsements.

Admission Procedures

Please visit: www.plu.edu/admission-graduate/

Program Requirements for Washington State Teacher Certification

Candidates who successfully complete a program of professional studies in the department, who meet all related academic requirements for a degree or a certificate, and who meet all state requirements will be recommended by the department for a Washington State residency teaching certificate. Additional state requirements include a minimum age of 18, good moral character and personal fitness as evidenced by completion of state Pre-Residency Clearance and Washington State Patrol/FBI background check via fingerprint clearance, assessment by means of passing scores on WEST-B, WEST-E/NES/ACTFL exams and completion of state certification application and payment of state certification fee. Information regarding all state requirements and procedures for certification is available from the certification officer in the department. State requirements are subject to immediate change. Candidates should meet with department advisors each semester and the certification officer for updates in program or application requirements.

Note: The department will make every reasonable attempt to obtain and distribute the most current information regarding Washington State certification requirements, but cannot guarantee that state requirements will remain unchanged.

M.A.E. Certification

Elementary Program
38 semester hours

Summer I
- EDUC 510: Teaching Reading and Language Arts (3)
- EDUC 520: Issues of Child Abuse and Neglect (1)
- EDUC 544: Sociocultural Foundations of Education (2)
- EPSY 566: Advanced Cognition, Development, and Learning (2)
- SPED 580: Foundations and Instructional Strategies for Students with Disabilities (4)

Fall Semester
- EDUC 562: Schools and Society (2)
- EDUC 563A: Integrating Seminar: Technology Embedded Instructional Design (2)
- EDUC 565: Elementary Reading, Language Arts, and Social Studies (2)
- EDUC 566: Elementary Math and Science (4)
- SPED 520: Teaching Students with Special Needs (2)

J-Term
- EDUC 528: Reading and Writing Across the K-8 Curriculum (2)
- EDUC 564: The Arts, Mind, and Body (2)

Spring Semester
- EDUC 563B: Integrating Seminar: Internship (4)
- EDUC 568: Internship in Teaching (6)

Secondary Program
36 semester hours

Summer I
- EDUC 510: Teaching Reading and Language Arts (3)
- EDUC 520: Issues of Child Abuse and Neglect (1)
- EDUC 544: Sociocultural Foundations of Education (2)
- EDUC 556: Critical Issues in Secondary Teaching (2)
- EPSY 566: Advanced Cognition, Development, and Learning (2)
- SPED 580: Foundations and Instructional Strategies for Students with Disabilities (4)

Fall Semester
- EDUC 561: Instructional Methodology for Secondary Teachers (4)
- EDUC 562: Schools and Society (2)
- EDUC 563A: Integrating Seminar: Technology Embedded Instructional Design (2)
- SPED 520: Teaching Students with Special Needs (2)

J-Term
- EDUC 529: Reading and Writing Across the Secondary Curriculum (2)

Spring Semester
- EDUC 563B: Integrating Seminar: Internship (4)
- EDUC 568: Internship in Teaching (6)

M.A.E. Alternative Routes to Certification (ARC)

23-25 semester hours for certification, 34 semester hours for degree completion

The Master of Arts in Education-Alternative Routes to Certification program includes special pathways designed to meet the needs of individuals who are career changers in high needs areas (such as math, science, special education) or who have prior experience in schools as paraeducators or substitutes. The M.A.E.-ARC program is heavily, but not entirely, based in the field. During the field-based portion of this program, candidates are assigned mentors in a school district.

The certification portion of the M.A.E.-ARC program begins in June. Beginning in the fall, candidates enter an open ended internship in a K-12 school. If you are currently employed or have strong relationships with a school, we will work with you to explore the possibility of an appropriate internship where you are. Typical internships begin on the first teacher report day of the school year and continue through the school year. In rare cases, early completion can be arranged, however the state requires that all candidates must complete a minimum of one full K-12 semester. During this time, the candidates spend all day, every day in their internship gaining an intimate knowledge of how schools work.

