The University of Puget Sound’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program is designed to prepare candidates for Washington State’s first level teaching certificate, the Residency Teacher (First Issue). While the majority of states do not automatically issue out-of-state applicants a certificate or license, they often recognize this first-level preparation and state certification as equivalent, or near equivalent, to their own. States regularly issue a one-year temporary license to allow applicants time to meet full licensing requirements. The temporary license enables a teacher to seek employment with local schools while working to remedy any deficiencies. Full state licensure may entail additional testing and/or coursework.
Prospective students and graduates alike may want to refer to the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Knowledge Base Resources. This nationwide data base includes a Directory of Certification and Licensure Offices to assist in conducting research and to access requirements for certification.
The University of Puget Sound has determined through a reasonable, good faith effort that preparation for the MAT program meets equivalent licensure requirements and/or preliminary licensure in the following states and territories:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nevada
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Puerto Rico
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
The University has determined the MAT course preparation as equivalent to licensing requirements for the following states and territories but recognizes additional testing may be required prior to issuance of a teaching credential. Prospective candidates are encourage to reach out to the individual state’s licensing agency to determine specific exam requirements:
- Alaska
- Guam
- Kentucky
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- Norther Mariana Islands
- Pennsylvania
- Virgin Islands
The states listed below have grade-level distinctions that differ from Washington State. While Puget Sound’s MAT meets requirements for elementary candidates (grades k-5) and secondary candidates (grades 9-12) in these states, we have not made a determination as to whether elementary candidates seeking employment in grades 6-8, or secondary candidates in grades 5-8, will need additional testing or coursework to satisfy licensing requirements.
- New Hampshire
- Ohio
- South Carolina
The University has not made a determination as to whether or not the MAT program meets licensure for the states listed below and encourages candidates who plan to teach in these states to reach out to the individual state licensing office for details.
- Minnesota requires a job offer before issuing a license to any out-of-state prepared teacher with less than two years’ teaching experience.
- Arkansas determines reciprocity on a case-by-case basis only.
- Georgia requires a course in teaching children with special needs and the Ethics for Education Leadership exam.
- Tennessee requires completion of the Tennessee Literacy Foundation Training
- New York determines reciprocity on a case-by-case basis only.