Alternative Routes to Certification, Master of Education
VISION
Teacher Certification Programs at City University of Seattle strive to recruit, retain, and support a diverse educator workforce that mirrors the diversity of the PK-12 student population in schools. We aim to cultivate learning spaces in which all community members feel connected to and rooted in relationships within themselves, each other, and the environment. Our vision is to help future teachers align their instructional practices in culturally sustaining ways that foster the development of conscious, global citizens of the world who are at home in their place, environment, and communities.
MISSION
Teacher Certification Programs at City University of Seattle provide relevant, relationship-based learning experiences rooted in culturally sustaining and identity affirming practices for future PK-12 teachers. We equip future teachers with tools, strategies, and awareness to effectively and equitably facilitate humanizing, healing-centered, and high-quality learning experiences for PK-12 students in the school setting.
The Alternative Routes – Master of Education Program (Alt Routes M.Ed.) combines City University of Seattle’s renowned one-year certificate-only program with our M.Ed. program, allowing candidates to receive credit towards a master’s degree while completing the certificate program. Candidates may be able to work for some time in their current school assignment during their Alt Routes field experiences with district permission. To complete the master’s degree, candidates must complete an additional 15 M.Ed. credits (4 courses).
The Master of Education in Alternative Routes to Certification program at City University is designed to provide educators with current evidence-based practices in the continuum of Alternative Routes to Certification designs that are aligned with Washington State Standards and criteria for teacher practices. Emphasis is placed upon effective instructional practices, assessment of student learning, development of short and long term learning goals, differentiated instruction for individual needs and best practices for increasing student learning/growth. Upon successful completion of all requirements, educators earn a Master of Education in Alternative Routes to Certification.
Master of Education degrees may require additional documentation of Professional certification programs or academic credentials. Exceptions to these policies may be made by the dean.
Program Outcomes
The Master of Education in Alternative Routes to Certification will prepare students to:
1. Design and implement effective instructional plans that include a variety of evidence-based strategies, culturally sustaining pedagogies, and support diverse learning needs across content areas.
2. Apply a variety of assessment strategies to monitor learning and make data-informed instructional decisions.
3. Develop equity literacy through reflective practice.
4. Co-create classroom culture and community that fosters student engagement, social emotional learning, and positive relationships.
5. Demonstrate understanding and commitment to the legal, professional, and ethical responsibilities of teaching.
6. Synthesize current research, share it effectively, and apply new knowledge to professional practice.
Admission Requirements
In addition to CityU's Admission Requirements for Graduate Degree and Certificate Programs, applicants to one of the Alternative Route programs must meet the following admission criteria.
- Complete a bachelor degree from an accredited institution of higher education
- Complete an interview with program faculty
- Submit a resume with three references and their contact information
- Complete each section of the Washington Educators Skills Test - Basic (WEST-B), or pass the State-approved tests for Math, Reading, and Writing
- Take the following tests, preferably prior to admission to the program: SPED (West E 70), ELL (West E 51), Math (NES 203 and 304), Reading (NES 104), and/or Elementary (NES 102 and 103). All candidates must pass these tests for certification
Total Required Credits (39 Credits)
Foundational Core (12 Credits)
| ECU 504 | Graduate Research and Methodology * | 4 |
| ECU 506 | Practice of Diversity and Global Education * | 4 |
| ECU 508 | School and Community Engagement * | 4 |
Alternative Routes to Certification Core (20 Credits)
Master Thesis Project (3 Credits)
| ECU 601 | Master of Education Capstone Project * | 3 |
Emphasis Areas
Students who wish to complete the Master of Education in Alternative Routes to Certification must select from the options listed below:
English Language Learners (4 Credits)
| ESL 544 | Evidence-Based Instructional Practices for ELL | 3 |
| ESL 670 | Identification, Assessment, and Culturally Responsive Practices for ELL | 1 |
Math (4 Credits)
| ETC 605 | Mathematics II * | 3 |
| ETC 670 | Aligning Learning Targets and Assessments in the Mathematical Classroom | 1 |
Reading (4 Credits)
| ERL 585 | Literacy Foundations | 1 |
| ERL 568 | Literacy Instruction and Assessment | 3 |
Special Education (4 Credits)
Special Education - IEP Focus (4 Credits)
| ESP 529 | Fundamentals of the IEP Process | 3 |
| ESP 540 | Teaming and Transitions | 1 |