Evergreen Gets Exemplary Marks for Teacher Preparation
Also First in State Approved to Offer New, Separate Middle Level Math and Middle Level Science Teaching Endorsements
(Olympia, Wash.) The State of Washington Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) voted unanimously on January 16 to reapprove the Master in Teaching Program (MIT) and the Professional Certificate Program at The Evergreen State College in Olympia. Both programs were reapproved for five years based on demonstrated and even “exemplary” compliance with state standards. The Board also approved Evergreen’s request to offer the new, separate, more rigorous Middle Level Math and Middle Level Science endorsements which lead to being highly qualified to teach these subjects in grades four through nine.
Evergreen’s MIT program is the first teacher preparation program in the state to receive approval to offer these newly adopted endorsements.
The PESB conducted an in-depth on-site evaluation and gave the Evergreen MIT program “exemplary” marks in more than half a dozen key areas including overall program design, quality and effectiveness of its Professional Education Advisory Board, field experience and clinical practices, collaboration with P-12 schools, experience working with diverse faculty, and recruitment, admission and retention, including outreach to and inclusion of students of color.
In its accreditation report, the PESB noted praise for Evergreen’s MIT program and students from local school districts.
“District administrators and school administrators lauded (Evergreen) MIT candidates’ abilities to work with all students due to their coursework and field experiences,” the report noted. “In general, public school personnel find the extensive field experience exceptional. One principal commented that the two student teaching experiences that MIT candidates receive is ‘paramount.’ When asked if she hires MIT students, she stated, ‘I hire ‘em like hotcakes!’
According to program director Sherry Walton, Evergreen’s MIT graduates have an exceptional record of success in teaching. “Three of our students were honored as Outstanding (New or Young) Art Educator of the Year in 2006 and 2007, another was recognized as Outstanding Environmental Educator of the Year in 2003-04 and many more have been recognized for excellence in teaching and education.”
“Our MIT program is not only producing exceptionally qualified teachers, we’re also helping to fill specific needs in this state in high demand areas including math, science and English as a Second Language,” noted Walton.
Walton explained that the Evergreen MIT is a two-year, full-time program that leads to a master's degree and Residency Certification. She said it is aimed at people who have a bachelor’s degree and want to become teachers.
“In the program, faculty and students work together to develop the knowledge and skills to effectively support the development of the diverse learners who attend our public schools. We also have a unique emphasis on social justice and collaborative teaching and learning. Our distinctive interdisciplinary approach produces teachers that are well grounded in educational theory and practice, including an understanding of a broad range of student learning styles and teaching approaches.”
For more information about the MIT program at The Evergreen State College, visit www.evergreen.edu/mit.
The Evergreen State College Offers Open House for Aspiring Teachers
(Tacoma, Wash.) Evergreen’s Master in Teaching (MIT) program is holding an open house for prospective students at 6 p.m. on Monday, February 11. The event will be held at Evergreen’s Tacoma Campus at 1210 6th Avenue.
Teachers from the Tacoma/Lakewood area who graduated from Evergreen’s teacher preparation program will be at the open house to share their experiences and answer questions. Staff members will also provide information about curriculum, application requirements and financial aid.
For more information about the open house, contact Maggie Foran at 360-867-6559, email foranm@evergreen.edu, or visit www.evergreen.edu/mit.