Professional Certificate Program
for Teachers


(This program is for existing WA teachers. If you are not yet a certified teacher, but want to become one, please visit our B.A.Ed. or M.I.T. programs.)


Is this program for me?
City University of Seattle's Professional Certificate Program for Teachers is designed for teachers in the state of Washington who received their Residency Teacher Certificate after September 1, 2000. The Professional Certificate is the advanced teaching license required of residency certificate holders who wish to continue teaching in Washington State.

What will I learn?
The overall goal of the program is to facilitate your professional development, which ultimately enhances your students' learning. At CityU of Seattle you will:
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Why CityU?
Our program offers a proven coaching model that is flexible and can be tailored to fit your needs. Our instructors teach in class what they do for a living, ensuring that the education you receive is relevant and applicable in the real world—where it matters most. City University of Seattle is a not-for-profit and an Equal Opportunity institution accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Five easy steps to get started
  1. Contact a CityU School of Education Advisor with any questions
  2. Download and complete CityU Application
  3. Download and complete the Professional Certification Admissions Packet
  4. Send in CityU application and $50 fee
  5. Submit admission packet items including a Letter of recommendation from your principal
(Note: Please contact a School of Education advisor to see if there are other program requirements.)

The Professional Certificate is Comprised of Three Standards:
  • Effective Teaching
  • Professional Development
  • Professional Contributions
These three standards are defined by 12 criteria. In order to qualify for a Professional Certificate, an individual must demonstrate competency for all criteria through evidence provided in a portfolio of artifacts.

All credits may be applied towards a M.Ed. Degree. A Professional Certificate Only program is also available at City University of Seattle sites and through district partnerships.

Three Phases To Professional Certificate Completion:

Phase I: Pre-Assessment
  • Candidate completes a self-assessment process and identifies areas for professional growth.
  • Professional Growth Team is formed consisting of the candidate, the City University of Seattle facilitator, the district representative, and a colleague.
  • With input from the team, the candidate develops the professional growth plan.
Phase II: Professional Growth Plan Core
  • Candidate fulfills the professional growth activities identified in the plan.
  • Candidate collects evidence for the required portfolio including the collection of evidence of his/her positive impact on student learning.
  • Candidate receives continuous support and feedback from the City University of Seattle facilitator.
  • Candidate continues to develop the portfolio and to reflect on growth.
  • Candidate attends and contributes to symposiums that are focused on each of the three standards and the 12 criteria.
Phase III: Culminating Seminar
  • Candidate completes evidence collection and readies the portfolio for presentation.
  • Presentation of evidence.
  • Assurances that the candidate meets the three standards and each of the 12 criteria.
Eligibility
Candidates with five or more years of teaching experience outside the state of Washington may be eligible for the advanced track. Candidates should contact City University of Seattle for more information.

Admissions Criteria
Candidates may take the first class, the Pre-Assessment Seminar, before having met provisional status. However, before formal entry into the program the candidate must provide:
  • Residency Certification (copy of certificate)
  • Verification of employment (OSPI 4421)