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Alternative Routes to Teaching Certification – Alt Routes
Next start:
July 2026
Format:
hybrid
Total Courses:
8 (24 credit hours)
Tuition:
$470 per creditProgam Overview
City University of Seattle offers several alternative routes to teacher certification in Washington State. Our practitioner teacher program, approved by the Washington State Professional Educator Standards Board, provides a faster path to teacher certification. It’s ideal for mid-career professionals, paraeducators, classified staff, and conditionally certified teachers who want to transition into a teaching career without completing a traditional education degree.
These are the four certification pathways at CityU:
- Route 1: For students employed by school districts as classified instructional employees, specifically paraprofessionals. For students who do not have a BA degree yet.
- Route 2: For students currently employed by a school district who hold a bachelor’s degree.
- Route 3: For students not employed by a school district who have a bachelor’s degree and documented career expertise in a subject-matter shortage area such as math, Multilingual (ML)/English Language Learners (ELL), reading, or special education.
- Route 4: For students with a bachelor’s degree who are employed by a school district at the time of application and hold a conditional teaching or emergency substitute certificate.
CityU’s alternative teaching certification program comes in two variations. One is a certificate-only program with undergraduate courses from the Bachelor of Arts in Education degree. Future educators can complete teaching programs in as little as one year at a lower cost compared to a master’s program.
If you’re interested in a master’s degree, explore M.Ed. alternative routes to certification. You’ll earn credits toward a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction during the certificate program and an additional 15 credit hours beyond the 24 required for the certificate. For those interested in becoming an elementary school teacher with a general education elementary endorsement, the Master’s in Teaching is likely the best fit.
No matter which certification option you choose, you’ll have the flexibility of completing a mix of online and hybrid classes. CityU prioritizes accessibility and practical skill development for working students, so the program includes Saturday sessions and supervised student teaching experiences.
Skills You’ll Gain
The alternative teaching certification program at CityU covers the most essential skills in the education profession. In addition to earning your state certification, you’ll know how to create a dynamic classroom where every student feels supported.
- Craft effective lessons that account for students’ unique needs and challenges.
- Employ classroom management techniques to create a positive but structured learning environment.
- Measure student progress through formative assessment and adjust content and pedagogy as necessary.
- Adapt lessons through differentiation to meet the needs of diverse learners.
- Use culturally sustaining practices to value and support students’ many backgrounds and identities.
- Engage students through active learning strategies and interactive technology.
Program Highlights
Faster Pathway to Certification
Students hoping to quickly transition into a teaching career can take advantage of our accelerated program, which allows you to complete your certification and begin working in the classroom in as little as one year.
4 Route Options for Different Backgrounds
CityU offers certification paths for students with varying levels of experience and education, including prospective teachers with either associate or bachelor’s degrees and current school employees.
Extensive Classroom Practice
Our teacher preparation program emphasizes hands-on experience, allowing you to test techniques in classroom environments under the guidance of certified educators.
Practitioner Faculty
The faculty in CityU’s alternative teaching certification program have real-world experience and can share their knowledge of strategies and best practices you’ll find valuable in the classroom.
District-Based, Job-Embedded Learning
Upon approval, students seeking alternative certification through CityU can participate in a mentored internship program within their school districts.
Flexible Formats
Our alternative route program uses a mixed model, with classes offered both online and in person. It includes Saturday sessions so you can continue working while you study.
Course Requirements
Students participating in Alternative Route 1 must complete 24 credits under the Bachelor of Arts in Education program. The coursework covers teaching methods, culturally responsive instruction, child development, and classroom management. The program prioritizes hands-on practice and job-embedded learning, when district-approved. Highlighted courses below, for full course requirements please refer to the current catalogue.
Core Courses
24 credits
EDU 308 American School Law and Issues in Special Populations (3)
EDU 404A Content: Student Assessment & Evaluation (3)
EDU 316 Content: Planning and Instruction (3)
EDU 318 Content: Classroom Culture and Environment (3)
EDU 309 Social Justice, Equity and Diversity (3)
EDU 475 Apprenticeship Residency I (3)
EDU 476 Apprenticeship Residency II (3)
EDU 479 Field Experience III (3)
Career Opportunities
Alternative routes to certification prepare future educators for full teacher certification in Washington State. These are the most common career paths for graduates of our educator preparation program.
Job Growth
12%
per year
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the continued growth of 12 percent in the field.
Alumni Employment
74%
employed
74% of CityU alumni are employed in a field related to their degree.
Salary Growth
86%
of alumni
86% of CityU alumni saw a salary increase within two years of graduation. The average salary increase was 58%!
