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College of Education: Masters of Teaching in Education

What is a Partnership School?

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The following are a list of questions from candidates interested in applying to the MEdT Program. These “frequently asked questions” can be accessed either in PDF format or HTML.

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If you want to find the answers to specific questions, click on the hyperlinks below:

General Questions about the MEdT Program:

Pre-entry Information:

The Application Process:

The Interview:

Financial Aid:

Other Issues:

General Questions about the MEdT Program

1. How does the MEdT program differ from other Masters programs at the UH and within the College of Education?

The MEdT Program is a teacher preparation program. It offers a two-year graduate degree that prepares teachers at the elementary and secondary level and provides the necessary eligibility for professional certification. It should not be confused with the M.Ed., which is a master’s degree program that admits people who are already certified teachers. The MEdT program has strong academic and practical components. Students spend time throughout the two years of the MEdT Program working in the field (at local schools) and at the university on a series of inquiries and projects.

2. How does the MEdT differ from other teacher preparation programs?

Students admitted into the MEdT Program must already possess a bachelor’s degree in arts and sciences. Students are admitted to work towards certification at either the elementary or secondary levels. As a cohort program, however, both elementary and secondary students work closely together during the two years. At the secondary level, the program accepts students with appropriate academic specializations in English, Math, Science, and Social Studies. At present, the MEdT Program does not prepare secondary teachers in other disciplines, such as foreign languages, art, or music.

3. Are there similar programs offered on the Neighbor Islands?

No.

4. Is the MEdT a well established and stable program?

Yes. The MEdT Program is an approved graduate degree at the University, and it has received comments of approval from official reviews such as the State Accreditation of Teacher Education report.

5. What does “cohort” mean?

In the MEdT Program, we use “cohort” to refer to the group of students admitted in any given year, and who will finish together after two years. As a cohort, the students take classes together with the same core professors throughout the two-year program. Each cohort has one or more faculty members who serve as coordinators. The coordinators are responsible for collaborating with partner schools in the making placements and in determining appropriate electives and expereinces for the students in the cohort.

6. What is the student time commitment for the MEdT?

This varies by year. The first year of the program conforms to the university calendar. Students must spend 12 hours per week in the schools or other field experiences. In addition, students meet twice a week (about 6 hours) for the Professional Studies Seminar (EDUC 601). Other time must be found for research, writing papers, and reading. Students also take other classes as part of their area of specialization (15 credits). These other courses are determined by coordinators collaboration with school partners and in consideration of stduents backgorunds and needs. The following years of the MEdT Program conforms to the Department of Education (DOE) academic calendar and students continue to take a full load of graduate credits (12-15 hours). As a student progresses in the program and is capable of contributing more to their field work, more is expected of them.

Pre-entry Information

1. What are the requirements to get into the program?

Applicants are required to have a non-education bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university. If applying from a foreign country, students must show proof of a green card in order to complete the required internship during the fourth semester. Also, if the applicant's native language is not English, the Test Of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam is required. The University of Hawai‘i Student Services Center Testing Office administers the exam locally.
Admission to the MEdT program will be competitive, and applicants will be screened on the following factors:

  1. academic aptitude (minimum GPA of 3.0)
  2. academic background appropriate for the level and subject of proposed certification
  3. ability to write clearly in Standard English
  4. motivation and suitability to enter the profession
  5. unique strengths or abilities to contribute to the program and profession
  6. completion of requirements for admission to the Graduate Division of the University of Hawai‘i
  7. An individual or small-group interview and a school visit may be included as part of the screening process.

In addition, all applicants must also pass

  • the Praxis Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST)
  • Secondary education applicants must also pass the Praxis Subject Assessment Test

2. Is prior teaching or similar experience needed to enter the program?

It is not required, successful experiences in working with children and youth is a desirable quality that can demonstrate your commitment to becoming a teacher.

3. What qualities does the MEdT Program look for in its applicants?

A strong academic background

  • inquiring mind
  • interest in working with young people
  • desire to teach
  • experience in teamwork
  • willingness to work in collaborative situations
  • commitment to the idea of school and classroom renewal

4. Is certification through the MEdT Program accepted in every state?

All the states in which the NASDTEC Interstate agreement applies: AL, AR, CA, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IN, KY, ME, MD, MA, MI, MT, NV, NM, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WV, DC. Individual State testing requirements still apply. Check with your State to see what their requirements for testing.

5. Can MEdT students go through the program and hold down a job at the same time?

The MET is a full-time program. It is very difficult to work and concentrate on program studies at the same time. Nevertheless, many MEdT students have part-time jobs during the first year of the program. The second year, however, demands a full-time engagement in teaching from Monday through Friday of each week of the academic year.

