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The Graduate Certificate program for Secondary and Middle Grades Education (grades 6-12) is an 11-month program for students who have completed a baccalaureate degree and who are seeking certification in secondary and middle grades education. Applicants to this program should have an undergraduate degree in a subject normally taught in Alaska secondary schools (e.g. English, social studies, mathematics, sciences, etc). A minimum of 22 graduate credits are required.

This graduate certificate program is designed for teacher candidates who have already earned a master’s degree or have experience teaching. It requires a full-time, year-long internship in an Alaskan middle school or secondary school.

To be considered in the first round for the upcoming program, candidates must apply by April 1^st and submit all application materials by April 15th. A secondary review of applicants will be completed in an ongoing manner based on available space in the program.

Application Requirements

1. UAS Graduate Application ($60 fee)
2. Transcripts from all universities attended with a Cumulative GPA:  3.0 minimum 
3. Contact information for one reference
4. Student Information Sheet
5. Information Waiver Statement
6. Statement of Professional Objectives

7. Passing Praxis CASE/Core exam scores must be sent to UAS.  Students taking the Praxis outside of Alaska must also have the scores sent to the Alaskan Department of Education and Early Development (code R7027).  Note: students must pass the Praxis exams prior to admission

8. Passing Praxis II content area exam score must be sent to UAS prior to admission.  Students taking the Praxis outside of Alaska must also have the scores sent to the Alaskan Department of Education and Early Development (code R7027).  Note: students should contact the Program Coordinator about which Praxis II exam to take.

9. Students must complete a transcript evaluation form to be reviewed by faculty prior to admission.  If there are content deficiencies, the student will be advised to defer enrollment.
10. Applicants may also be interviewed by faculty, either face to face or through web conference.

Qualifying Educational Credential: In order to meet the criteria for teaching experience, applicants must provide documentation (evaluations, employment verification, lesson plans etc.)  from a teaching position in a private school, an outdoor or experiential education program or an international school.  Substitute teaching or early childhood experience does not apply.   The documentation should demonstrate that the applicant planned for instruction,  facilitated learning, and completed all duties related to the teaching assignment. 

Applicants should consult with the Program Advisor for approval of content endorsement.

A Student Teaching Authorization form from the Alaska Department of Education is required for the internship.

More information on the application requirements, PRAXIS testing, student teaching, and certification can be found on the SOE Student Services website.

Additional information and links to forms at: https://www.uas.alaska.edu/education/programs/secondary-education.html.

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Classes needed for state certification

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Requires a full-time teaching placement in a secondary school.  Two semesters are required (Fall and Spring) for a total of 6 credits.

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Two semesters are required (Fall and Spring) for a total of 4 credits.

Exit Criteria:

1. A portfolio that provides evidence that the student meets all program goals/outcomes (Teacher Work Sample).  

2. Satisfactory completion of all courses.

3. Official Praxis CASE/Core exam scores meeting Alaska DEED required minimums 

4. Official Praxis II exam scores meeting Alaska DEED required minimums 

5. 3.00 GPA

Upon completion, students will be able to:

1. Articulate, maintain, and develop a philosophy of education that they also demonstrate in practice. (InTASC 1, 9)
2. Understand how human development affects learning and apply that understanding to practice. (InTASC 1, 2)
3. Differentiate instruction with respect for individual & cultural characteristics. (InTASC 1, 2, 3, 7)
4. Possess current academic knowledge of their content area and utilize its core concepts, tools of inquiry, and teaching strategies in practice. (InTASC 4, 5)
5. Facilitate learning by using assessment to guide planning, instruction, and modification of teaching practice. (InTASC 6, 7)
6. Create and manage a stimulating, inclusive, and safe learning community in which students take intellectual risks and work independently and collaboratively. (InTASC 3)
7. Work as partners with parents, families, and the community. (InTASC 10)
8. Develop and maintain professional, moral, and ethical attitudes, behaviors, relationships, and habits of mind. (InTASC 9, 10)
9. Use technology effectively, creatively, and wisely. (InTASC 8)