Mastery-Based Pathway
This program is designed to prepare individuals with a bachelor’s degree to become fully certified teachers. The program is completed online with support from mentors and instructors while working full-time in the classroom. Additional professional development is also provided in your region. Courses can be completed in as little as two weeks or take as long as one calendar year depending on your needs.
This program is also available for teachers who are looking to add an additional endorsement area to an existing license.
Program Format:
The program is designed around the needs of the applicant and includes an individualized learning plan. The plan consists of the following elements:
- 5 Module Core Program
- Weekly virtual seminar/conference
- ·Quarterly professional development
- Literacy Proficiency Exams (ICLS), or courses – if applicable
- Professional Development in teaching Mathematics (MTI/TMT) – if applicable
- Additional content coursework – if applicable
To see if you qualify for the program, please complete this form. You will be asked to email unofficial transcripts and other documentation to education@lcsc.edu. Review the information below and reach out to education@lcsc.edu with any questions or call the education office at 208-792-2570.
Note: The Mastery-Based pathway is significantly different in coursework requirements. The required modules have been designed to incorporate the Idaho Standards for Initial Certification of Professional School Personnel through practice and experience rather than typical Carnegie Unit coursework.
- Each module is designed for a ten-week timeframe. The activities in the first eight weeks lead towards the performance assessment. The last two weeks are designed to develop, complete, and submit the performance portfolio.
- Modules can be completed in as little as two weeks or as long as one calendar year from the start date of the module.
- Modules are offered on a monthly basis, providing a flexible alternative to the standard semester schedule.
- The Performance Portfolio are turned in at the end of each module to demonstrate competency for the standards addressed in the module.
- The other components of the program are required for certification as a teacher in Idaho. These include the ICLS (Literacy) Exams, TMT (Teaching Mathematical Thinking), Common Summative Assessment, and the Individualized Plan for Growth (IPLP). These are completed at different points in the program, depending on the candidate’s progress and learning plan.
Each quarter, a professional development (PD) opportunity will be provided for candidates enrolled in the program. Most of these will be held on a Saturday and many will be provided online through virtual workshops, seminars, and presentations. Please reach out to education@lcsc.edu if there are any specific PD opportunities you would be interested in.