6. What can I do if I want to teach and my GPA is too low for Graduate Division and the MEdT Program?

You may wish to explore other programs in the College. Contact Student Services at (808) 956-7915 for more information. 

You can complete graduate courses before applying of the program (usually about 12 credits) that show you are capable of high quality graduate work. These credits may not necessarily count as part of the program.

Special consideration is sometimes made for students who may have performed poorly in a semester or two and who can demonstrate that their most recent academic work is a better indicator of their academic ability.  Such consideration is at the sole discretion of the program faculty.

7. Is there anyone I can meet with for advising about the program? I'd like to know whether or not I should apply.

Contact the MEdT Program to set up an appointment. Arlen Arakaki, the program secretary, can be reached at (808) 956-7856, Rm 222 Everly Hall.

8. Are only Hawai‘i residents allowed to apply to the program? Is there a preference?

No. The University of Hawai‘i is an equal opportunity/ affirmative action institution. Each year students apply to the MEdT Program from other states and are accepted into the program.

9. What if the teaching "specialization" that I seek is not offered by the MEdT Program? For example, if I wanted certification in ESL at the high school level, is there a way I can work out a course of study with the MEdT?

Currently, the MEdT Program offers teacher preparation in either elementary education or secondary education in English, Social Studies, Math and Science. Applicants interested in other subject specializations should contact Student Services, College of Education, Everly Hall, Room 126, phone (808) 956-7915.

10. Is preference given to applicants in shortage areas such as math and science?

There are fewer applicants in math and science, so there tends to be more room for applicants in these areas.

11. Are there any study guides I can review for the Pre-Professional Skills Test?

Study guides and other information regarding these tests can be obtained from Student Services in Wist Annex, Room 126, phone (808) 956-7915. Information can also be found at http://www.ets.org/teachingandlearning/index.html

12. If I am currently in another certification program, can I apply to the MEdT Program and transfer my credits? What if I am in a similar program in a different state?

Part of the strength of the program is in the collaboration among students in the courses they take together. So students must complete many of the program courses with their cohort. Still, credits can be transferred into the MEdT Program at the discretion of the MEdT faculty and University of Hawai‘i Graduate Division. They will determine if credits are in coursework that is appropriate to the program and that their inclusion will not detract form your cohort experience.

13. Can I be an unclassified graduate student and take core MEdT courses?

No. The core MEdT courses - EDUC 601, 602, 603, 604, 610, 611, 612, and 613 - cannot be taken by unclassified graduate students. These courses are reserved for the students admitted into the MEdT program.

Also, elective courses can only be accepted with the apporval of the cohort coordinator, program director and University of Hawai‘i Graduate Division.

14. Can I be an unclassified graduate student at UH and take MEdT elective courses?

This is not recommended and courses are only accepted with the apporval of the cohort coordinator, program director and University of Hawai‘i Graduate Division.  The quality of the experience depends on the interaction between the students in the program and most of that interaction occurs around the common courses the students take together. Also, partner schools offer input into the program based on the needs they see in their schools.  Cohort coordinators structure courses to meet these needs.

15. How much does it cost to go through the MEdT program?

MEdT students carry at least 12 credits each semester. Tuition for each semester of the 2008-09 academic year, for 12 or more credits, is projected to be $3948 (resident) and $9468 (non-resident). Tuition for each semester of the 2009-10 academic year, for 12 or more credits, is projected to be $4464 (resident) and $10776 (non-resident). (Fees not included)

For more detailed financial information, check out http://www.hawaii.edu/tuition/

The Application Process

1. When is the deadline for application to the program?

Applications are only accepted for each Fall semester. The deadline for next Fall semester will be March 1st (of the year in which you are applying). You must make sure to have all your materials in your file by this time.

2. I am a foreign student, are there any special requirements that I must satisfy in applying to the program?

Yes. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must show proof of a green card in order to complete the required internship during the fourth semester of the program. Also, if your native language is not English, you must pass the Test of English as a Foreign Langauge (TOEFL) exam. For more information you can contact the University of Hawai‘iStudent Services Center Testing Office at 2600 Campus Road, Room 307, (808) 956-3454. The Testing Office admininsters the exam locally.

3. Where do I send the application material?

Graduate Division application materials must be sent to:

University of Hawai‘i
Graduate Admissions Office
2540 Maile Way
Spalding Hall 354
Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96822

MET Program application materials must be sent to:

Master of Education in Teaching Program
1776 University Avenue
Everly Hall, Room 222
Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96822

4.What do I do if the required PPST exam is not offered where I live?

