UCDS Institute - UCDS

Advance the Leading Edge of Education
Contribute to the Future of Our Field
Elevate Your Career to a New Level

Welcome to the UCDS Institute

The Institute is designed to advance our innovative educational model. We’re dedicated to transforming the face of education through a range of professional development programs and partnerships. We’re committed to helping educators grow in their careers and to inspire future teacher leaders.

A New Kind of Graduate Experience

The UCDS Graduate School of Education is designed to transform education. Our unique program operates within an innovative early learning and elementary school. Through an immersive practicum experience alongside in-depth coursework, students enrolled in the UCDS Master of Education program gain the knowledge and strategies essential to becoming leaders in education.

Learn More

Resident Teacher Program 4

Resident Teacher Program

Teaching Fellowship

Our Mission

Continuing Education

Annual Report 2

Our Mission

Our mission is to engage educators to develop, extend, and deepen their passion for learning and leading.

Promoting Teacher Excellence and Enhancing Education

With access to fresh new perspectives, tools, and resources, you’ll be prepared to take your career to the next level. Our tried and true tools and programs are designed to be adaptable, allowing teachers to adopt components of what we do at UCDS and integrate them into their curriculum to meet the unique needs of their students.

Resource Hub

Spark Magazine

Professional Development

We’d love to hear from you.

Contact Us

Early Elementary Program 2

UCDS Schools

Learn about our early education, early elementary, and elementary programs.

UCDS Institute 3

Schedule An Educator Tour

Take a tour of our campus, meet our teachers, and see our dynamic, flexible learning environment.

UCDS Fund: Find out how you can support UCDS and help elevate and amplify our innovative programs.

UCDS Institute 9

SPARK Magazine

Check out the latest edition of Spark, published by UCDS faculty and staff.

The Latest

Six Highlights of an Innovative School • Being Brave

Design-Led Learning, Education Hub

Six Highlights of an Innovative School • Being Brave

UCDS is having a birthday! As we celebrate our 110th year, we are rolling back the clock and re-sharing six highlights of an innovative school: Culture of Inquiry, Sticky Curriculum,…

Six Highlights of an Innovative School • Coaching Independence

Design-Led Learning, Education Hub

Six Highlights of an Innovative School • Coaching Independence

UCDS is having a birthday! As we celebrate our 110th year, we are rolling back the clock and re-sharing six highlights of an innovative school: Culture of Inquiry, Sticky Curriculum,…

Design-Led Learning, Education Hub

Six Highlights of an Innovative School • Mentorship Through Collaboration

Design-Led Learning, Education Hub

Six Highlights of an Innovative School • Authentic Assessment

ucds.institute

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Learn about opportunities to grow your teaching ca

Learn about opportunities to grow your teaching career with the UCDS Graduate School of Education! We are currently accepting applications for this coming fall. Join us from near and far for one of these upcoming virtual info sessions:
🔵Fri., May 19th, 12-1pm PST
🔵Wed., May 31st, 6:30-7:30pm PST

At these sessions, you will learn more about our innovative two-year Master of Education program designed for working educators. You'll have an opportunity to meet with members of our team, learn about the course of study and the application process, and get answers to your questions about the program. As an added bonus when you attend an info session, the $50 application fee is waived when you apply!

Our transformative M.Ed. program engages educators to develop, extend, and deepen their practice and passion for learning and leading. Each year, we bring together a small cohort of educators who are passionate about exploring the art and skill of teaching. Through our program, you will understand how school culture impacts teaching and student success. You will learn from experienced practitioners and will graduate ready to activate positive change in education. Our program is flexible and designed to support your professional goals.

