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Master in Teaching Math and Science (MTMS)

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

The Master's degree in Teaching Mathematics and Science (MTMS) is a 60 graduate-credit, internship-based program of study leading to recommendation for . The MTMS degree is designed for candidates seeking to teach at the middle, junior high, and senior high school levels in one of the following endorsement areas:

• Mathematics
• General science
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Earth and space science
• Middle-level mathematics
• Middle-level science

In the MTMS program, you will learn essential knowledge and skills for the following:

• Centering instruction on high expectations
• Demonstrating effective teaching practices
• Recognizing and responding to individual student needs
• Focusing on subject matter content
• Fostering and managing a safe and positive learning environment
• Using assessment data to modify instruction and improve learning
• Communicating with parents and the school community
• Exhibiting collaborative practices that lead to improvements in teaching and learning

Although similar to other SPU Teacher Certification/master's degree programs (e.g., ARC, MAT), the MTMS differs in that several of the courses are tailored specifically to pedagogy and methodology appropriate for math and science rather than a general curriculum applicable to any subject area endorsement.

INTENSIVE FIELD-BASED LEARNING IN SCHOOLS

The MTMS is a cohort-driven, full-time, field-based degree. This program offers classes in three formats and will take you 14 months to complete, running continuously from summer through summer (five quarters).

Except for the summers, and one night a week during the school year, the remaining coursework takes place either online or in a school setting. The traditional on-campus classes meet Wednesday nights, 4:30-9 p.m. Online courses allow you to engage in virtual learning and benefit from asynchronous discussion formats. The field-based classes allow you to observe course concepts applied in the classroom and to engage professionals in learning-focused discussions.

You will spend most of your time (30+ hours per week) in the schools, working the same schedule as a teacher. For the Internship, teacher-candidates are paired with a qualified mentor-teacher and conduct supervised teaching in a school setting for the entire school year (three quarters, September through June, five days a week).

The MTMS internship follows a co-teaching model where you and a mentor-teacher are both actively involved and engaged in all aspects of instruction. As a team, you and the mentor share the planning, organization, delivery, and assessment of instruction.

PROGRAM BENEFITS

School districts with job openings are known to seek Seattle Pacific University graduates for both their competence and their character. Completing SPU's MTMS degree gives you a competitive edge in the marketplace. Other benefits of the program include:

• Focus on teaching methods and techniques specifically related to mathematics and science.
• Completion of Washington state residency certification in one year.
• Completion of a master of teaching degree.
• Progression through the program with fellow students in a cohort.
• Field-based experiences with diverse learners.
• Personalized advisement and mentoring from full-time faculty.
• Guaranteed enrollment in certification and MTMS core courses.
• Technology instruction embedded in the curriculum.
• Creation of a personalized Teacher Development Plan.

COURSES OF THE PROGRAM EXPERIENCE

Students entering the MTMS program with a graduate degree from a regionally accredited university need only to complete the certification component, the MTMS “Core” component and EDU 6085 to receive a second master's degree.

All MTMS applicants will need to demonstrate appropriate and sufficient background content knowledge in order to fulfill endorsement competency requirements for their desired subject area.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Meet university , including the submission of GRE or MAT scores. However, the GRE or MAT requirement is waived for applicants with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, or with a master's degree.
• Complete an online graduate application form, available at .
• $50 application fee.
• Submit an official transcript for bachelor's degree verification.
• Meet endorsement requirements for the desired teaching area.
• Be able to participate in a year-long, full-time Internship.
• Pass the  basic competency test.
• Pass the competency test. The  website provides an explanation on which test to choose. Applicants may check with the certification coordinator to verify that the applicant is taking the correct test.
• Submit an OPSI character and fitness supplement.
• Write a personal statement with reference to the School of Education conceptual framework, which centers on four essential commitments of educators: service, leadership, competence and character. Address personal development on each commitment as a future teacher (500-word limit).
• List any significant experiences working with K-12 aged students in a school or other setting. Please include the length of time of each experience. Bullet form is acceptable.
• Submit a professional résumé and two letters of recommendation.

Financial Aid is available for qualified applicants through .

APPLICATION AND ADMISSIONS QUESTIONS

Ted Hiemstra
Associate Director of Graduate Admissions

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3307 Third Avenue West, Suite 111
Seattle, WA 98119-1922

soe-grad-info@spu.edu
206-378-5478
800-601-0603

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