Master of Arts in Teaching: Secondary Education (TSEM)

Advisor: Amy Bentz
4121 Sangren Hall
(269) 387-3465

This post-baccalaureate program leads to a Michigan Teaching Certificate in the areas of English, foreign language, mathematics, integrated science or social studies. It is based on the reflective practitioner model, which emphasizes reflection on active learning to develop content expertise and effective approaches to leadership. The aim of this program is to create scholars, who embrace diversity, actively engage in inquiry and critical thinking, and who are willing to act as change agents and advocates for youth.

Western Michigan University offers a highly competitive and personalized educational experience. Through this program, teacher candidates will earn a Master of Arts in teaching as well as professional certification in the State of Michigan. Field experiences include a supervised full-year internship.

Upon admission, teacher candidates undertake an intensive program of study, including coursework in both Summer I and II sessions. During the fall semester, teacher candidates begin their field placements when the public schools begin, spending a minimum of three days a week in the classroom and completing two to three courses on campus, and a seminar in the field. During the Spring/Summer I semester/session, candidates will complete a full time (5 days/week) internship from January through mid-June following the school districts schedules. During the following Summer I session, candidates will complete and present their Master’s project. Most candidates can complete all requirements for certification within 13 months of starting coursework.

Admission Requirements

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
2. Completion of discipline coursework equivalent to an MDE approved secondary education initial certification program.
3. Transcript evaluation to determine what additional discipline area coursework will be required.
4. Passing score on the Content Area Test (MTTC) for the appropriate secondary education discipline.
5. An overall undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 (4.0 = A)
6. Two essays with prompts to be provided upon application.
7. Interview
8. 30+ hours of student contact in a public school setting or a grade of CB or better in either ED 3200 or ED 4200.
9. 7+ hours of teacher contact in a public school setting or a grade of CB or better in ES 2000.

Master of Arts in Teaching: Teaching Chinese as a Second Language (TSCM)

Coordinator: Moi Mooi Lew
4121 Sangren
(269) 387-3496
moimooi.lew@wmich.edu

The Master of Arts in Teaching with a concentration in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language is a post baccalaureate initial teacher certification program designed for teacher candidates with Chinese language proficiency. This cohorted program, which requires a bachelor’s degree in Chinese International Education (or equivalent) from a Chinese university, will result in Michigan certification to teach Chinese language and culture in K-12 settings.

The 20-month program includes four school-based field experiences designed to familiarize teacher candidates with the culture and contexts of American education. The first field experience consists of a series of focused observations in American elementary, middle and high schools, examining issues such as school structure and governance, curriculum, pedagogy, and classroom organization. During the second field experience, a supervised pre-internship, the teacher candidate will spend one semester (i.e., at least 75 hours) in a Chinese language classroom in which American students are learning Chinese as a second language. The third field experience involves teaching within the context of a multi-week summer camp for local K-8 children who are interested in learning about Chinese language and culture. The final field experience is a semester-long internship in which teacher candidates will either be placed with a mentor who teaches Chinese language and culture at all grade levels, or they will split their internship between two settings: one elementary and the other secondary.

Embedded within the pre-internship and internship experiences is a weekly seminar that addresses such issues as curriculum, assessment, pedagogy, organization of learning environments, leadership, and child and adolescent development.

Admission Requirements:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Chinese International Education (or equivalent)
2. Undergraduate transcript
3. An overall grade point average of at least 3.0 (4.0 = A)
4. Three letters of recommendation
5. A concise written “statement of purpose” (250 words or less) indicating the applicant’s reasons for seeking admission to the program and what the applicant hopes to accomplish during the program of study.
6. A minimum TOEFL score of 80 or IELTS 6.5 for unrestricted admission.

Master of Arts in Teaching: Elementary Education (TEMM)

Coordinator: Regena Nelson
4121 Sangren
(269) 387-3437
regena.fails.nelson@wmich.edu

The Master of Arts in Teaching with a concentration in Elementary Education is a post baccalaureate initial teacher certification program designed for teacher candidates with bachelor’s degrees. This is a field-based, cohorted program for full-time employees working in an elementary classroom. The 12-month program includes course work in pedagogy, whole child development, school culture and policies that is aligned with the field experiences in an elementary classroom. Teacher candidates can qualify for a Michigan Teaching Certificate at the conclusion of these courses in early/mid-June.

Admission Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Undergraduate transcript
• An overall grade point average of at least 3.0 (4.0=A)
• Three letters of recommendation
• A concise written “statement of purpose” (250 words or less) indicating the applicant’s reasons for seeking admission to the program and what the applicant hopes to accomplish during the program of study.