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Endorsement Policies, Procedures, and Expected Coursework

Endorsement Policies & Requirements

All teachers must have one or more endorsements according to state guidelines. For information on endorsement grade levels see p. 12.

Only two endorsements are allowed upon entering MIT, except with prior approval.

A secondary level endorsement cannot be obtained at the same time as the elementary education endorsement due to differences in literacy and reading methods instruction.

Successful applicants to the MIT program will meet or exceed the minimum coursework expectations described for each endorsement area. In conjunction with passing the WEST-E, meeting these expectations provides evidence that applicants have the content knowledge needed to support their future teaching.

Endorsement content coursework should be done as much as possible by the time of application to the MIT program, although work in progress or planned can be indicated on the endorsement worksheet . Having completed all or most endorsement courses will assist one with the knowledge to pass the WEST-E. Assessment and teaching methods for the endorsement will be taught within the MIT program.

No more than eight credits may be left to complete when the MIT program begins, and must be finished in the summer between year one and two of the program. Failure to complete content preparation requirements within this timeframe will result in discontinuation in the program.

A second endorsement is required with bilingual education, English Language Learners, or Special Education, preferably in a content area such as elementary education, humanities, English, math, one of the sciences or social studies.

Dance and Theatre Arts candidates must have a second endorsement to improve employability. Visual Arts candidates are recommended to have a second endorsement.

Elementary Education candidates may want to prepare in a middle level endorsement to be highly qualified in math, science, English or social studies above grade 5.

Prior experience: If elements of content knowledge in an endorsement area have been acquired through life experience or independent study, and you passed the associated WEST-E, you may request that one or more of the endorsement coursework expectations be waived. To request such a waiver, indicate “experience/ independent study” on the endorsement worksheet. Attach a letter explaining specifically what was done and why the experience and/or study can reasonably substitute for the expected coursework. It is strongly recommended that you submit additional documentation of the experience and learning (such as letters of recommendation).

AP credits are acceptable if posted on an official transcript. CLEP exams meeting minimum scores are accepted.

Learn about ways to add endorsements to a teaching certificate during your career.

Expected Endorsement Coursework

All expected endorsement coursework is intended to assist applicants with knowledge competencies as outlined by the state in each area.

All applicants must fill out the appropriate endorsement worksheet(s) and submit with their application.

All credits listed are in quarter credit hours, which is the system used at Evergreen. Applicants who have attended semesterbased universities should convert credits listed on an endorsement worksheet into equivalent quarter credits.

Only credits earned with grades of at least a C, 2.0, or with satisfactory evaluations are acceptable.

Elementary Education

The Elementary Education endorsement is for those planning to teach in a self-contained classroom at the elementary level, grades K–8. Minimum coursework expectations for this endorsement are 45 credits to include coursework in:

  • Children’s and adolescent literature — 4 credits
  • Arts: defined as dance, music, theatre arts, visual arts — 4 credits
  • Health and fitness — 3 credits including concepts such as motor skills, nutrition, disease and substance abuse prevention, and copy of current CPR and first aid card
  • Mathematics: to include college level algebra, geometry and statistics — 10 credits
  • Science: to include biology, earth/space science (e.g. geology, astronomy, meteorology), and another science such as physics, chemistry or environmental science, and lab experience — 12 credits minimum
  • Social studies: to include U.S. history, world history, geography, economics, civics, political science (especially American government) and Pacific Northwest history — minimum 12 credits

Middle Level Endorsements

Middle Level endorsements are for those wanting to teach multiple content areas in middle schools, grades 4–9. There are three Middle Level endorsements: Middle Level Humanities, Middle Level Math and Middle Level Science. The combined Middle Level Math & Science endorsement is no longer available.

