Sep 15, 2024  
2024-2025 University Catalog 
    
2024-2025 University Catalog

Professional Teaching Foundations SPED Certificate Summer Start


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 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: 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, 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; and
  • exhibit the dispositions of a professional educator, including their understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities, relevant law and policy, and educational foundations.

Quarter 1


Candidates must complete all courses listed below concurrently:

Total Credits: 24


College and Department Information


Curriculum, Supervision, and Educational Leadership Department  
College of Education and Professional Studies  

Online Availability
This program is offered exclusively online.

Program Codes
​Major plan code: PTFSSPEDG