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 in one year for Routes 2, 3, 4.

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

It depends on your background. You may qualify for a program if you fall into one of the three categories below:

• 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 in the content area and/or five years' work experience in the 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 Teaching Certificate

PLEASE NOTE: Qualification also requires that you pass one or more Washington Educator Skills Tests. For routes 2, 3 or 4, you must pass the WEST-B and the state-required WEST- E for the content area prior to starting the program. Check out the WEST-B and WEST-E websites for more info.

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

This program focuses on providing students with both field participation and academics. The course work is combined with classroom teaching in a comprehensive program that will prepare you for teaching in the real world. The Alternative Routes program leads to teacher certification in the high needs areas of Special Education, Mathematics, and English Language Learners with the dual endorsement options available below:

• Elementary Education (K-8) plus Special Ed. (P-12)
• Elementary Education (K-8) plus ELL (P-12)
• Special Education (P-12) plus Math (5-12) or Middle Level Math (4-9)
• Special Education (P-12) plus ELL (P-12)
• Elementary Education (K-8) plus Math (5-12) or Middle Level Math (4-9)
• Secondary Mathematics (5-12) or Middle Level Math (4-9)

What can I do with my teaching degree and certification?

You'll be ready to step into a teaching role as a highly qualified teacher 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.

How to get started:

1. Register for and pass the WEST-B (Washington Educator Skills Test) exam.
   • Route 2, 3 and 4 applicants will also need to pass the state-required WEST-E in the content area. Check out the WEST-B and WEST-E websites for more info.
2. Contact a School of Education Advisor at 888.42.CityU.
3. Apply online
   • Non Degree Seeking (routes 2, 3 and 4).
4. Order 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 faculty.

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
Phone: 425.438.4317

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.