Click the link in our bio or email us at gse@ucds.org to RSVP for one of these sessions. If neither of these dates work for you, contact us directly at the link in our bio, and we can arrange an appointment that works with your schedule. We look forward to meeting you!
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#ucdsinstitute #ucdsseattle #education #mastersdegree #masters #gradschool #teaching #teacher #teachersofinstagram #teachereducation #seattle #seattleteachers #graduateschool #graduateschoollife #gradstudent #gradlife #graduatestudent #nationaleducationassociation #nais #nwais #centralwashingtonuniversity #easternwashingtonuniversity #WWU #seattlepacificuniversity #evergreenstatecollege #piercecollege #seattleuniversity #universityofwashington #seattlecolleges #bellevuecollege

The UCDS Institute and Graduate School of Educatio

The UCDS Institute and Graduate School of Education are proud to join our founding school, @ucds_seattle, in partnership with local independent schools to bring you Kimberlee Williams through the Equity & Inclusion Speaker Series.

Dear White Women, Please Come Home: Showing Up as a Safe Space in Our Schools
Thursday, May 4, 2023 | 6:00-7:15 pm
RSVP at link in bio
***Free and open to the public***

———

Kimberlee Williams, author of "Dear White Woman, Please Come Home," is a humanist first and believes that racism can be dismantled through authentic relationship building where a mirror is held up to interrogate one's assumptions, beliefs, behaviors, and patterns of interactions. With a shift in any and all of the above, as authentic relationships dive beneath the surface, the power and harm caused by the legacy of racism can be dismantled.
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@kimberleeyolandawilliams
@pocisseattle
#ucdsseattle #ucdsalum #ucdsgse #dearwhitewomanpleasecomehome #diversity #inclusion #equity #dei #abar #antiracism #antiracisteducation #antibias #antibiaseducation #diversityintheclassroom #education #representationmatters #teachersofcolor

Join us on 4/26 to learn about opportunities to gr

Join us on 4/26 to learn about opportunities to grow your teaching career with our M.Ed. program! At this virtual info session, you will learn about our innovative two-year Master of Education program designed for working educators. We will also be joined by our Business Office Specialist, Jill Eagle, who helps support students in our financial department. We know that paying for a Master's degree is a big commitment, and UCDS is willing to help. Jill will share some ways to finance your education, including three programs we have created to make paying for graduate school a little easier:

🔵 The UCDS Teaching Fellowship provides early-career and aspiring educators with the opportunity to earn a Master of Education degree while immersed in a two-year teaching fellowship at an innovative independent school in Seattle, WA. Fellows are paid a stipend, and benefits and tuition are covered.
🔵 Scholarship funds are available. UCDS makes awards each year to help our students afford their degrees. These awards are applied directly to tuition and do not need to be paid back.
🔵 We also offer an employer match. Many schools offer professional development funds to their employees. UCDS will match employer tuition contributions up to $1,500 per year.

—HOW WE STAND OUT—
• Our graduate students join a small cohort of dedicated professionals, many of whom teach while they earn their degrees.
• Our graduate students conduct action research that will have a positive impact on their students and their schools.
• We offer flexible enrollment options to help you learn at a pace that works for you. Earn a degree in 2, 3, or 4 years. Teach during the day and earn your degree in the evenings—just one or two nights a week!
• Our faculty are leaders in the field who have years of teaching and administrative experience in a wide range of schools.

Interested? Visit the link in our bio or email us at gse@ucds.org to register for this info session. If this date does not work for you, contact us directly at the link in our bio, and we can arrange an appointment that fits with your schedule. We look forward to meeting you!

Making summer plans? Join the UCDS Institute this

Making summer plans? Join the UCDS Institute this summer for a three-day, interactive math workshop for elementary educators!

Summer Math Workshop for Educators: Constructing Mathematical Understanding | August 14-16, 2023

Looking for differentiated, project-based mathematical learning? Math Vitamins are designed to make math meaningful with hands-on, manipulative-based learning opportunities. Connect your math curriculum across subjects to ignite curiosity and develop conceptual understanding through math manipulatives. Learn more and register by visiting the link in our bio!

Need financial assistance? UCDS is excited to offer a public-educator grant to join our Math Workshop! Apply at the Math Workshop link in our bio.

Need professional development support? Clock Hours, Continuing Education Credits, and Post-BA Credits are available through @seattleu.