After candidates have completed the initial certification portion of the program, they will have three years to complete the remaining credits in the M.A.E. degree. These classes will be made available on nights and weekends so candidates are able to work while finishing the degree.

Elementary Program
25 semester hours

Summer
- EDUC 520: Issues of Child Abuse and Neglect (1)
- EDUC 544: Sociocultural Foundations of Education (2)
- SPED 580: Foundations and Instructional Strategies for Students with Disabilities (4)

Fall Semester
- EDUC 565: Elementary Reading, Language Arts, and Social Studies (2)
- EDUC 566: Elementary Math and Science (2)

J-term
- EDUC 528: Reading and Writing Across the K-8 Curriculum (2)
- EDUC 564: The Arts, Mind, and Body (2)

Spring Semester
- SPED 520: Teaching Students with Special Needs (2)
- EDUC 563B: Integrating Seminar: Internship (2)
- EDUC 568: Internship in Teaching (6)

Secondary Program
23 semester hours

Summer
- EDUC 520: Issues of Child Abuse and Neglect (1)
- EDUC 544: Sociocultural Foundations of Education (2)
- EDUC 556: Critical Issues in Secondary Teaching (2)
- SPED 580: Foundations and Instructional Strategies for Students with Disabilities (4)

Fall Semester
- EDUC 561: Instructional Methodology for Secondary Teachers (4)

Spring Semester
- EDUC 563B: Integrating Seminar: Internship (2)
- EDUC 568: Internship in Teaching (6)
- SPED 520: Teaching Students with Special Needs (2)

Candidates have the option to complete the following semester hours within three years to receive the Master of Arts in Education:

EDUC 510: Teaching Reading and Language Arts (3)
EDUC 529: Reading & Writing Across the Secondary Curriculum (2)
EDUC 562: Schools and Society (2)
EDUC 563A: Integrating Seminar: Technology Embedded Instructional Design (2)
EPSY 566: Advanced Cognition, Development, & Learning (2)

M.A.E. Non-Certification: International Students Only

The Master of Arts Non-Certification Program provides an avenue for international candidates interested in pursuing a graduate degree in teaching without receiving state certification. To facilitate this, the program encourages candidates to explore their vocation as teachers and to work for meaningful social change by recognizing the perspectives of the students and families in the communities they serve; by providing opportunities for powerful and authentic learning grounded in the lived experiences of their students; by facilitating candidate inquiry into the formulation of critical educational questions; by honoring the vast array of cultural and linguistic resources in classrooms, schools, and communities; and by modeling the skills, habits and ethical passions required for effective democratic citizenship.

Program Overview

Students in the M.A.E. Non-Certification Program enroll as part of a cohort in mid-June.

Prerequisites

For regular admission, applicants must have completed a baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited institution of higher education or provide an official evaluation stating that they possess an equivalent degree. See Graduate Programs International Admissions section. A minimum grade point average of 3.00 is required.

Admission/Application

Please visit: www.plu.edu/mae-teaching/

Elementary Program
38 semester hours

Summer I
- EDUC 510: Teaching Reading and Language Arts (3)
- EDUC 520: Issues of Child Abuse and Neglect (1)
- EDUC 544: Sociocultural Foundation of Education (2)
- EPSY 566: Advanced Cognition, Development, and Learning (2)
- SPED 580: Foundations and Instructional Strategies for Students with Disabilities (4)

Fall Semester
- EDUC 562: Schools and Society (2)
- EDUC 563A: Integrating Seminar: Technology Embedded Instructional Design (2)
- EDUC 565: Elementary Reading, Language Arts, and Social Studies (2)
- EDUC 566: Elementary Math and Science (2)
- SPED 520: Teaching Students with Special Needs (2)

J-Term
- EDUC 528: Reading and Writing Across the K-8 Curriculum (2)
- EDUC 564: The Arts, Mind, and Body (2)

