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home > areas > tep

Academic Areas & Divisions
Teacher Education

Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQs | Elementary TEP FAQs | Secondary TEP FAQs

General TEP FAQs

I'm interested in teaching.  What kind of programs do you offer?
We offer two Master in Teaching programs, one for Elementary Teaching (K-6) and one for Secondary Teaching (6-12). Students earn both a residency teaching certificate and a Master in Teaching degree. We also offer certification and degree programs inSpecial Education.

Do you offer a certificate only program?
No. We only offer a combined teaching certificate/Master in Teaching program.

How long is your program?
The program is a two-year Master in Teaching with certificate.  An additional six credits are required over the course of the first year of teaching; the specifics depend on the program (Elementary or Secondary). 

What is the cost of your program?
Current tuition per quarter is $3,743 for residents and $8,189 per quarter for non-residents. There is also a TEP fee of $217 for three of the four full-time quarters. The tuition in the second year of the program is based on 6 credits.
Learn more information about tuition, finances and funding»

Where can I find information about financial aid?
Resources for financial aid and scholarships can be found here

It’s past the deadline, can I still be accepted?
No. Unless specified on our website, late applications are not considered. If the program is not filled, we may announce a second deadline, so keep checking the website!

Can I transfer courses into the MIT program?
No. The MIT program consists of integrated and sequential blocks of coursework. Also, it is a cohort program where you stay with the same group of students throughout.

Do I have to decide between Elementary and Secondary? Can I be trained for both?
You do need to decide between elementary and secondary as they are two separate programs.

How can I learn more about what other schools offer?
A great resource is the OSPI (Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction) website: www.k12.wa.us/cert/, also www.teachwashington.org

How can I meet the requirement for the 60 hours of experience?
One option is to call local schools to inquire if they have volunteer opportunities. Experience in culturally and racially diverse, poverty-impacted communities is highly desirable. Check local school district websites. Another option is Pipeline, a tutoring program here at the UW. Through Pipeline, the tutors are involved in activities that meet the 60 hour requirement. More information can be found here:http://www.washington.edu/uwired/pipeline/

What is an endorsement?
An endorsement is the subject that is listed on your teaching certificate that you are qualified to teach. You may add additional endorsements to a teaching certificate.

Do I need to take the GRE?
No, however, the WEST-B and West-E tests are required of all applicants who are completing a teacher education program in the state. These 2 tests must be taken and passed by the application deadline.

I would like more information about the WEST-B and WEST-E.
More information about the WEST-B and WEST-E, including study guides, can be found on their website: http://www.west.nesinc.com/

Which WEST-E test should I take if I am a World Language applicant?
For World Language applicants to the 2011 Secondary MIT program and beyond, you must pass the Designated World Languages WEST-E along with the ACTFL Writing Proficiency Test and the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview at the Advanced-Mid level in the targeted language. The WEST-E test will be available beginning January 2010. Get information on the ACTFL».

I am not a UW student but would like to take prerequisite courses. How can I do that?
You can take UW courses as a non-matriculated student. Registration information can be found here. Courses from other institutions might also be acceptable. Contact edinfo@u.washington.edu

How can I apply?
The College of Education's application process is now entirely online. Select a program to begin the application process for Elementary TEP, Secondary TEP, or Special Education.

I’m already certified to teach in another state. What do I need to do to teach in Washington?
Check out the OSPI website for information about how certificates transfer from state to state: www.k12.wa.us/cert/

What is the starting salary for teachers currently?
This is a link to the pay schedule on the OSPI website: http://www.k12.wa.us/safs/PUB/PER/salsch.asp

Can I take the MIT prerequisite courses at a community college or another university?
Possibly, but first make sure the course is acceptable. For Elementary prerequisites, check with the Office of Student Services by sending a course description to edinfo@u.washington.edu to make sure the course will count. For Secondary endorsement requirements, check with the appropriate subject advisor.

When can I start your program?
The Elementary TEP begins in Summer.

The Secondary TEP begins in Spring. Please see programs for details.

How do I go about writing a successful goal statement for my TEP application?
You can find helpful pointers for writing a goal statement by downloading our tip sheet.

I would like to apply under the UW Undergraduate pathway.  How do I do this? 
Please refer to the Elementary TEP FAQ (below).

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Elementary Teacher Education FAQ

Find out more about the Elementary TEP!

When would I begin taking courses?
If you are a UW undergrad who will be graduating Summer quarter, you may begin taking courses in the Summer quarter, when you will be able to complete your senior year along with the first quarter of the MIT.

If you have a bachelor’s degree, either from the UW or another higher education institution, you may begin taking courses Summer quarter.

Which quarter should I apply to begin graduate study?
If you are a UW undergrad who will begin taking courses in the Summer quarter, you should apply to begin graduate study in the Autumn quarter (keep in mind that you’ll take the Summer quarter courses as an undergraduate student).

If you are post-baccalaureate, you should apply to begin graduate study in the same quarter that you plan to begin taking courses – Summer quarter.

Are there partner schools outside of Seattle?
Yes.  Student teaching placements will be in one of our partner districts: Bellevue, Renton, Seattle and Shoreline.

What is a “Studio Day?”
College of Education faculty will collaborate with faculty in one of our partner school where you will receive instruction in the context of a K-8 classroom.

What if I want to pursue an endorsement in Special Education or ESL?
During the second year of the program students may pursue coursework leading to these and other endorsements.  It is likely, however, that most students will need to take additional endorsement courses even after graduating with the MIT degree.

How can I have my transcripts evaluated to know what prerequisites I have met for the Elementary MIT program?
You can mail in or drop off your official or unofficial transcripts to the Office of Student Services with the Elementary Prerequisite Evaluation form.

We will also need course descriptions if you did not attend the UW. Evaluations are completed on a drop off basis and will be mailed to you within 7-10 days. The form can also be picked up in 206 Miller.

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Secondary Teacher Education FAQ

Find out more about the Secondary TEP!

How can I have my transcripts evaluated for the Secondary program to know where I am with coursework requirements?
It is necessary to first meet with an undergraduate advisor in the academic department related to the subject area you wish to teach. The advisor will evaluate your transcripts to determine if you meet the state endorsement requirements to teach that particular subject. Contact information for departmental advisors can be found here

When will I start taking classes?
Classes start in Spring Quarter. If you are a UW undergraduate, you may pay undergraduate tuition for the first quarter.

Which quarter should I apply to begin graduate study?
If you are a UW undergraduate, you will apply to begin graduate study in Summer quarter. If you have a bachelor’s degree, you will begin graduate study in Spring (the first quarter of the program).

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College of Education, University of Washington
Box 353600 Seattle, WA 98195-3600
coe@u.washington.edu

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