Are you ready to collaborate with enthusiastic educators, design engaging math curriculum, and build practical tools for your classrooms? Register today!
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#ucdsinstitute #ucdsseattle #professionaldevelopmentforteachers #teachersofinstagram #mathteachers #math #teachingforunderstanding #seattleteachers #seattlepublicschools #lifelonglearning #individualizedinstruction #profdev #teacherpd #deeperlearning #growthmindset #projectbased #projectbasedlearning #seattle #mathworkshop

M.Ed. applications are open for fall 2023! Join us

M.Ed. applications are open for fall 2023! Join us this fall, and learn how to shape school culture and transform learning. Access the application at the link in our bio. The $50 application fee is waived when you attend an information session!

—HOW WE STAND OUT—

• Our graduate students join a small cohort of dedicated professionals, many of whom teach while they earn their degrees.
• Our graduate students conduct action research that will have a positive impact on their students and their schools.
• We offer flexible enrollment options to help you learn at a pace that works for you. Earn a degree in 2, 3, or 4 years. Teach during the day, and earn your degree in the evenings—just one or two nights a week!
• Our faculty are leaders in the field who have years of teaching and administrative experience in a wide range of schools.

Interested? You can learn more, sign up for an info session, fill out an application, and contact us at the link in our bio. We look forward to meeting you!
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#ucdsinstitute #ucdsseattle #education #mastersdegree #masters #gradschool #teaching #teacher #teachersofinstagram #teachereducation #seattle #seattleteachers #graduateschool #graduateschoollife #gradstudent #gradlife #graduatestudent #nationaleducationassociation #nais #nwais #centralwashingtonuniversity #easternwashingtonuniversity #WWU #seattlepacificuniversity #evergreenstatecollege #piercecollege #seattleuniversity #universityofwashington #seattlecolleges #bellevuecollege

We are excited to announce the UCDS Teaching Fello

We are excited to announce the UCDS Teaching Fellowship - Earn your master's degree in education while immersed in a paid two-year teaching practicum at an independent PK-5 school in Seattle, WA. Teaching Fellows receive a stipend, full benefits, and full tuition for both years of the Fellowship.

As a Fellow, you will participate in the full teaching life with the support of experienced mentor teachers and advisors. The teaching environment allows you to directly apply what you are learning in the graduate program to the classroom setting. You will develop an understanding of how classroom and school culture impact learning, and you will grow your reflective-practice skills.

To learn more—including compensation and the application process—please visit the Fellowship link in our bio. There, you can also learn more about our M.Ed. program, register for an upcoming info session, schedule a personal tour or Zoom meeting, and sign up for our mailing list. If you have any questions or just want to talk with our team to learn more, please contact us at the link in our bio. We look forward to meeting you!
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#ucdsinstitute #ucdsseattle #education #mastersdegree #masters #gradschool #teaching #teacher #teachersofinstagram #teachereducation #seattle #seattleteachers #graduateschool #graduateschoollife #fellowship #teachingfellows #graduatestudent #nationaleducationassociation #nais #nwais #centralwashingtonuniversity #easternwashingtonuniversity #WWU #seattlepacificuniversity #evergreenstatecollege #piercecollege #seattleuniversity #universityofwashington #seattlecolleges #bellevuecollege

Join us this Wednesday, 4/12, to learn about oppor

Join us this Wednesday, 4/12, to learn about opportunities to grow your teaching career with our M.Ed. program! At this virtual info session, you'll be joined by one of our faculty members, Deb Chickadel, who most recently taught EDU 583 Student-Centered Curriculum Design. In this course, Deb and her co-instructor, Patrick King, led graduate students to increase their understanding of adjusting a daily lesson to accommodate all learners; gain strategies for coaching students “in the moment;” design curriculum to support students feeling a sense of belonging; and explore curriculum design through the lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion. At this info session, you will learn about our innovative M.Ed. program designed for working educators and have an opportunity to get your questions answered. As an added bonus, the $50 application fee is waived when you attend this session!

—HOW WE STAND OUT—
• Our graduate students join a small cohort of dedicated professionals, many of whom teach while they earn their degrees.
• Our graduate students conduct action research that will have a positive impact on their students and their schools.
• We offer flexible enrollment options to help you learn at a pace that works for you. Earn a degree in 2, 3, or 4 years. Teach during the day and earn your degree in the evenings—just one or two nights a week!
• Our faculty are leaders in the field who have years of teaching and administrative experience in a wide range of schools.

