Education (Teaching), MEdT

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The Master of Education in Teaching (MEdT) Program is designed for individuals who have previously earned a baccalaureate degree and who are seeking a field-based, graduate, teacher education program.

MEdT candidates are admitted in groups who work and learn together as a cohort. During the course of the program, MEdT candidates complete university course work and engage in research, teaching, and learning while fully immersed in K-12 school and community based field settings under the guidance of university faculty and school personnel. In seeking the simultaneous renewal of education, the MEdT Program has built educational partnerships with various groups outside of the university. These partners work with MEdT faculty to provide unique learning experiences and opportunities for MEdT candidates. While all cohorts offer the same set of core courses, the content within the courses may differ depending on the nature of the partnership each cohort coordinator has established.

Initial Licensure MEdT

The Initial Licensure MEdT Program is a two-year initial licensure program for applicants seeking a teaching license at the elementary (K-6) or secondary (6-12) levels while engaging in a program of research and inquiry consistent with a graduate degree. Successful completion of the program results in both a recommendation to the Hawaiʻi Teacher Standards Board for licensure and a master’s degree from the College of Education. Dual certification options are available to add Hawaiian Language Immersion (K-12) or Special Education (6-12).

To earn their degree, MEdT teacher candidates are required to complete 46 credits of MEdT and professional specialization courses as well as a Plan B paper or project. Each semester, the core course work involves one field course and one seminar. The combination of course work and structured time in partner schools give MEdT teacher candidates opportunities to integrate theory with field-based practice.

Teacher candidates in the MEdT program are assigned a field placement each semester by their cohort coordinators. Teacher candidates are encouraged to get involved with the school and community from the first day in their placements. Teacher candidates receive support from partner school mentors and staff and university faculty, and can expect the field work to become progressively more involved across the four semesters of the program. Teacher candidates’ performance in their field experience is assessed each semester by the candidate themselves, the school partners, and university faculty.

The professional specialization courses are meant to help teacher candidates further develop their knowledge of teaching, expertise in their content area and their strengths as agents of change and teacher leaders. Teacher candidates entering the program are expected to have completed an undergraduate program of study that has provided depth and breadth of knowledge in mathematics, science, social studies, or English/language arts needed to succeed as a secondary or elementary classroom teacher. Additional course work may be required if program faculty deem the content knowledge requirements are not being met sufficiently.

The MEdT program is offered full-time in a cohorted hybrid (online and face-to-face) statewide option. Courses may be held during the weekday, or in the evening and on weekends.

Admission Requirements-Licensure MEdT

Admission requirements include: approval of Graduate Division at UH Mānoa; minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0; and submission of passing test scores or other options approved by the Hawaiʻi Teacher Standards Board (www.htsb.org). Specific exams or other options approved by the HTSB must be passed prior to the application deadline in order to meet license requirements and national accreditation requirements. The GRE is not required and cannot be used as a substitute. Applicants should visit the MEdT website for application instructions and current testing requirements at coe.hawaii.edu/medt/programs/medt/.