Alternative Route to Teacher Certification


What is an alternative route to teacher certification?

This program is designed to help reduce teacher shortages in high needs areas, such as Special Education, Math and ELL (English Language Learners). When you complete this program and pass any state-required exams, you'll earn a Washington Residency Certificate and be endorsed to teach in one or more high needs area.

Is the alternative route to teacher certification program for me?

If you're a para-educator or experienced professional who wants to teach in a high-need area, this program is a great way to go. You could be in a classroom within two years.

Do I qualify for the alternative route to teacher certification program?

It depends on your background. If you don't have a valid teaching certificate and fall into one of the four categories below, you may qualify for the program.
  • Route 1: Para-educators who are currently employed in a public school, with at least a year of experience and a transferable associate's degree (successful route 1 students will earn their B.A. in Education)
  • Route 2: Para-educators who are currently employed in a public school, with at least a year of experience and a bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited college
  • Route 3: People who have at least a bachelor's degree with work experience in a high-need field, but are not currently employed by a school district
  • Route 4: Teachers in a public school who are on a Conditional or Emergency Certificate
PLEASE NOTE: Qualification also requires that you pass one or more Washington Educator Skills Tests. If you choose route 1, you must pass the WEST-B. If you choose routes 2, 3 or 4, you must pass the WEST-B and also appropriate sections of the WEST-E. Check out the WEST-B and WEST-E websites for more info, reference school code 312 for Alternative Routes program.

What will I learn in the alternative route to teacher certification program?

In year one, you'll focus on basic knowledge in both endorsement areas. In year two, you'll have a classroom internship, showing what you've learned as you complete tasks on the job and take on additional responsibilities throughout the year.

Choose one of these four dual endorsement tracks:

What can I do with my teaching degree and certification?

You'll be ready to step into a teaching role in a high-need area.

Why CityU?

  • Because you want an education that's relevant to what's happening in the real world, right now.
  • Our faculty teach what they do for a living, not just what's in the book. They're smart, successful people who can help you get there, too.
  • You'll go through the program with the same group of students. We call it cohort learning - it's like a built-in support group.
  • We keep class sizes small, so you can get the personal attention you deserve.
  • You can get an education without sacrificing your lifestyle.

How to get started:

  1. Take and pass the WEST B (Washington Educator Skills Test) exam.
    • Route 2,3 and 4 applicants will also need to pass the appropriate sections of the WEST-E. Check out the WEST-B and WEST-E websites for more info, reference school code 312 for Alternative Routes program.
  2. Contact a School of Education Advisor at 888.42.CityU.
  3. Apply online
    • Select B.A. Ed (route 1) or Non Degree Seeking (routes 2, 3 and 4).
  4. Order your official transcripts from other schools you attended.
  5. Talk to an advisor and then complete the Alt Route Application Packet.
  6. Schedule an interview with the program coordinator.
If you're currently working in a school district, you must submit a signed Letter of Understanding and Support from your district to enter the program.

Student Information

Phone: 888.42.CityU
Email

District Administrators Contact
Jerry Ball

Stephen Smith
Phone: 425.438.4319

Questions?

You can learn more about this program at the PESB website or call 888.42.CityU to chat with an admissions advisor.