The MAE-Alternative Routes to Certification program constitutes a number of special pathways designed to meet the needs of individuals who possess a unique set of qualifications wanting to focus on secondary education. Alternative Routes are heavily, but not entirely, based in the field. Candidates for certification in these routes are assigned mentors in a school district in addition to their cooperating teacher.
The Alternative Routes program is an 19-credit program that begins in June. Candidates must complete a 40 hour practicum experience in a summer school setting. Beginning in the fall, candidates will enter an open ended internship in a school. A traditional internship will begin on or before the first day of school and continue through a minimum of one semester, although typically internships continue for longer. When the candidate feels ready and prepared, theuniversity supervisor will oversee the completion the Teacher Performance Assessment (TPA). The TPA cannot be administered before January 1. When the candidate has successfully completed the TPA and completed his/her student teaching he/she may complete the program.
After candidates have completed the initial certification portion of the program, they will need to complete 17 credits within the next three years to complete the Master of Arts in Education degree. These classes will be available on nights and weekends so candidates are able to work while finishing the degree.
We accept applications through April 1. Click here for more information on how to apply.
Summer Semester:
EDUC 544 Sociocultural Foundations of Education(2)
EDUC 520 Issues of Child Abuse and Neglect(1)
EPSY 583 Current Issues in Secondary Teaching(2)
EDUC 556 Critical Issues in Secondary Teaching(2)
Fall Semester:
EDUC 561 Instructional Methodology for Secondary Teachers(4)
EDUC 563B Integrating Seminar(2)
J-term:
EDUC 563B (Continued)
Spring Semester:
EDUC 568 Internship in Teaching(6)
Typical Schedule
| Summer |
June-August attend classes at PLU all day on Friday and Saturday plus complete a 40 hour practicum |
| Fall |
Internship in the schools Monday-Friday and attend class at PLU on six Saturdays |
| Spring |
Internship in the schools Monday-Friday and attend class at PLU only a few Saturday |
Classes to Complete the MAE:
EDUC 510 Teaching Reading and Language Arts(3)
EDUC 529 Reading & Writing Across Secondary Curriculum(2)
SPED 577 The Inclusive Classroom(2)
EDUC 562 Schools and Society(2)
EDUC 563A Application of Technology Tools for Teachers(2)
EDUC 566 Advanced Cognition, Development, and Learning(2)
EDUC 590 Culminating Seminar(4)