Alternative Route to Teacher Certification: Elementary Education Certificate

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This alternative route to teacher certification program is designed for people who have a bachelor’s degree and prior experience, and want to complete a teaching program in as little as one year to obtain the elementary education endorsement and one additional endorsement of their choice, either English language learners or special education. All the students in this program will take the required core courses, but will select one emphasis from two options: English language learners or special education.

Alternative Route to Teacher Certification: Elementary Education Shared Core

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) coursework.

Passing scores on the WEST B sub-tests (writing, reading, and mathematics).

Passing scores on the NES elementary education sub-test 1 and sub-test 2 and the WEST-E (English language learners or special education) before entering the program or within the first two quarters in the program.

District validation of qualifications that include a one-year-long internship.

Graduation Requirements
Candidates must complete all major courses with a B- or higher, maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0, and meet all requirements of the Teacher Certification Program for Washington State Teacher Certification.

Program Requirements
Successful completion of the following: Pre-residency intensive experience; a year-long internship that includes a minimum of 720 hours in a K-8 classroom; successful completion of a Saturday seminar once a month; successful completion of coursework.

Alternative Route Core Requirements Credits: (24)

These courses will be taken by all the students in the program.

EDBL 535 - Teaching Diverse Learners Credits: (5)
OR EDSE 535 - Teaching Diverse Learners Credits: (5)
EDU 572 - Clinical Practice I Credits: (1)
EDU 573 - Clinical Practice II Credits: (1)
EDU 574 - Clinical Practice III Credits: (1)
EDU 575 - Legal Issues in Education Credits: (3)
ELEM 470 - Since Time Immemorial Curriculum Seminar Credits: (1)
ELEM 510 - Elementary Education Methods I: Humanities Credits: (4)
ELEM 511 - Elementary Education Methods II: STEAM Credits: (5)
HPE 555 - Elementary Education Methods III: Physical Education and Health Credits: (3)

Emphasis I: English Language Learners Requirements Credits: (12)

These courses will be taken by students who select the English language learners emphasis.

EDBL 514 - Introduction to Linguistic Diversity in Education Credits: (3)
EDBL 530 - Sheltering in Mainstream I: Methods Credits: (3)
EDBL 531 - Sheltering in Mainstream II: Assessment and Resources Credits: (3)
EDBL 550 - Advanced Literacy Development with Linguistically Diverse Students Credits: (3)

Emphasis II: Special Education Requirements Credits: (13)

These courses will be taken by students who select the special education emphasis.

EDSE 520 - Behavioral Management and Interventions for Students with Exceptionalities Credits: (3)
EDSE 522 - Collaboration, Consultation and the Inclusive Environment Credits: (3)
EDSE 524 - Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment for Students with Exceptionalities Credits: (4)
EDSE 531 - Program Management for Students with Exceptionalities Credits: (3)

Total Core Credits: 36-37

Total Certificate Credits: 36-37

College and Department Information

Education, Development, Teaching and Learning Department
College of Education and Professional Studies

Online Availability
This program is offered exclusively online.