Spring Semester
- EDUC 560: Practicum (2)
- EDUC 563B: Integrating Seminar: Internship (4)
- EDUC 585: Comparative Education (3)

Secondary Program
35 semester hours

Summer I
- EDUC 510: Teaching Reading and Language Arts (3)
- EDUC 520: Issues of Child Abuse and Neglect (1)
- EDUC 544: Sociocultural Foundations of Education (2)
- EDUC 556: Critical Issues in Secondary Teaching (2)
- EPSY 566: Advanced Cognition, Development, and Learning (2)
- SPED 580: Foundations and Instructional Strategies for Students with Disabilities (4)

Fall Semester
- EDUC 561: Instructional Methodology for Secondary Teachers (4)
- EDUC 562: Schools and Society (2)
- EDUC 563A: Integrating Seminar: Technology Embedded Instructional Design (2)
- SPED 520: Teaching Students with Special Needs (2)

J-Term
- EDUC 529: Reading and Writing Across the Secondary Curriculum (2)
- SPED 577: The Inclusive Classroom (2)

Spring Semester
- EDUC 560: Practicum (2)
- EDUC 563B: Integrating Seminar: Internship (4)
- EDUC 585: Comparative Education (3)

M.A.E. Instructional Leadership Program

32 semester hours (for the preparation of teacher leaders)

The Instructional Leadership Program is not being offered at this time. Please contact the Department of Education at 253.535.7272 for more information.

Concentration Objective

Recognizing that all educators in today’s schools, both teachers and administrators, must work together as education leaders, PLU faculty have designed an innovative program to enhance the skills of 21st Century educators with a focus on leadership. This program is for practicing educators who are committed to enhancing their leadership and instructional roles. It prepares accomplished teachers to become instructional facilitators, mentors and coaches in their respective schools and districts. The program provides opportunities for candidates to both deepen their understanding of effective P-12 instruction and to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for successful teacher leadership within the context of standards-based educational reform. The program develops the capacity of teacher leaders to guide and support others in the collection and analysis of evidence of student learning. It prepares teachers to provide passionate, informed, and ethical leadership for improvement at the school, district, and state levels. Candidates learn proven strategies to build professional learning communities aimed at developing meaningful and engaging partnerships with families and community stake holders.

Prerequisites

Beyond the general prerequisites, applicants must hold a valid Washington State Professional Teaching Certificate or equivalent, and should ordinarily have successfully completed three years of teaching or related professional experience.A grade point average of at least 3.00 is required. Students not meeting these requirements may be granted provisional status on a case-by-case basis.

Required Courses

For teachers who do not hold a professional certificate:
- EDUC 580: Instructional Theory and Practice I: Culture, Context and Community (4)
- EDUC 581: Instructional Theory and Practice II: Thinking, Doing and Knowing (4)

All candidates must take:
- EDUC 555B: Family and Community Engagement (1)
- EDUC 558: Reflective Seminar in Teacher Leadership (4)
- EDUC 582: Instructional Leadership I: Standards-based Teaching, Learning and Assessment (4)
- EDUC 583: Instructional Leadership II: Teacher Development and the School Improvement Process (4)
- EDUC 584: Schools and Districts as Learning Organizations (2)
- EPSY 541A: Assessing Student and Staff Instructional Needs (1)
- EPSY 541B: Assessing Student and Staff Instructional Needs (1)
- EPSY 542: Group Dynamics and Instructional Leadership (2)
- SPED 583: Current Issues in Exceptionality (2)

Entering candidates who demonstrate competencies aligned with Washington State Professional Certificate standards may be awarded up to ten tuition-free credits toward the 32-semester hour degree. Candidates must submit a portfolio for juried review. Guidelines for portfolio submission are available online and in the Department of Education.