Middle Level Humanities

Minimum coursework expectations for this endorsement are 38 credits, to include coursework in:

  • Adolescent literature (available summers at Evergreen) — 4 credits
  • Multicultural literature (American authors of color) — 4 credits
  • Communication (courses such as speech, media and film analysis, acting, journalism, Web page development, etc.) — 4 credits
  • Language skills and structure (courses such as grammar and English usage, linguistics) — 4 credits
  • U.S. history (recommended period origins to 1900) — 4 credits
  • Geography — 4 credits
  • Economics — 4 credits
  • Civics (understanding of U.S. government and knowledge of different political systems) — 4 credits
  • Pacific Northwest history — 4 credits
  • World history (recommended period: 8000 BCE to 1450) — 4 credits

Middle Level Math

Minimum coursework expectations for this endorsement are 24 credits in math, including coursework in each of the following:

  • College level algebra
  • Geometry
  • Calculus
  • Statistics
  • Discrete math including concepts such as logic, graph theory, linear programming
  • Other math, ethnomathematics or history of math recommended

Middle Level Science

Minimum coursework expectations for this endorsement are 28 credits — 4 credits in statistics, 24 credits in science with significant lab experience and classes in all the following areas:

  • Statistics — 4 credits
  • Biology, to include animals, plants and humans
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Astronomy and/or meteorology
  • Geology and/or earth science
  • Environmental science

Secondary Endorsements

Secondary endorsements are for candidates wanting to teach a specific content area at the secondary level (generally, grades 5–12).

Biology

Minimum coursework expectations for this endorsement are 45 credits in the biological sciences with significant lab work, as well as content that includes:

  • Use of algebra, probability and statistics and math modeling in life sciences
  • Chemistry
  • Ecology/ecosystems
  • Evolution
  • Genetics
  • Microbiology or cell biology
  • Zoology/animal biology
  • Human anatomy and physiology
  • Biology in contemporary issues

Chemistry

Minimum coursework expectations for this endorsement are 45 credits in chemistry with significant lab work, as well as content that includes:

  • General principles of chemistry — 12 credits
  • Organic chemistry/biochemistry
  • Quantitative analysis: use of algebra, probability and statistics and calculus in chemistry research
  • Physics to include electricity and magnetism, the four fundamental forces, subatomic particles
  • Chemistry in contemporary issues, or philosophy of science or applied chemistry course

Earth and Space Science

Minimum coursework expectations for this endorsement are 45 credits in earth and space science with significant lab work, as well as content that includes:

  • Use of algebra, probability and statistics in earth/space science research
  • Physical geology
  • Historical geology
  • Oceanography
  • Astronomy
  • Meteorology
  • Environmental issues related to earth science
  • Chemistry
  • Biology with evolution and genetics
  • Physics with electricity/magnetism, wave properties, gravity concepts

English Language Arts

Minimum coursework expectations for this endorsement are 52 credits in English Language Arts, including coursework in each of the following:

  • American, British, world, multicultural (American authors of color) and adolescent literature—must include representation from the following genres: poetry, drama, fiction and nonfiction — 28 credits
  • Writing process (e.g., expository, technical, narrative writing) — 12 credits
  • Communication (e.g., speech, media and film analysis, acting, journalism) — 8 credits
  • Language skills (conventions) and structure (social/historical) e.g., linguistics, grammar, history of the English language — 4 credits

History

A second endorsement or the Social Studies endorsement is recommended. Minimum coursework expectations for this endorsement are 45 credits in history, including coursework in each of the following:

  • U.S. history that includes all major eras, pre-European to present day, and chronological, multicultural and women’s history — 12 credits
  • Pacific Northwest history — 4 credits
  • World, regional or country history (8000 BCE to present, two or more regions) — 12–24 credits
  • Civics/political science/U.S. government — 4 credits
  • Geography — 4 credits
  • Economics — 4 credits

Mathematics

Minimum coursework expectations for this endorsement are 45 credits in mathematics, including coursework in each of the following:

  • Geometry (including Euclidean and non-Euclidean) — 4 credits
  • Probability and statistics — 4 credits
  • Calculus (integral and differential) — 12 credits
  • Discrete mathematics — 4 credits
  • Logic and problem solving — 4 credits
  • History or foundations of math — 4 credits
  • Modern abstract mathematics: topology, abstract algebra, advanced calculus or foundations of modern math — 4 credits

Physics

Minimum coursework expectations for this endorsement are 45 credits with significant lab work, as well as content that includes:

