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Washington State University

Math and Science Education Overview

Math equation

You’ve already got the brains. We help you become a capable scholar.

Our mathematics and science education doctorate degree will help you get ready to make important contributions to the field. Maybe that’s in research. Maybe it’s by working in school, leading teacher professional development, developing or studying STEM museum exhibits, or in some other professional context. Regardless, your education will increase your versatility.

The statewide WSU system makes this Ph.D. accessible. Even though you apply for the Pullman campus, you may attend from many of the WSU campuses including: Pullman, Spokane, Tri-Cities, or Vancouver. While Ph.D. programs in education are admitted exclusively to the Pullman campus, select academic programs afford some opportunity for students to access classes and/or advising on one of the other campuses. That includes the Mathematics and Science Education program. Therefore, applicants interested in Mathematics and Science Ph.D. program on one of the other campuses, must apply through the Pullman campus and indicate their intention to take classes in another location.

Students have opportunities to study and work with a variety of faculty possessing a range of specializations and research interests. We’re confident that if you want to make important contributions to the research base, or learning environment of mathematics or science education, this degree is for you.

PROGRAM ADVANTAGES
  • Supportive faculty members who are invested in you and there to guide you toward expertise.
  • Students choose an individualized path of study.
  • The program is accessible from Pullman, Spokane, Tri-Cities, and Vancouver campuses.
  • Our program has a track-record of supporting a broad learning community.
  • All courses, advising, and weekly seminar are supported by a statewide teleconferencing system
Other important info
Coursework

The program encompasses foundational courses in educational research, and mathematics and science education, as well as research experiences. The Ph.D. candidate can determine an individualized focus on mathematics, science, or cross-disciplinary study.

Handbook

Current and Past Handbooks

Student Learning Outcomes

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Application Requirements
  • Applicants must have completed a master’s degree from an accredited institution in education, mathematics, science, technology, or other related field
  • Applicant must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Incoming students are expected to have a strong foundation in mathematics or science. Preferably, applicants have experience in teaching mathematics/science education in settings that are either formal (K-12, University levels) or informal (STEM museums, after-school or community-based STEM programs).
  • We seek students who show a commitment to educational research in Mathematics and/or Science Education, who have familiarity with K-12 school contexts, and have a strong foundation in mathematics and/or science.
How to apply:

Please follow the application procedure as outlined in our Apply page.

Application Deadline

The priority application deadline for fall term is December 1; for spring it is July 1. Applications close May 1 for fall term and October 1 for spring term. Although late applications may be considered on a space-available basis through the closing date, the department cannot guarantee an admission decision by term start nor funding will be available for late applicants. International students are strongly encouraged to apply by the priority deadline to allow for any potential visa issues, late applicants may not have time to obtain the necessary paperwork (e.g., visa) to attend classes by the beginning of their admission term.

Program at WSU Spokane

While Ph.D. programs in education are admitted exclusively to the Pullman campus, select academic programs afford some opportunity for students to access classes and/or advising on the WSU Spokane campus. Therefore, applicants interested in Math/Science Ph.D. program in Spokane, must apply for the Pullman campus and indicate their intention to take classes in Spokane.

Program at WSU Tri-Cities

While Ph.D. programs in education are admitted exclusively to the Pullman campus, select academic programs afford some opportunity for students to access classes and/or advising on the WSU Tri-Cities campus. Therefore, applicants interested in Math/Science Ph.D. program in the Tri-Cities, must apply for the Pullman campus and indicate their intention to take classes in the Tri-Cities.

Program at WSU Vancouver

While Ph.D. programs in education are admitted exclusively to the Pullman campus, select academic programs afford some opportunity for students to access classes and/or advising on the WSU Vancouver campus. Therefore, applicants interested in Math/Science Ph.D. program in Vancouver, must apply for the Pullman campus and indicate their intention to take classes in Vancouver.

Globalization, Diversity, and Education Conference (#GDE2023)

September 14-16#GDE2023

This year’s theme is Kinship-in-Action. Learn more about the conference and WHY it is important.

Conference Overview

Groups of People

Relive #GDE2023 in photos

Whether you were there and want to remember things, or just want to see what you missed, we got the pics!

View photos

Michelle Jacob and Paula Groves Price

Keynote Speakers 

We have two incredible speakers for this year’s conference to welcome us and then help us understand kinship-in-action.