Information on testing in other states can be obtained from ETS or the Office of Student Services at (808) 956-7915.

5. What courses can I take during the summer to give me a head start?

This question can only be answered by your cohort coordinator once yoou are admitted into the program. Your acceptance letter should indicate a contact personwho can answer that question.

6. When filling out the Graduate Division application, what Degree Program do I list? There are several degree “education” programs listed.

The MEdT program is listed as “MEdT”—Master of Education in Teaching—in the graduate application instructions.

7. Are there any specific guidelines for letters of recommendation?

Yes. There are forms for recommendations included in the MEdT application packet.

8. Does it matter who I ask for letters of recommendation (academic, work, etc)?

It is recommended that applicants get letters from people who know the applicant and his/her ability to complete a program of graduate study and assess their suitability to enter the teaching profession.

9. Do I need to send an application packet (letters of recommendation, official transcripts, application form, etc.) to each program I apply to?

Yes. Although it is possible to have certain items transferred to another program, most programs request “official” sealed documents. Letters of recommendation are not released to other programs.

10. If I am not accepted into the program, can I get the information I sent to the program (i.e. transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc.) back or forwarded onto another program that I applied to?

The MEdT Program can return or transfer certain items. However, the applicant should keep in mind that the test scores and transcripts given to the applicant are no longer considered "official." Letters of recommendation are not returned or transferred.

11. What if all of the required information is not received by the application deadline? For example, sometimes letters of recommendation do not reach their destination by the deadline?

It is the applicant's responsibility to make sure all items are received by the deadline. The MEdT Program will accept faxed copies of letters as long as the official letter is also mailed. If you suspect items will not arrive by the application deadline you should contact the program director to learn the full implication of that event.

12. Is there a separate application process for the College of Education and Graduate Division?

Both the MEdT Program and the Graduate Division require particular documents and materials. See Question 1, The Application Process, for clarification.

13. I wasn’t accepted into the MET Program and want to reapply, what do I have to do?

The MEdT Program holds on to all items sent directly to the program and can re-open the file if a person wishes to re-apply. Applicants must check with Graduate Division regarding the re-application process.

14. If I’ve taken the GRE do you recommend that I list my scores, even if the MET Program does not require the exam as part of the application process?

It is up to you. They would nly be considered in the event that your GPA was low and the GRE scores indicate a strong academic ability.

15. How soon will I know after the application deadline whether I have been accepted into the MET Program?

Students are notified in May.

16. If I am not accepted into the program, is there a waiting list I can be placed on just in case someone who was accepted decides not to enroll?

The faculty and teachers who make up the selection committee often identify alternates. However, the list of alternates is only for admission to the year in which the student has applied.

17. How many people are admitted into the program?

Currently the Professional Development School cohorts accept about 24 applicants each year.  Hookulaiwi starts a new cohort and accepts applicants every two years.  The On-the-Job Teach for America cohort conducts their own admissions and the number accepted depends on state vacancies. 

The number and kinds of cohorts offered each year depends on faculty resources and may vary from year to year.

The Interview:

1. Will I be interviewed as part of the selection process?

Applications are screened by a faculty committee to develop a short list of potential candidates. These candidates will be contacted by the Program Director to set up an interview usually in early April.

Financial Aid

1. Are there any recommended sources and resources for helping me to find financial aid?

  • UH Financial Aid Office
  • Computer Assisted Scholarship Help (CA$H) (Hawai‘i, national, and international)
  • USA Group Student Loan Information
  • U.S. Department of Education Financial Aid Student Guide
  • Financial Aid Information Page
  • Sallie Mae (college loans and financial aid)

Other Issues

1. Am I guaranteed job placement with the Hawai‘i State Department of Education (DOE) after I graduate?

No. MEdT graduates must go through the same application and interview process as other DOE applicants.

2. Is there on-campus housing available for graduate students or anything near campus?

Contact the Student Housing Office at (808) 956-8177.

3. Is on-campus parking available for graduate students?

Contact the Parking Office at (808)956-8899 for information and rates.

4. Is there any evening program or part-time option in the MEdT?

Not at this time.

5. When do I start teaching?

The MEdT Program is a field-based program. You are in partner schools from the very beginnning of the program. MEdT students work closely with mentor teachers and gradually build their experience in classroom instruction.  Over the four semesters your engagement in various aspects of the profession are expected to increase.

6. Where else can I find information on student services and support?

Useful information can be obtained at the Student Services page on the UH server.