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.