Learn More

Northern Quest

Location Information

Once again, this conference will be at the Northern Quest Hotel & Resort in Airway Heights, WA.

Learn More

Press Play

Socialize

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#GDE2023, #globalization, #diversity, #agentsofchange

They said it…

GDE is a supportive and challenging environment for scholars and activists to engage in stimulating and at times difficult dialogue on today’s educational issues. 

—A.G. Rud

Every year, the Globalization Conference brings together top scholars from institutions and organizations all over the country, and in fact, from various areas of the world. These well-respected thought leaders share research, dialogue, and strategize deeper ways of working together for greater justice in schools and communities. The energy and commitments to rejecting racist policies and practices and mobilizing higher education, K-12 education and community organizations for equity and justice was powerful to witness.

—Paula Groves Price

Teacher Education – Residency Certificate

books

You are in the home stretch! It is teaching certification time!

We cannot congratulate you enough for all the hard work you have put in. While the teaching certification process may seem confusing at first glance, we can help you take a deep breath and easily understand it.

In order to be awarded your certificate, a candidate must:

  • Earn a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from a regionally-accredited college. That includes us.
  • Complete a state-approved teacher prep program. That includes ours.

After this process is complete, we recommend your certification with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. We will then send you an email (to your WSU email address) with instructions on how to apply using the state’s E-Certification portal.

You may then receive the Residency Certificate (First Issue), which is valid for three years from the time you are reported as employed by a Washington school district as a teacher with 1.5 FTE experience, or more.

Certification fees

Teacher certification comes with unique fees (sorry). To help you plan, below is a list of fees that are required for all teacher candidates. This does not include course, degree, or university fees. Prices are subject to change. This is strictly a guide to help you map out your finances as you progress through the program.

Description of Fee Fee Amount Length of Validity Due
Fingerprinting $55-70 Two years Before first practicum.  Fingerprints must be valid each time you are enrolled in a practicum or student teaching and until you apply for your teaching certificate – about two months after student teaching.
Liability Insurance $7.50-25 One year Before first practicum and must be valid each time you are enrolled in a practicum or student teaching.
Content Exam (NES or WEST-E) $95-155 No expiration date Prior to enrollment in advance practicum (TCH_LRN 490 for elementary and 469 for secondary).
*ACTFL Oral $55-155 No expiration date Prior to student teaching.
*ACTFL Written $65 No expiration date Prior to student teaching.
Teaching Certificate $93 N/A End of student teaching.

*Required for Spanish and French

 Financial Help
  • Financial Aid – students are able to request additional funding by completing the Revision Request form listed on the Office of Financial Aid’s website. Your request should be noted in the “special fees” section of the form. Financial Aid will require you to submit a copy of the bill showing you owe the fees or a statement showing a zero balance.
  • WEST/NES Vouchers – Washington State University is given a limit number of vouchers for the WEST-B, WEST-E and NES exams. To request a voucher complete a financial assistance request form.

More questions?

Check out our answers to frequently asked questions.

Teacher Education – Professional Certificate


 

 

Testing. Out-of-state applicants applying for the professional teacher certificate in lieu of the residency shall successfully complete all required testing:

* Teachers with valid National Board Certification are exempt from certain testing requirements. Please see teacher assessments for details.

 

 

More questions?

Check out our answers to frequently asked questions.

ProTeach Contacts


To have a ProTeach support program delivered in your school district, please contact Debra Pastore

WSU Pullman
(Online or in-district)
Debra Pastore
509-335-7475
dpastore@wsu.edu

WSU Spokane
Debra Pastore
509-335-7475
dpastore@wsu.edu

WSU Tri-Cities
Maria Moscatelli
509-372-7186
mmoscatelli@tricity.wsu.edu

WSU Vancouver
Debra Pastore
(509) 335-7475
dpastore@wsu.edu

Wenatchee Area
Joan Wright
jatwoodwright@gmail.com

ProTeach Admission

Application

It’s easier than you might think.

You may enroll in the WSU ProTeach Support Program before you enroll with the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) portfolio/external assessment. These are two separate programs, thus, there are two separate enrollments. One is with the state. One is with us.

