The Master of Education in Teaching (MEdT) program has expanded dramatically in the past year. Demand for the program has taken off and with good reason. Principals and DOE personnel unanimously agree that it prepares outstanding new teachers. The MEdT program is a full-time, two-year program for those who have undergraduate degrees in areas other than education. Candidates complete a graduate degree as well as initial teacher licensure in elementary or secondary education. The MEdT program is offered on O‘ahu in collaboration with partner K–12 DOE and charter schools where candidates participate in clinical experiences from the start of the program and remain intensely engaged across four semesters. The MedT program operated from 1990 until 2005 with about 24 new candidates accepted each year in a single cohort. In 2005, the program expanded in partnership with Ho‘okula– iwi to create an additional cohort focused on Hawaiian immersion education and schools in Native Hawaiian communities. It expanded again in 2006 with a cohort formed to support the DOE’s partnership with Teach for America whose candidates are placed in emergency hire positions. In Fall 2008, the program reviewed more than 130 applicants and accepted 85 candidates in five cohorts (one TFA, one Ho‘okula– iwi, and three with partner schools).
Difference
The Department of Special Education and the Institute for Teacher Education Elementary Program began offering an evening dual preparation cohort in elementary and special education in fall 2008 with 13 students enrolled. The BEd program is designed to meet the needs of those who would benefit from an evening program of study. Niki Libarios, academic advisor in the Office of Student and Academic Affairs said, “The non-traditional evening-based schedule provides another option for students to participate in the program while having the flexibility to keep day time commitments like other classes or work. This schedule is especially beneficial to those employed by the DOE who want to keep their day jobs while pursuing teacher licensure.” Students in the dual program, whether daytime or evening, take the same required courses and go through the program with a cohort of peers. The group is co-coordinated by faculty members from the special education and elementary education departments. It is a two and one-half year program requiring candidates to attend courses two evenings per week and to participate in supervised field experiences one and one-half days per week, making this program one semester longer than the daytime program. This somewhat slower pace allows students to carry a lighter course load each semester than those in the daytime program. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be eligible to apply for licensure in special education and elementary education through the Hawai‘i Teacher Standards Board.
Expanding Pathways to Teaching
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Pursuing a Teaching License at Night
Progr ams & Projects Making
Programs & Projects Making a Difference
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