Admissions Requirements (all applicants)
Overview | Requirements | Process | Dates & Deadlines | Costs | Funding
The Danforth Program at the University of Washington is an initial principal and program administrator certification program offered through the Area of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies in the College of Education.
Revised Application Requirements
Since a strong and important focus of the Danforth Educational Leadership Program is instructional leadership, we have in past years used a videotape as a sample from which to judge your instructional skills and ability to demonstrate student learning.
As of 2012-2013, this requirement has been revised. Rather than submitting a video of your own teaching, we will now incorporate these concepts into the interview process in a different format. There is no need to submit a videotape at this time.
In some instances, out of state applicants who are unable to participate in an on-site interview may be asked to supplement their application with an instructional video. Instructions will be provided as appropriate. For general planning purposes, past criteria have included a 10-15 minute videotape of an instructional lesson and related student engagement. The video or DVD should clearly show you providing the setup for the lesson (5-7 minutes) and student engagement and learning, for example: discussion, small group work, presentations (5-7 minutes). If you are National Board Certified you may submit a videotape from that process.
Minimum Academic & Leadership Requirements:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution;
- Hold a Master’s degree, or apply simultaneously to the Danforth Educational Leadership
Program and the Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree program at the University of Washington (click here for Master's students guidance).
NOTE: A Master's degree is required for state certification as a principal or program administrator. By completing some additional coursework alongside the Danforth curriculum, you may obtain your M.Ed. through this course of study; - Provide evidence of scholarship (3.0 GPA generally required);
- Demonstrated leadership ability, and evidence of high quality teaching;
- Three (3) years of classroom or related experience required; 5+ years recommended. NOTE: You will need a currenteaching or ESA (Educational Staff Associate) certificate if you intend to apply for the Initial Principal certificate;
- GRE scores. Old scores are acceptable if noted on a transcript or other official document. This is required for all applicants, including those who already hold a Master's degree. For GRE testing information, visit www.gre.org.
Internship & Program Requirements
- Internship begins in August of the first year, and requires a half time (20 hours/week) commitment for the entirety of the Danforth Program.
- You MUST arrange for work release to fulfill the internship requirement. The Danforth Program requires a flexible work schedule equivalent to 1/2 time, which can be fullfilled through positions such as Dean of Students, Curriculum Coach, TOSA, etc., or a .5 reduced teaching load.