Most of our students are full-time teachers (k-12). Our program coordinators are former-HIDOE teachers and are mindful of the needs, responsibilities, and challenges of full-time teaching while pursuing graduate degrees. Please see “Delivery Format” for information on when the courses will be offered.

Yes, The Teacher Leader Graduate Certificate (TLGC) has been built into the National Board Certification MEd (Aloha Kumu) track. Students who successfully complete the program requirements will earn a MEd degree and a TLGC. The TLGC will allow a teacher to add-a-field of Teacher Leader to an existing HTSB (Hawaii Teacher Standards Board) teaching license.

The program does NOT lead to initial teacher licensure.

In your Resume, please include things like: Examples of leadership and service in your organization, the profession, and/or your community. Such as, serving on committees, helping out with conferences or other professional development events, involvement in public policy and advocacy such as your testifying on early learning legislation, mentoring students, serving on HiAEYC or other boards, helping out … read more of What should I include in my resume?

Licensing in early childhood education is a complex issue. Hawai’i participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement which facilitates the mobility of educators among the states that are members of NASDTEC. UHM recommends you contact the office of certification in any state to which you may be relocating to get the most current information. See the … read more of Would I be able to be recommended for license in another state through this program?

There are a number of factors that determine your license designation. Previous experience, degrees, and placements for clinical experiences are among the factors.

Yes. The MEd ECE program offers an add-a-field track for practitioners already licensed in another field and an initial license option for students who do not have a teacher license. Both tracks are state approved teacher preparation program (SATEP) that recommend candidates for the appropriate PK-K or PK-3 license.

Early childhood is an emerging field. Nationally, there is a fieldwide initiative towards towards a unified field of practice, a coherent system of preparation and license recognition for early educators. Pursuing a license aligns your program requirements with Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators. Students completing a licensure program are eligible to apply … read more of What is the advantage of completing an early childhood education licensure program?

The minimum requirement for a lead teacher in a DHS licensed child care setting is not the same as what is required for teacher license. Licensed teachers complete a state approved teacher preparation program (SATEP). When completed, they are recommended to the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board for license addressed by their program.

The program does not offer any graduate assistantships.