WSU ProTeach Support Program enrollment application
PESB online ProTeach Portfolio enrollment* application
  • Must hold a current residency certification
  • Taught for two years and accumulated at least 1.5 FTE
  • Your enrollment date determines your submission deadline.  Please review the PESB assessment calendar to ensure you have adequate time to complete your work.

Again, our ProTeach support program and the PESB ProTeach Portfolio are two different programs. Each program has a required application process. Acceptance to one program is not acceptance into both programs.

Applicants who would like to pursue a master’s degree along with their ProTeach must meet regular WSU Graduate School and college admission criteria.

Teachers must verify completion of the child abuse course work requirement when they apply for their Professional Certificate. The child abuse course is defined in WAC 181-79A-030(6) and includes the identification of physical, emotional, sexual, and substance abuse, information on the impact of abuse on the behavior and learning abilities of students, discussion of the responsibilities of a teacher to report abuse or provide assistance to students who are victims of abuse, and methods for teaching students about abuse of all types and their prevention.

ProTeach Program Types


Our program, modified to fit your needs.

Sometimes, one size doesn’t “fit all.” We give you two options to complete our ProTeach support program.

Non-credit program

  • Two courses: ProCert I & ProCert II ($500 per course)
  • Each course runs fifteen weeks
  • Teachers will meet once a week for 3 hours
  • Instructor/teachers create schedule of meeting dates/times
  • 45 clock hours available for each course ($2/hr)

*Online non-credit program has an additional $100 fee per course

Online support program

  • Two courses: ProCert I & ProCert II ($600 per course)
  • Non-credit only
  • Fall courses run 15 weeks – September–January
  • Spring courses run 15 weeks – February–June
  • 45 clock hours available for each course ($2/hr)

To enroll in the WSU ProTeach Support Program, please contact Debra Pastore at 509-335-7475 or dpastore@wsu.edu and complete the ProTeach Support Program application.

ProTeach portfolio guidelines


Teacher Education – Certification

appleteacherbook

You have the desire to teach. And, you are almost there!

The State of Washington requires prospective teachers to go through a certification and endorsement process.

Certification specifics depend on a number of factors, mostly whether the prospective teacher is wants to pursue either elementary or secondary education, as well as whether they are a first-time applicant or experienced professional.

The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) outlines all types of certificates for different situations, but here are the main two we see:

Residency certificate

This is the certificate that the majority of first-time applicants receive. Initial teacher certification is available at our Pullman, Spokane, Tri-Cities and Vancouver campuses.

To qualify for a Washington state residency teaching certificate, the candidate must:

  • Earn a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from a regionally-accredited college, such as ours.
  • Qualify for, and complete, a state approved teacher preparation program, such as ours.

The residency certificate (first issue) is valid until the holder is reported as employed by a Washington school district as a teacher with 1.5 FTE or more experience. This certificate must then be reissued with a three year expiration date.

More Residency Certificate info

Professional certificate

The Professional Certificate is the advanced level certificate. Teachers who complete National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) qualify for the Professional Certificate.

Endorsements

In addition to being certified, teachers must hold an endorsement in a teaching area approved by Washington state.

For our students who plan to teach K-8, they will pursue an endorsement in elementary education. These students are also encouraged to pursue a minor or one of the following add-on endorsements: English Language Learners, Middle Level Mathematics, Middle Level Science, or Special Education.

For WSU students who plan to teach specific subjects (such as high school history or music), the student will complete a major in that area of expertise, and will choose the teacher preparation option.

More endorsement information

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National Board for Professional Teaching Standards – Fees and Due Dates


Component

Fees (2017-2018)

Clock Hours (optional)

Clock Hour fees

Foundation
Introduction to National Boards
$20015$30
Component 1
Content Knowledge
$20015$30
Component 2
Differentiation In Instruction
$250
25$50
Component 3
Teaching Practice & Learning Environment
$25025$50
Component 4
Effective & Reflective Practitioner
$25025$50
*fee amount subject to change for the 2017-2018 year
Fee payments are due by the first day of the seminar
Clock hour payments are due the last day of the seminar

Instructions for payment

Please make your check out to “WSU NBPTS” and send to:

  • WSU NBPTS
    PO Box 642132
    College of Education
    Pullman, WA  99164-2132
Refund policy

The NBPTS Program refund policy aligns with university policy.