Interested? Visit the link in our bio or email us at gse@ucds.org to register for this info session. If this date does not work for you, contact us directly at the link in our bio, and we can arrange an appointment that fits with your schedule. We look forward to meeting you!
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#ucdsinstitute #ucdsseattle #education #mastersdegree #masters #gradschool #teaching #teachersofinstagram #teachereducation #seattle #seattleteachers #graduateschool #graduatestudent #nationaleducationassociation #centralwashingtonuniversity #easternwashingtonuniversity #WWU #seattlepacificuniversity #evergreenstatecollege #piercecollege #seattleuniversity #universityofwashington #seattlecolleges #bellevuecollege

Happy Easter to all who celebrate! We hope today b

Happy Easter to all who celebrate! We hope today brings you hope, renewal, and signs of new life.
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#graduateschoolofeducation #teachersofinstagram #easterinseattle #newteachers #mastersineducation

Last week, our Dean of the Graduate School of Educ

Last week, our Dean of the Graduate School of Education, Katie Morrison, Ph.D., represented UCDS at the 2023 National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) Conference in Atlanta. Katie is the former Science Specialist at our founding school, @ucdsseattle, and was joined by the current Science Specialist, Alyssa; together they represent 30+ years as UCDS faculty. This year's annual conference drew over 5,100 science educators and professionals dedicated to best practices in teaching science and its impact on student learning.

During the four-day conference, these two were BUSY! They presented at four events including:
◉ A session for educators called "Science in the Early Childhood Classroom,"
◉ A workshop titled "Foraging for Fish in a Melting Arctic: Seabirds as a Model for Monitoring Climate Change" where they shared the almost 50 years of research of Black Guillemots in Arctic Alaska and the curriculum designed around it,
◉ A table event of 2023 Outstanding Science Trade Books (OSTB) for which Katie served on the selection committee, and
◉ A meeting of the Preschool Elementary Science Teaching Committee on which Katie serves. Katie gave a short presentation on the survey she completed with our DEI Curriculum Specialist, Patrick, and former librarian and UCDS alum parent Lauren Gaylord, to look for DEI topics in the OSTB-submitted books.

Katie and Alyssa also attended a wide variety of workshops and sessions including some highlights:
◉ "Beyond the Surface of Race, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion," presented by Marisol Quevedo Rerucha @thischingonawrites
◉ "Project SEA: Science Education & Action," presented by Lauren Madden at @tcnj_official —
◉ "Bite Scized," presented by @bitescizededucation

Plus, they had time to take in some of the history and culture of Atlanta. All in all, a great week of personal and professional development! We're so proud of Katie and Alyssa for taking part in the conference, sharing ideas with fellow educators, and connecting with others from around the country.

@official_nsta

We met so many inspiring and motivated educators y

We met so many inspiring and motivated educators yesterday at the Washington Education Career Fair in Tacoma! Thanks to everyone who stopped by to chat and signed up for an upcoming information session, a spot on our mailing list, and to start working through the M.Ed. application process for next fall.

If you missed us, it's not too late! Click the link in our bio to learn about all the teaching, fellowship, and grad-school opportunities we offer @ucdsinstitute and @ucds_seattle. There, you can find lots of information about us and reach out to schedule an info session or meeting. We'd love to get to know you!
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#seattle #seattleteachers #gradschool #education #mastersdegree

Learn about opportunities to grow your teaching ca

Learn about opportunities to grow your teaching career! Join us from near and far for upcoming virtual info sessions:
🔵Mon., April 3, 6:30-7:30pm PST—General Information Session
🔵Wed., April 12th, 6-7pm PST—Special Focus: Meet the Faculty

At these sessions, you will learn more about our innovative two-year Master of Education program designed for working educators. You'll have an opportunity to meet with members of our team, learn about the course of study and the application process, and get answers to your questions about the program. As an added bonus when you attend an info session, the $50 application fee is waived when you apply!

