This Certificate program is stage 1 of 2 stages intended for candidates seeking Washington State Residency Teacher Certification with an endorsement in Special Education. Certificate 1 consists of two quarters of study, combining online/hybrid coursework and a year-long clinical experience in a K-12 classroom. Candidates must complete Certificate 1 and Certificate 2 at CWU and pass the edTPA in order to be recommended for Washington State Teacher Certification. Applicants include paraprofessionals, career switchers, and teachers currently employed under emergency credentials.
Certificate 1 is entitled Professional Teaching Foundations SPED and certificate 2 is entitled Professional Teaching Praxis SPED.
Admission Requirements
Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in last thirty credits of college (undergraduate or graduate) course work.
Score of 240+ on the WEST B sub tests (writing, reading, and mathematics).
As an alternative to the WEST-B, applicants may choose to submit either SAT or ACT results. For the SAT, the following are considered minimum admission scores: Math 515, Reading 500, Writing 490. For the ACT, the following are considered minimum admission scores: Math 22, Reading 22, Writing 23.
Passing score on the appropriate WEST-E or corresponding NES test in the content area(s) for which the candidate seeks endorsement.
Graduation Requirements
Candidates must complete all courses with a grade of B- or higher, maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.
Program Requirements
Successful completion of the following: Intensive experience during the first quarter of coursework; a year-long internship, including a minimum of 720 hours in a K-12 classroom; 3 day-long in-person Saturday seminars during the Fall and Spring quarters; 2 virtual Saturday seminars in Winter; and a passing score on the edTPA.
Program Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, the students/teacher candidates will be able to:
- Make appropriate instructional choices based on learner characteristics and the context of the school and community.
- Implement, and assess a curriculum that is coherent and aligned with state standards.
- Exhibit the dispositions of a professional educator, including their understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities, relevant law and policy, and educational foundations.
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