Stanford University

Overview

The Stanford Teaching Education Program (STEP) is a graduate pathway designed for educators committed to enhancing learning outcomes through research-informed teaching methodologies and practical clinical experience. Offered by Stanford University's Graduate School of Education, STEP empowers candidates to foster equitable and effective instruction tailored to the diverse needs of K–12 learners.

What you'll study

STEP encompasses a comprehensive curriculum that integrates theoretical coursework with structured clinical practice. The program emphasizes understanding how students learn, implementing effective teaching strategies, and applying principles of equity and ethics in educational settings.

Core coursework

• Becoming Literate in School
• Quantitative Reasoning and Mathematics
• The Creative Arts in Elementary Classrooms
• Development of Scientific Reasoning and Knowledge
• Literacy, History and Social Science
• Equity and Schooling
• Child Development In and Beyond Schools
• Ethics in Teaching
• Introduction to Academic Language

Clinical/practicum component

The program includes supervised teaching experiences that align with learning objectives. Candidates will engage in observation and practice, with specific practicum hours and placements determined by STEP each term.

Assessment and capstone

Assessment methods typically involve performance evaluations based on coursework and practical teaching experiences. While the details of the capstone project may vary, candidates should verify final assessment requirements with the STEP curriculum guide.

Entry requirements

Academic & application materials

• Completion of the Stanford online application, including a statement of purpose
• Letters of recommendation: at least three required
• Transcripts: two official transcripts from each institution attended for a minimum of one year
• Recent scholarly or critical paper: a 20–35 page double-spaced document (or two to three shorter samples if a longer piece is not available)
• CV/resume: optional but recommended
• Application fee: USD 125

Standardised tests

• GRE: required; scores must be sent directly to Stanford (code 4704)
• TOEFL iBT: required; scores must be sent directly to Stanford (code 4704)

English language proficiency

The TOEFL iBT is accepted for demonstrating English proficiency. Candidates should confirm minimum score requirements and any alternative assessments on the official STEP admissions page.

Career prospects

Graduates of the STEP program are well-prepared to pursue careers as educators, instructional leaders, and education advocates. With a focus on research-based practices and a commitment to equity, alumni can significantly impact student learning and contribute to the advancement of educational excellence.