Our transformative M.Ed. program engages educators to develop, extend, and deepen their practice and passion for learning and leading. Each year, we bring together a small cohort of educators who are passionate about exploring the art and skill of teaching. Through our program, you will understand how school culture impacts teaching and student success. You will learn from experienced practitioners and will graduate ready to activate positive change in education. Our program is flexible and designed to support your professional goals.

Click the link in our bio or email us at gse@ucds.org to RSVP for one or both of these sessions. If neither of these dates work for you, contact us directly at the link in our bio, and we can arrange an appointment that works with your schedule. We look forward to meeting you!
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#ucdsinstitute #ucdsseattle #education #mastersdegree #masters #gradschool #teaching #teacher #teachersofinstagram #teachereducation #seattle #seattleteachers #graduateschool #graduateschoollife #gradstudent #gradlife #graduatestudent #nationaleducationassociation #nais #nwais #centralwashingtonuniversity #easternwashingtonuniversity #WWU #seattlepacificuniversity #evergreenstatecollege #piercecollege #seattleuniversity #universityofwashington #seattlecolleges #bellevuecollege

The UCDS Graduate School of Education is having fu

The UCDS Graduate School of Education is having fun out on the road meeting lots of prospective grad students and making connections this spring! Here we are at @uweducation's ECO program's internship fair at the @uofwa . We're excited to be heading into our fifth year partnering with the program to bring in an ECO student to work at UCDS with our grad school—shout out to this year's intern, Abby!

Interested in all the teaching and education opportunities we offer at @ucdsinstitute and @ucds_seattle? We'll be attending the Washington Education Career Fair in Tacoma tomorrow from 9am-3pm. You can also learn more and get in touch by clicking the link in our bio. We'd love to get to know you!
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#ucdsinstitute #ucdsseattle #education #mastersdegree #masters #gradschool #teaching #teachereducation #seattle #seattleteachers #graduateschool #graduateschoollife #gradstudent #gradlife #academiclife #graduatestudent #nationaleducationassociation #nais #nwais #psis #centralwashingtonuniversity #easternwashingtonuniversity #WWU #seattlepacificuniversity #evergreenstatecollege #piercecollege #seattleuniversity #universityofwashington #seattlecolleges #bellevuecollege

WWU Vikings—we loved meeting so many of you at t

WWU Vikings—we loved meeting so many of you at the Education and Health Career & Internship Fair this month! From future early childhood educators, speech-language pathologists, and students who are education-curious looking for a high-quality gap-year experience, we had great conversations and were impressed by your thoughtfulness about shaping your careers in education and health.

Interested in what teaching and education tracks we offer? We'll be attending the Washington Education Career Fair in Tacoma tomorrow from 9am-3pm. You can also learn more and get in touch by clicking the link in our bio! We'd love to get to know you.
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#ucdsinstitute #ucdsseattle #education #mastersdegree #masters #gradschool #teaching #teachereducation #seattle #seattleteachers #graduateschool #graduateschoollife #gradstudent #gradlife #academiclife #graduatestudent #nationaleducationassociation #nais #nwais #psis #centralwashingtonuniversity #easternwashingtonuniversity #WWU #seattlepacificuniversity #evergreenstatecollege #piercecollege #seattleuniversity #universityofwashington #seattlecolleges #bellevuecollege
@westernwashingtonuniversity
@wwucareerservicescenter

To all who observe Ramadan, may the light of faith

To all who observe Ramadan, may the light of faith, the warmth of love, and the comfort of peace be with you and your loved ones this blessed month. Ramadan Mubarak!
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#ucdsgse #ucdsseattle #ucdsalum #ramadan #islam #muslim #seattlemuslims #ramadanmubarak #ramadankareem #education #mastersdegree #masters #gradschool #teaching #seattle #seattleteachers #graduateschool #gradstudent #academiclife #graduatestudent #centralwashingtonuniversity #easternwashingtonuniversity #WWU #seattlepacificuniversity #evergreenstatecollege #piercecollege #seattleuniversity #universityofwashington #seattlecolleges #bellevuecollege

Join us on Tuesday, 3/21, to learn about opportuni

Join us on Tuesday, 3/21, to learn about opportunities to grow your teaching career with our M.Ed. program! At this virtual info session, our Associate Director of the Graduate School of Education, Natasha Rodgers, will introduce you to our innovative Master of Education program designed for working educators. As a part of this info session, she will offer tips to help you complete your application, and as an added bonus, the $50 application fee is waived when you attend this session!

