A new Highline College pathway is attracting early interest. Graduates of the Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education (ECE) and Elementary Education (EE) degrees can now apply to the Master of Education for Practicing Educators (MEd) program at the University of Washington Tacoma.

Dr. Tanya Powers, associate dean for workforce pathways at Highline College, said a recent information session at the college drew an enthusiastic crowd eager to advance their career potential.

Students who are K–8 certified teachers have the ability to increase their wages with this master’s degree, while earning an English Language Learners (ELL) endorsement or a Special Education endorsement. This program also allows full-time permanent state employees to take advantage of the 12-credit tuition waiver to reduce costs.

“Highline College is proud to collaborate with the University of Washington Tacoma to create a seamless pathway into the Master of Education for Practicing Educators,” said Dr. Powers. “We are excited to have our students access quality graduate programs.”

Dr. Rachel Endo, dean of the School of Education at the University of Washington Tacoma, shared Dr. Powers’ sentiment about the partnership between the two institutions.

“UW Tacoma’s School of Education is deeply honored to partner with Highline College. With a shared mission to advance equity and excellence in education, this pathway will allow us to prepare practicing educators to advance their education in service to diverse communities, families, and learners,” Dr. Endo said.

She noted: “I also look forward to our ongoing partnership as we collaborate with our communities and schools to provide a culturally sustainable and high-quality education to all children, irrespective of their backgrounds or circumstances.."

Students who have successfully completed, or are in their final two quarters of, the BAS ECE or EE undergraduate programs at Highline College are eligible to apply to the program.

Graduates of these programs with a GPA of 3.0 or higher will not be required to complete any leveling courses before starting UW Tacoma’s MEd for Practicing Educators program, allowing for a streamlined application process.

Students who are interested in the pathway should contact Highline’s Education Department and communicate with Luckisha Phillips or John Pizarro for advising about the BAS in ECE and EE. For more information, contact Tanya Powers at tpowers@highline.edu.