M.A.E. Principal and Administrator Program

32 semester credits

This program is currently offering certification only. Applicants must have a master’s degree. The Principal and Program Administrator Program educates creative, energetic, reform-minded administrators for the leadership positions in Washington schools. To achieve this, the program aims to develop leaders that:

Respond to the diversity of their community
Engage community support systems
Understand the purpose and use of accountability measures
Create an environment of instructional leadership
Model a deep understanding of the ethical issues in schooling and leadership

Admission/Application For M.A.E. Program, please visit: https://www.plu.edu/education/programs/master-of-arts-in-education/

For Certification Only Program, please visit: www.plu.edu/education/programs/principal-preparation-program/

Required Courses by Track Option

M.A.E. with Principal or Program Administrator Certification Curriculum

32 semester hours

EDUC 555B: Family and Community Engagement (1)
EDUC 576: Personnel Development (3)
EDUC 577: School Finance (2)
EDUC 578: School Law (3)
EDUC 582: Instructional Leadership I: Standards Based Teaching, Learning and Assessment (4)
EDUC 583: Instructional Leadership II: Teacher Development and the School Improvement Process (4)
EDUC 595: Internship in Educational Administration (2, 2)
EDUC 596: Reflective Seminar (1, 1)
EDUC 593: Culminating Professional Portfolio (2)
EPSY 541A: Assessing Student and Staff Instructional Needs (1)
EPSY 541B: Assessing Student and Staff Instructional Needs (1)
EPSY 542: Group Dynamics and Instructional Leadership (2)
SPED 583: Current Issues in Exceptionality (2)

Principal or Program Administrator Certification Only Curriculum

16 semester hours

All Candidates required to take:

EDUC 576: Personnel Development (3)
EDUC 577: School Finance (2)
EDUC 578: School Law (3)
EDUC 595: Internship in Educational Administration (2, 2)
EDUC 596: Reflective Seminar (1, 1)
EDUC 593: Culminating Professional Portfolio (2)

Candidates in the Certificate Only program may have equivalencies from their master’s program for the courses listed below (16 semester hours). If they do not have equivalencies, they may need to take these courses as a part of their program in addition to the courses listed above.

EDUC 555B: Family and Community Engagement (1)
EDUC 582: Instructional Leadership I: Standards Based Teaching, Learning and Assessment (4)
EDUC 583: Instructional Leadership II: Teaching Development and the School Improvement Process (4)
EPSY 541A: Assessing Student and Staff Instructional Needs (1)
EPSY 541B: Assessing Student and Staff Instructional Needs (1)
EPSY 542: Group Dynamics and Instructional Leadership (2)
SPED 583: Current Issues in Exceptionality (2)

Master of Arts in Education (EDUC) - Graduate Courses

EDUC 510 : Teaching Reading and Language Arts

Investigates how children learn to read, improve their fluency, and strengthen their vocabulary and comprehension. Includes required reading tutoring practicum. (3)

EDUC 520 : Current Issues of Child Abuse and Neglect

Issues of child abuse, neglect, harassment, and violence. Includes identification and reporting procedures, and the legal and professional responsibilities of all mandated reporters. (1)

EDUC 528 : Reading and Writing Across the K-8 Curriculum

Investigates genres of contemporary children's literature and how to develop a personal repertoire of reading material for classroom use. Also examines strategies for teaching writing in K-8 classroom. (2)

EDUC 529 : Reading and Writing Across the Secondary Curriculum

Explores strategies for integrating young adult reading materials and written work and reading and writing instruction in all secondary content areas. (2)

EDUC 544 : Sociocultural Foundations of Education

Examines the purposes of K-12 schools, the root causes of the achievement gap, and the ways accomplished teachers adapt to the changing sociocultural context of schooling. (2)

EDUC 556 : Critical Issues in Secondary Teaching

Introduces what successful secondary teachers know and are able to do in the areas of curriculum and assessment, instructional methods, and classroom management. (2)