—HOW WE STAND OUT—

• Our graduate students join a small cohort of dedicated professionals, many of whom teach while they earn their degrees.
• Our graduate students conduct action research that will have a positive impact on their students and their schools.
• We offer flexible enrollment options to help you learn at a pace that works for you. Earn a degree in 2, 3, or 4 years. Teach during the day and earn your degree in the evenings—just one or two nights a week!
• Our faculty are leaders in the field who have years of teaching and administrative experience in a wide range of schools.

Interested? Visit the link in our bio or email us at gse@ucds.org to register for this info session. If this date does not work for you, contact us directly at the link in our bio, and we can arrange an appointment that fits with your schedule. We look forward to meeting you!

#ucdsinstitute #ucdsseattle #education #mastersdegree #masters #gradschool #teaching #teachereducation #seattle #seattleteachers #graduateschool #graduateschoollife #gradstudent #gradlife #academiclife #graduatestudent #nationaleducationassociation #nais #nwais #psis #centralwashingtonuniversity #easternwashingtonuniversity #WWU #seattlepacificuniversity #evergreenstatecollege #piercecollege #seattleuniversity #universityofwashington #seattlecolleges #bellevuecollege

Natasha Rodgers (she/her) is our Associate Directo

Natasha Rodgers (she/her) is our Associate Director at the UCDS Graduate School of Education (GSE). She has been with us from the very start, helping guide the inception and development of our master’s degree program. After earning two bachelor’s degrees from the University of Georgia and her Masters of Public Administration from the Evans School of Public Policy and Governance from the University of Washington, Natasha is grounded in everything it takes to create a successful and rewarding graduate school experience.

She also knows first-hand that our GSE program is unique from any other out there: “Everyone working to launch the graduate school is learning and committed to this new model of teacher development. We are inspired by the daily work of our innovative schools for children. We are striving to model the important work of collaborating with others, creating communities of belonging, and influencing school cultures that invite everyone to the learning…I have loved working alongside bold educators and leaders. We work so hard! Everyone shows up curious about each others’ perspectives, excited to re-think what we think we know, find better ways forward—all to positively impact the good work of our students and beyond.”

—Get to know Natasha—

🌧Where have you lived? “I’m originally from Georgia, and a piece of my heart will always be there. I’m currently celebrating this as my 20th year living in Seattle!”

🍳 How do you spend your free time? “I recharge by cooking a big, lovely meal with a podcast on in the background.”

📖 Any recent books you’ve enjoyed? “The pandemic inspired me to escape into science fiction; series written by N.K. Jemisin have stood out as some of my favorites.”

@universityofga
@uwevansschool
@evansschool
@uofwa
@uwgradschool

Happy Holi to all who celebrate! Feel the festive

Happy Holi to all who celebrate! Feel the festive spirit and enjoy the bright colors of life! May you have a happy and blessed Holi!
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#ucdsgse #ucdsseattle #ucdsalum #holi2023 #happyholi #festivalofcolors #indiansinseattle #education #mastersdegree #masters #gradschool #teaching #seattle #seattleteachers #graduateschool #gradstudent #academiclife #graduatestudent #nwais #psis #centralwashingtonuniversity #easternwashingtonuniversity #WWU #seattlepacificuniversity #evergreenstatecollege #piercecollege #seattleuniversity #universityofwashington #seattlecolleges #bellevuecollege

Join us on Friday, 3/10, to learn about opportunit

Join us on Friday, 3/10, to learn about opportunities to grow your teaching career with our M.Ed. program! At this virtual info session, our Dean of the Graduate School of Education, Dr. Katie Morrison, will introduce you to our innovative two-year Master of Education program designed for working educators. As a part of this info session, she will focus on many of the paths and directions your personalized practicum experience can take and how this supports and enhances your learning. You will also learn about the overall course of study and the application process, as well as get your questions about the program answered.

