This certificate program is stage 1 of 2 stages intended for candidates seeking Washington State residency teacher certification. 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 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 and certificate 2 is entitled professional teaching praxis.
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: 3-day, Intensive/Orientation during the first quarter of coursework; a year-long internship, including a minimum of 650 hours in a K-12 classroom, monthly virtual Saturday seminars throughout the fall, winter, and spring quarters.
Program Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, 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; and
- exhibit the dispositions of a professional educator, including their understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities, relevant law and policy, and educational foundations.