Application Information
Pre-application Requirements
- An approved endorsement evaluation is required to determine if you are eligible to fully submit an application.
- To request an endorsement evaluation, create an online account through the Graduate School’s application process. Upload unofficial transcripts, indicate the endorsement(s) you are seeking, then check the box to request an endorsement evaluation.
- Endorsements must be completed or nearly so by the time the program starts. You should include any course that are in progress or planned from the time the application is submitted to the program start date.
- Non-Western graduates should include course descriptions and/or syllabi to determine if there are course equivalencies.
- It is recommended, but not required, to include scores from WEST-E or NES content tests when submitting your application.
- Basic skills requirement.
Application Requirements
Baccalaureate degree (or degree completed prior to program start date).
- Minimum overall grade point average of 3.0.
- WEST-B requirement met.
- Unofficial transcripts from all post-secondary institutions (official transcripts required if admitted).
- Completed endorsement evaluation.
- Resume’.
- Essays and statement of purpose (see below for details).
- Three letters of reference (see below for details).
- Completion of an approved English composition course, with a grade of B or higher.
- Individual and Group Interviews by Secondary Education faculty on Everett’s campus (details provided)
How to Apply
1. Go to Western’s Graduate School "How to Apply" website, click on create an account.
2. After you have created an account, click on “Online Application.”
3. Next, click on “Master in Teaching (Everett)” . Then "Select the term" you are applying for.
4. Continue through the application, adding information or uploading required materials (see list above for the items that are included in the application).
5. Don’t forget to click “Save” as you are working through this process to ensure that you do not lose any information.
Most materials, including unofficial transcripts, your essays, and resume, are required to be uploaded at the time you submit your application, so preparing them in advance will expedite your process.
Application Process
- Applicants submit all documentation to the Graduate School.
- Completed applications are forwarded to Secondary Education for review.
- Faculty and staff review the applications and evaluate the status of the endorsement requirements.
- Applicants will receive details about the on-campus (Everett University Center) interview.
- After the interview, generally 7-10 days, Secondary Education makes recommendations to the Graduate School.
- A few days after receiving the department recommendation, the Graduate School notifies applicants of their admission by e-mail.
New Student Checklist
May be completed prior to Orientation
Orientation covers
- Registration
- Program Schedule
- Advising
- WWU ID card (photo taken)
- Technology Resources
- Safety and Emergency Procedures
Details on MIT Requirements
Endorsement
An endorsement designates the subject area for teaching in middle and/or high school classrooms, and is typically the academic major for one's baccalaureate degree. The Everett MIT program accepts applicants with English, Math, Science and Social Studies endorsements. Please speak with us about other majors.
Basic Skills Requirement
Applicants to teacher education programs in the State of Washington are required to take a basic skills assessment for admission, but candidates will no longer need to achieve a specific passing score. The basic skills assessment is used as one of multiple measures that gauge a candidate's basic skills upon entry.
WEST-E/NES Requirement
It is recommended, but not required, for applicants to include scores from WEST-E or NES content tests at the time of application. Prior to entering the student teaching internship, candidates are required to take the content test(s). For more information, contact Bobbie Rogers at Bobbie.Rogers@wwu.edu.
GPA
The Graduate School minimum requirement is 3.0; however, if an applicant’s GPA is slightly below a 3.0 but they demonstrate strength in all other components of the application, a provisional admission may be considered.
Three Letters of Reference
There should be one letter from someone who can attest to academic strength in the major – preferably a university professor. Another letter should be from someone who can speak to the applicant's experiences with youth and/or diverse populations. The third letter can be from either of these, or perhaps a character reference; however, letters should not be from family members or roommates. The online application includes a reference request process that will send emails to the recommenders you specify and provide them with a form to make their recommendations.
Essays & Prompts - Include name and title of essay. These should be 1-2 pages, double-spaced:
Essay One: Tell us why you wish to pursue a career in teaching. How do your experiences and disposition prepare you to be successful in the Secondary Education Program?
Essay Two: How might an educator’s unacknowledged bias or taken-for-granted assumptions affect their ability to create a safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive learning environment?
Essay Three: Describe your experiences with youth and families in diverse socio-economic, cultural, and linguistic settings. Comment on any experiences with academic courses that have provided you knowledge of multicultural and social justice issues and challenges. How does this knowledge and these experiences prepare you to be an effective teacher?
Interview
The on-campus interview with Secondary Education faculty is a key component of the application process, as it provides critical information about the interpersonal and communication skills essential for teacher education candidates. It is also a great opportunity for applicants to learn more about the Secondary MIT program and faculty to determine if this is a good “fit”.
Plan ahead to attend the interview, which is usually 3-4 weeks after the application deadline. If an applicant has commitments that cannot be changed, or is out of reasonable travel distance, they can interview via ZOOM/SKYPE (with early notification).
Admitted Candidates
All new candidates attend a mandatory orientation before classes begin. You will have an assigned advisor to assist with course planning and serve as a mentor throughout the program.
Student Teaching (Internship)
WEST- E/NES scores must be recorded before students teaching. At the completion of all secondary education and endorsement coursework, candidates are recommended for a quarter-long student teaching internship. The internship is an opportunity for you to develop from a teacher candidate to a professional educator, and can open doors for future employment. In order to devote full time attention to the internship, we encourage candidates not to hold jobs during this time. We understand that realistically this may not always be possible, but we advise against excessive time commitments that could adversely affect performance in the internship. During the student teaching internship, the Secondary Education department will initiate an Application for Degree.
Capstone/Research Course
After successfully completing the student teaching internship, candidates enroll in a 4-credit capstone/research course (Sec 691).