  • Use of mathematical concepts in the analysis of physical systems to include algebra, interpretation of graphs, vectors, matrix addition and multiplication calculus concepts
  • Mechanics to include kinematics, energy, momentum, gravitation
  • Electricity and magnetism
  • Waves and optics
  • Other major concepts to include fluid statics and dynamics, particle nature of matter, conservation laws, heat and temperature, Ideal Gas Law, thermodynamics
  • Applications of physics to biology, chemistry, earth/space science

Science

Minimum coursework expectations for this endorsement are 60 credits with significant lab work, including all minimum expectations (45 credits) for one of the following sciences: biology, chemistry, earth and space science, or physics and at least 15 additional credits in the other three sciences, 4 credits minimum in each. Concepts to be familiar with in each type of science and supporting math include:

  • Biology, including the cell, genetics, human anatomy and physiology, evolution, classification of organisms, ecosystems
  • Chemistry: molecular building blocks and chemical processes
  • Earth and space science, including geology and astronomy
  • Physics: matter, energy, forces and motion
  • Use of math in science, including algebra, probability and statistics, calculus

Social Studies

Minimum coursework expectations for this endorsement are 60 credits, including some in each of the following areas of study:

  • U.S. history that includes all major eras, pre-European to present day, and chronological, multicultural and women’s history — 12 credits
  • Pacific Northwest history — 4 credits
  • World, regional or country history (8000 BCE to present, two or more regions) — 12–24 credits
  • Geography — 4 credits
  • Economics — 4 credits
  • Political science, civics or government — 4 credits minimum. (Recommend 4 U.S. and 4 international)
  • Anthropology, psychology or sociology —recommended

All Level Endorsements

All Level endorsements are for those wanting to teach one of several specific content areas at any grade level, Preschool–12.

Bilingual Education

Minimum expectations for this endorsement are 24 credits from a specific set of courses. These can be completed at Evergreen or elsewhere for entrance into MIT.  At Evergreen, the first five of these courses are offered in a sequence beginning one summer and concluding the next. The sixth course may be done by contract. For information, contact MIT advisor Maggie Foran 360-867-6559. For MIT admissions purposes, another endorsement is required with this endorsement, preferably from a content endorsement such as elementary education, middle-level humanities, science, math or social studies.

  • Linguistics for teachers of English language learners — 4 credits
  • First and second language acquisition theory — 4 credits
  • Literacy development for English language learners — 4 credits
  • Content area ELL methods — 4 credits
  • Assessment for ELLs — 4 credits
  • Bilingual teaching methods that support learning in the second language of instruction — 4 credits
  • In addition to passing the WEST-E for Designated World Languages, applicants must verify speaking, listening, reading and writing in a second language through passing the ACTFL oral proficiency interview (OPI or OPIc) and writing test (WPT) at the advanced mid level. See www.languagetesting.com for OPI and WPT test information.

Dance

Minimum coursework expectations for this endorsement are 30 credits in dance, with coursework including the content areas listed below. Please note that for MIT admissions purposes, another endorsement is required with the dance endorsement. A portfolio of specific videotaped evidence and reflections is also required. For information, contact the MIT advisor.

  • Elements of dance to include time, space, energy, movements and principles of aesthetics, critique
  • Composition and principles of organizing movement, kinesthetic intelligence
  • Principles of anatomy and kinesiology, nutrition and injury prevention
  • Understanding and experience with choreography, processes and forms
  • Social, cultural and historical contexts and connections with dance, western and non-western
  • Supporting elements of dance production, including knowledge of safety guidelines and experience with scenery, costumes, lighting, sound, props, media and technologies
  • Performance and knowledge of dance styles/genres
  • Other applicable courses such as teaching methods

Designated World Language (DWL)

Minimum coursework expectations for this endorsement are 24 credits (45 preferred) in one of these languages: French, German, Japanese or Spanish, including specific credit and evidence as described below. For MIT admission purposes another endorsement is strongly recommended with a DWL endorsement.