Our transformative M.Ed. program engages educators to develop, extend, and deepen their practice and passion for learning and leading. We bring together a small cohort of educators who are passionate about exploring the art and skill of teaching. Through our program, you will understand how school culture impacts teaching and student success. You will learn from experienced practitioners. You will graduate ready to activate positive change in education. Our program is flexible and designed to support your professional goals.

Visit the link in our bio or email us at gse@ucds.org to register for this info session. If this date does not work for you, contact us directly at the link in our bio, and we can arrange an appointment that fits with your schedule. We look forward to meeting you!
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#ucdsinstitute #ucdsseattle #education #mastersdegree #masters #gradschool #teaching #teachereducation #seattle #seattleteachers #graduateschool #graduateschoollife #gradstudent #gradlife #academiclife #graduatestudent #nationaleducationassociation #nais #nwais #psis #centralwashingtonuniversity #easternwashingtonuniversity #WWU #seattlepacificuniversity #evergreenstatecollege #piercecollege #seattleuniversity #universityofwashington #seattlecolleges #bellevuecollege

Meet Dr. Katie Morrison (she/her), the Dean of the

Meet Dr. Katie Morrison (she/her), the Dean of the Graduate School of Education (GSE). She earned her B.S. in biology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her Ph.D. through the University of Washington Molecular and Cellular Biology program. Katie is a longtime science educator, researcher, and presenter, and she transitioned into the role of GSE Dean after serving as the Student Services Director last year.

Katie is passionate about helping grow educators into reflective practitioners who have a passion for learning new things. We recently sat down with Katie, and she reflected on what makes the UCDS GSE stand out from other education programs:

"This is not your typical graduate program! It is a unique opportunity for educators to match theory to practice as they grow their skills for working with students and developing curriculum. Each course has a practicum element where students apply and reflect on what they are learning in class to their own school setting. Graduate students learn together as a cohort, and the courses are designed to be hands-on, relevant, and grounded in school culture, inquiry, and reflective practice."

What advice do you wish you'd been given when you were starting out your career? “It's okay to look for and take some side trails on the path to your career. If you are wondering about which direction you are going, talk to different people about their experiences. This was really eye opening for me!”

—Get to know Katie—

🚜What is one important place in your life? “The farm where I grew up in North Carolina. In Seattle, we moved to Magnolia to be closer to our favorite place, Discovery Park.”

🦉What are your hobbies and passions? “I love birding! I also volunteer with an Arctic research seabird study that has been going on for almost 50 years. Because of this work, I've been lucky to go to a remote area of the Arctic three times!”

📚What is a recent "favorite" of yours? “I recently read 283 books for a committee reviewing children's science books through @official_nsta. I’m also a big fan of Harry Styles and have been to multiple concerts!”

@uncchapel
@unc_system
@uofwa
@uwgradschool

Thanks for stopping by our booth last week, @centr

Thanks for stopping by our booth last week, @central_washington_university Wildcats! It was great to get to know some of you and share the many professional and graduate school paths we offer in education. Special thanks to @cwucareerservices for the opportunity to meet such amazing future educators!

We look forward to getting to know more folks this spring at these upcoming events:
📍March 3rd: Education and Health Career and Internship Fair at @westernwashingtonuniversity @wwucareerservicescenter

📍March 22nd: Washington Education Career Fair at the @tacomaconventioncenter by @washington-school-personnel-association
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#ucdsgse #ucdsseattle #education #mastersdegree #masters #firstyearteacher #gradschool #teaching #teachereducation #seattle #seattleteachers #graduateschool #gradstudent #gradlife #academiclife #graduatestudent #nationaleducationassociation #nais #nwais #psis #centralwashingtonuniversity #easternwashingtonuniversity #WWU #seattlepacificuniversity #evergreenstatecollege #piercecollege #seattleuniversity #universityofwashington #seattlecolleges #bellevuecollege

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