With prestigious master’s degree programs and progressive curriculums, Seattle is an attractive city for talented teachers nationwide. Programs like Seattle University’s master in teaching provide a holistic approach for aspiring teachers, using a cohort-based model, knowledgeable mentors and experience with curriculum development. The program is dedicated to thorough teacher preparation and attracts aspiring teachers, like recent graduate Lindsay Quinn.
Teacher Lindsay Quinn (photo courtesy of Lindsay Quinn)
Lindsay Quinn, who earned a bachelor of arts in English from Alfred University in New York, went on to earn a TESOL, or Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages certification. Quinn taught English in Japan for students in grades K-12 from 2008-2009.
“I was craving that give-and-take of sharing stories and ideas,” she explained.
After that year of teaching, Quinn knew that she wanted to pursue teaching at a higher level. After researching different programs, Quinn found Seattle University’s master in teaching program. She was determined to relocate across the country to pursue this program, but gaining admission wasn’t easy. Seattle University is a prestigious school, and having her admission deferred twice only steeled her determination to try a third time.
“When I was finally accepted, I was so proud to be a part of the program. It was important to find a program that supported self-efficacy and individualism,” Quinn stated.
“Seattle University’s MIT program is an organic experience. You’re truly learning to become a master teacher. You learn about different types of learning and how you can facilitate the learning of different types of learners. Seattle University places its MIT students in various field experiences, preparing future teachers for positions at different types of schools.”
Seattle University also provides its students with end-of-program teacher assessments that help aspiring teachers learn their strengths and weaknesses. After participating in such thorough teacher preparation, Quinn realizes that choosing the school where she will teach is just as important as choosing the school where she learned how to be a teacher.
“It’s important to not fall into the trap of ‘just any job.’ Your first year of teaching is very important. It helps you identify who you’re serving. I’m using substitute teaching to search for the perfect fit. You need to identify the school community that you want to become a part of.”
Quinn is excited to work in the Seattle School District because it mirrors her dual commitment to student education and teacher education.
“The Seattle School District is great with teacher development. It’s built into the school year so that teachers have continuing support,” Quinn explained. “My mentor at Seattle University was board certified and I also want to become nationally board certified. Schools will be rolling out the new common core standards in the next two years.”
Quinn is excited about the future of education in Seattle.
“My mentor has now moved on to become an administrator. It’s exciting to see those I admire changing the future dynamic of education.”
She added: “It’s an exciting time to be a teacher.”
Tracy Campion is a freelance writer covering all things Seattle. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