  • Academic credit in the world language — 12 credits minimum, including 8 credits in reading and writing the language and 4 credits in advanced conversation
  • Language acquisition theories (this course is offered in the fall at Evergreen; contact MIT advisor Maggie Foran, 360-867-6559) — 4 credits
  • Foreign language teaching methodology — 4 credits
  • Interdisciplinary integration related to the world language (incorporating the language into other content areas such as history, geography, art, music and economics) — 4 credits
  • Evidence of knowledge of a culture where the language is spoken (can be demonstrated by coursework in which the similarities and differences between the cultures of the United States and a region where the other language is spoken are studied and/or through significant participation in a community where the language is spoken)
  • In addition to passing the WEST-E for Designated World Languages, applicants must verify speaking, listening, reading and writing in a second language through passing the ACTFL oral proficiency interview (OPI or OPIc) and writing test (WPT) at the advanced low level. See www.languagetesting.com for OPI and WPT test information.

English Language Learners (ELL)

Minimum expectations for this endorsement are 20 credits from a specific set of five courses. These can be completed at Evergreen or elsewhere for entrance into MIT. At Evergreen, the courses are offered in a sequence beginning one summer and concluding the next. For information contact MIT advisor Maggie Foran, 360-867-6559. For MIT admissions purposes another endorsement is required with this endorsement, preferably from a content endorsement such as elementary education, science, math or social studies.

  • Linguistics for teachers of English language learners — 4 credits
  • First and second language acquisition theory — 4 credits
  • Literacy development for English language learners — 4 credits
  • Content area ELL methods — 4 credits
  • Assessment for ELLs — 4 credits

Reading

Minimum expectations for this endorsement are 20 credits from a specific set of courses. These can be completed at Evergreen or elsewhere for entrance into MIT. At Evergreen, the first two courses are offered one summer, the next two are offered the next, and continue to alternate in this pattern. The fifth, on either children's or adolescent literature, may be taken either summer.

For MIT admissions purposes, another endorsement is required with this endorsement, preferably from a content endorsement such as elementary education, science, math or social studies.

  • Foundations of literacy - 4 credits
  • Research in literacy - 4 credits
  • Instructional methods in reading - 4 credits
  • Assessment in reading - 4 credits
  • Either children's literature or adolescent literature course - 4 credits

Special Education

Minimum expectations for this endorsement are 24 credits from a specific set of five courses. These can be completed at Evergreen or elsewhere for entrance into MIT. At Evergreen, these courses are offered in a sequence beginning one summer and concluding the next. For information, contact  MIT advisor Maggie Foran, 360-867-6559. For MIT admissions purposes, another endorsement is required with this endorsement, preferably from a content endorsement such as elementary education, science, math, English or social studies.

  • Introduction to special education that includes history, philosophy, legal issues, characteristics of learners, and individual learning differences — 6 credits
  • Assessment, diagnosis and evaluation — 4 credits
  • Planning and managing the teaching and learning environment, and managing student behavior and social interaction skills — 4 credits
  • Planning, content and practice of special education curriculum — 6 credits
  • Professional seminar that covers communication and collaborative partnerships with individuals, families, professionals and the community, technology, early childhood special education and transition planning — 4 credits

Theatre Arts

Minimum coursework expectations for this endorsement are 30 credits in theatre arts, including some credit in each of the areas of study listed below. For MIT admission purposes, another endorsement is required with the theatre arts endorsement. A portfolio of evidence and reflections is also required. For information, contact the MIT advisor.

  • Acting skills, including improvisational and script-based
  • Theatrical design and construction
  • Directing
  • Stage management
  • Creation, analysis and criticism (of script and performance)
  • Dramatic literature: historical development and cultural contexts
  • Legal and contemporary issues in theatre
  • Equipment, materials and facilities safety

Visual Arts

Minimum coursework expectations for this endorsement are 45 credits in the visual arts, including some credit in each of the areas of study listed below. For MIT admission purposes, another endorsement is strongly recommended with the visual arts endorsement. A portfolio of evidence and reflections is also required. For information, contact the MIT advisor.

  • Skills and techniques in multiple media (e.g., painting, sculpture, drawing, photography) — minimum 12 credits
  • Composition and production using design principles — 4 credits
  • Analysis and interpretation of art — 4 credits
  • Social, cultural and historical contexts and connections — 4 credits