The Department of Teacher Education

Chairperson: John Traynor

Directed by our Jesuit mission, Gonzaga University develops socially responsible professionals who serve with care, competence, and commitment.  The department of teacher education offers a thorough preparation in professional teaching at the graduate level.  It is committed to the development of exemplary educators through the integration of knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary for teaching and learning in a global and democratic society. The program utilizes a cohort group structure in which entering candidates proceed through a prescribed sequence of classes together.  The Masters of Initial Teaching program leads to an elementary or secondary teacher certification in a one (1) or two (2) year program.

Applicants seeking elementary education certification will receive an elementary endorsement and teach grades K-8 as generalists in a self-contained classroom. Secondary education certification candidates teach grades 5-12 and choose a specific content area (endorsement) to teach. The content areas must be selected from one of the following approved endorsements offered at Gonzaga: biology, chemistry, physics, English language arts, social studies, health and fitness, mathematics, music, and designated world languages. Additional endorsements are encouraged. For additional endorsements, visit the certification office for requirements.

Washington State certification requirements may change, so it is the applicant’s responsibility to stay current by checking with their School of Education advisors and the Certification Office.

The teacher certification program meets standards specified by the Washington Professional Education Standards Board (PESB), The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), and the Northwest Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC).

Admission Requirements

All MIT candidates must satisfy the following admission requirements before full acceptance to the School of Education Graduate School can be granted.

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
2. A completed application form (see the School of Education website: http://www.gonzaga.edu/soe/grad).
3. A $50.00 non-refundable application fee.
4. One (1) official transcript from all colleges or universities attended. Transcript analysis for endorsement is required. International applicants must submit foreign transcripts in the original language and an English copy.  Only degrees and courses from a regionally accredited institution will be accepted.
5. A written statement of purpose addressing the applicant's: a) commitment to becoming a K-12 educator, b) past and present academic experiences and, c) ability to work with children or youth.
6. Two (2) confidential letters of recommendation from individuals who have current knowledge of the applicants' capabilities. Gonzaga University Recommendation forms are required. Individuals recommending the applicant should be selected with care and be able to attest to the qualities listed on the Confidential Recommendation forms (see the School of Education website).
7. A completed declaration of endorsement form.
8. A personal interview with the MIT admissions committee.
9. Submission of an official TOEFL score of at least 550 (minimum score of 80 if taken via internet) by each international applicant who has graduated from a foreign college or university and who native language is not English.
10. Submission of a financial declaration and supporting documentation by each international applicant.

Candidacy Requirements

MIT candidates are required to have items (1 - 6) satisfied at the end of the fall semester prior to student teaching as a condition of full acceptance to the MIT program.

1. Passing scores on all three sections (reading, writing, and math) of the WEST B (basic skills test) or alternative.  See www.west.nesinc.com
2. Passing score on the WEST E (endorsement) test in one approved endorsement area. See www.west.nesinc.com
3. Teacher candidates must maintain a 3.00 GPA or higher throughout the program.
4. Teacher candidates must have no uncorrected dispositions as outlined in the Disposition Intervention Process policy.
5. All endorsement coursework must be completed by the end of the fall semester prior to student teaching.
6. Teacher candidates must "meet standard" in all field experiences.
7. The MIT Director will review and document that all candidacy requirements have been met.

Elementary Education Certification: 43 credits

12-Month Program

Elementary - 24-Month Program

Secondary Education Certification: 37 credits

12-Month Program

Secondary Education Certification: 37 credits

24-Month Program

Master of Education in Literacy (MEd)

Program Director: Deborah Booth - This program is currently unavailable. It may be offered in the future.

The Master of Education in Literacy is designed to expand the knowledge and skill base of the classroom teacher and other education professionals. This program meets the requirements for adding a K-12 reading endorsement in the State of Washington and the national standards for a reading specialist described by the International Reading Association. The emphasis of this 34 credit program is an effective instructional strategies and models, reading diagnosis and remediation, and working with at-risk readers and writers at all grade levels.

This two year program utilizes a cohort group structure in which entering students proceed in a prescribed sequence of classes together. Course offerings are scheduled during evening hours to accommodate the working professional.