The UW Bothell Education Program staff and faculty and their colleagues in the public schools take very seriously their responsibility to prepare and recommend for certification individuals who uphold the highest intellectual, moral, ethical, and personal standards of the profession. The Secondary and Middle Level Teacher Certification M.Ed. curriculum, including its coursework and its program of intensive observations and participation in public schools, is designed to nurture professional excellence. The faculty and staff expect to fully support all teacher candidates toward successful completion of the program. The program promotes collaboration, rather than competition, among the teacher candidates.
The Secondary and Middle Level Teacher Certification M.Ed. Program is critically aware that during field experiences its teacher candidates are working almost daily with vulnerable and impressionable youth. Along with the public schools, the Secondary and Middle Level Teacher Certification M.Ed. has legal and moral obligations to protect public school students from harm. Our policies reflect the seriousness of these responsibilities. They are designed to safeguard students, enhance the teaching profession, and guide teacher candidates. Before teacher candidates begin working in public schools or with students, their university instructors will introduce aspects of school law and explain academic, professional, and personal requirements for success in the program.
Special Circumstances
The program recognizes that there may be an occasional teacher candidate who is having difficulty meeting program standards within the time frame allowed for certification. The program staff must inform teacher candidates who are having difficulties as early as possible, allow them the opportunity to address the problems, and provide them support in addressing the problems.
When and if appropriate, a teacher candidate will be assigned a Guidance and Support Team (GST) of faculty and staff. The GST will be available to offer support, advocacy and intervention where needed. However, if teacher candidates cannot make adequate progress in a timely fashion, they will be be advised to take a leave of absence or be dismissed from the program.
In case of a serious breach of professional standards or legal obligations, a teacher candidate may be immediately removed from their field placement and may be dismissed from the Secondary and Middle Level Teacher Certification M.Ed.