EDUC 561 : Instructional Methodologies for Secondary Teachers

This course will introduce the instructional methodologies being used currently in secondary schools, including curriculum design, instructional strategies, the use of assessments, and specific methodologies for content area instruction. (4)

EDUC 562 : Schools and Society

Individual and cooperative study of the socio-cultural and cultural, political, legal, historical, and philosophical foundations of current practices of schooling in America. Prerequisite: Admission to the M.A.E./Cert program or consent of instructor. (3)

EDUC 563A : Integrating Seminar: Technology Embedded Instructional Design

Students work cooperatively and individually to integrate education course work, field experience, and individual perspective during graduate degree programs. May be repeated for credit. (2)

EDUC 563B : Integrating Seminar: Internship

A seminar focusing on development of professionalism and competence in inquiry and reflective practice with opportunities to demonstrate your knowledge and skills related to the complexities of teaching. (2-4)

EDUC 564 : The Arts, Mind, and Body

An exploration of methods to facilitate creativity and meaning-making in the classroom through visual, musical, non-verbal/physical movement, and dramatic arts. (2)

EDUC 565 : Elementary Reading, Language Arts, Social Studies

Practice designing, implementing, and assessing lessons and units that integrate reading, language arts, and social studies content in K-8 classrooms. Introduces exemplary reading, language arts, and social studies classroom materials and examines what successful classroom managers in K-8 classrooms know and are able to do. (2)

EDUC 566 : Elementary Math and Science

Practice designing, implementing, and assessing math and science lessons and units in K-8 classrooms. Introduces exemplary math and science classroom materials and examines what successful classroom managers in K-8 classrooms know and are able to do. (2-4)

EDUC 568 : Internship in Teaching

Internship in classroom settings. Fourteen weeks of teaching under the direct supervision of cooperating teachers and university supervisors. Designed for students in the M.A.E./Cert program. (6)

EDUC 587 : History of Education

A study of great men and women whose lives and writings have shaped and continue to shape the character of American education. (3)

EDUC 588 : ST: Leadership in Higher Education

Leadership development for administrators and faculty. Focus on higher education leadership models as they relate to PLU. Restricted to PLU administrators and faculty. (1 to 4)

EDUC 589 : Philosophy of Education

Philosophical and theoretical foundations of American education as well as the social philosophy of growing diverse populations in the K-12 schools. (3)

EDUC 590 : Culminating Seminar

M.A.E./Certification candidates finalize their professional growth plans by revisiting foundational questions from the beginning of the program, reviewing key concepts from individual courses, re-examining PLU's emphasis on "educating for lives of thoughtful inquiry, service, and care," and comparing and contrasting their internship experiences. (4)

EDUC 591 : Independent Study

To provide individual graduate students graduate-level study not available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as IS: followed by the specific title designated by the student. (1 to 4)

Master of Arts in Education (EPSY) - Graduate Courses

EPSY 566 : Advanced Cognition, Development and Learning

The study of principles and current thought and research in cognition, development, and learning. Prerequisite: Admission to the MA/Cert program or consent of instructor. (2)

EPSY 587 : Special Topics in Educational Psychology

To provide graduate students with new, one-time and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

EPSY 588 : Special Topics in Educational Psychology

EPSY 589 : Special Topics in Educational Psychology

Master of Arts in Education (SPED) - Graduate Courses

SPED 520 : Teaching Students with Special Needs

Introduction and overview of services for students with special needs at all levels. Includes procedural and substantive legal issues in special education, program modification, and classroom management. (2)

SPED 580 : Foundations and Instructional Strategies for Students with Disabilities

This course is designed to build a strong foundational understanding of the various issues related to special education and provide ways to apply strategies aimed at building inclusive, supportive, and positive classroom environments that are characterized by quality differentiated instruction and effective classroom management. (4)

SPED 588 : Legal, Ethical, and Administrative Issues in Special Education

Investigation of special education administrative practices, pupil placement procedures, student staffing, program reimbursement procedures, and federal funding models. (2)