It’s out of my hands, and for the moment, I am relieved.
I submitted my Master in Teaching (MIT) application to Seattle University on October 1st, and I turned in my MIT application to the University of Washington last Thursday. Some people don’t like the waiting game, but I don’t mind it.
The application process was obnoxious, and it felt like I was cramming for final exams as I completed the last bit of paperwork. Maybe it was stressful because it’s been about six years since I’ve dealt with college applications. On the other hand, perhaps it was the difficulty of tracking what the Offices of Graduate Admission want vs. what the Colleges of Education require. While SU’s application requirements are pretty standard, UW asks for an endorsement evaluation (your courses/credits must match the requirements of UW departments), 60 hours of classroom observation (thank goodness for my City Year experience) and supervisor evaluation(s) from the observation.
I complained throughout the process although I wouldn’t have wanted it to be any easier. Applying to graduate school for teaching should not differ greatly from applying to any other master’s program.
On Wednesday, exactly two weeks after Seattle U received my application, I was invited to an interview! On November 4th (as if that day’s not significant and nerve-racking enough), I will participate in a group interview (with six to seven other candidates) and deliver a two-minute presentation on the following questions:
• What are the qualities that you bring to the teaching profession that will make you an effective teacher?
• What are the aspects of teaching you believe will be most challenging for you?
Seattle U is more expensive, but I would earn my certification and master’s degree in four quarters. I have always been attracted to the university, it’s much smaller than the University of Oregon (my beloved undergrad alma mater), and I love the location of the campus.
UW is less expensive… or is it? UW requires MIT students to take a course on the education of an ethnic group before the program begins, and depending on whether the UW Spanish department accepts credits from my UO Spanish degree, I may have to take additional Spanish courses. Taking classes prior to the program may mean additional fees. The newness of the MIT program can be exciting, but the info session made me nervous because many aspects of the program are still uncertain. The UW College of Education is revamping the MIT Program so that students can earn certification in one year and have an opportunity to observe and student-teach in more socioeconomically and racially diverse schools.
It’s eerie but energizing to think about college again. Just walking the two campuses made me nostalgic for Eugene but eager for a new academic experience. I am reassured to know that I can’t lose by choosing either program. With any luck, UW will offer me an interview by the end of the month. I am crossing my fingers that I will have the luxury of deciding between the two schools because they both have great programs to offer. For now, I’ll enjoy the anticipation of another interview and the relaxation of no longer worrying about applications!