Career Support & Networking
Join a global network of 63,000+ CityU alumni, with graduates at leading companies worldwide. Through CityU Connect, you’ll have access to mentorship, career services, and a community dedicated to helping you advance.
Our graduates put their skills to work at leading employers across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Where this degree can take you:
Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers
Elementary and kindergarten teachers work with young children, focusing on classroom rules and proper behavior as well as academic subjects. They help students overcome learning challenges and administer and grade assignments. Most teachers at this level offer instruction in multiple subjects, including reading, math, and science.
Median Salary
$62,310
Projected Job Openings
103,800 annually
Middle School Teachers
Middle school teachers typically work with kids ranging from fifth through ninth grade. They create lesson plans, supervise students during other activities, and sometimes co-teach courses with special education teachers. In many schools, teachers are responsible for a specific subject, such as English or math, but some instructors teach several subjects.
Median Salary
$62,970
Projected Job Openings
40,500 annually
Special Education Teachers
Teachers with special education endorsements assess their students’ needs and develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to meet them. They adapt lessons and plan activities aligned with each student’s abilities. They also meet with caregivers and give regular updates on students’ progress and goals.
Median Salary
$64,270
Projected Job Openings
37,800 annually
High School Teachers
High school teachers primarily work with teenagers and typically teach core subjects, such as English and science. They plan lessons, grade assignments, and attend professional development events and staff meetings. Working in a high school also often means helping students make decisions about their plans after graduation and writing reference letters for college applications.
Median Salary
$64,580
Projected Job Openings
66,200 annually
Adult Basic and Secondary Education and ESL Teachers
Some certified teachers work with adult students who want to earn their high school equivalency credentials or improve their English language skills. They assess students’ skill levels and use different strategies based on their goals and needs. In many cases, they focus on practical skills, such as finding a job and communicating with peers.
Median Salary
$59,950
Projected Job Openings
3,900 annually
Salary and job openings data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. Figures reflect national median annual wages at that date and projected annual job openings from 2024-2034, averaged by year.
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Next start date:
July 2026Personalized Support From Enrollment to Graduation
Many students seeking alternative routes to teaching licensure already have jobs. For them, it can be difficult to make time for classes and other certification requirements. The faculty and staff at CityU understand how difficult it is to balance employment and teacher training. Our team of enrollment advisors, academic advisors, and faculty mentors provides placement guidance when navigating district approvals and licensure pathways to make your professional goals a reality.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Teaching is a rewarding career path, and CityU is committed to making alternative licensure programs accessible to students from all backgrounds. Our tuition rates are competitive, and we offer a wide range of financial aid opportunities. We also accept transfer credits from accredited institutions and offer military tuition benefits, VA benefits, and military partnership programs.
At $470 per credit and 24 required credits, this alternative route is an affordable way to become fully certified as a teacher in Washington State.
As an alternative certification program provider, our goal is to make your teaching career as affordable as possible. Our financial advisors are here to help you understand program costs and aid options. They can work with you to set up a payment plan that fits your budget and identify potential funding sources, including the stipends some districts offer to student teachers employed in their schools.
Tuiton Estimator
Our tuition calculator can help estimate your tuition for this program, including scholarships and financial aid.
Ways to Save on Tuition
You may reduce the cost of your program with these options.
Financial Aid
Complete the FAFSA to find out if you qualify for federal student aid, including loans and grants. Many students use these financial aid opportunities to cover a significant portion of their program costs.
School code: 013022
Military Tuition Benefits
CityU supports veterans and active-duty service members pursuing degrees. We accept military tuition benefits, VA benefits, and military partnership programs to help reduce costs for those who have served.
Transfer Credit Options
You can transfer up to 12 graduate credits from accredited programs toward your requirements. This reduces both the time to complete your degree and your overall tuition expenses.
Scholarship Opportunities
CityU offers a variety of scholarships to help make education more accessible.
Life at CityU: Student Perspectives
The alternative route to certification program at CityU puts your success front and center. As a student, you’ll have support from experienced faculty who know what it’s like to manage both a career and coursework. Take advantage of Saturday classes and hybrid learning, which allows you to complete part of the program online. You’ll also be part of a strong peer community, working closely with other soon-to-be-teachers who share their classroom victories and challenges.
Your Next Steps
Learning how to get your teacher certification is a vital step toward a career in education. We’ve simplified the process and provide support at every stage to fast-track your professional journey.
Review Requirements and Choose Your Alternative Licensure Route
Admission requirements
- Select one of the four alternative certification routes at CityU.
- Determine whether the program requires you to hold a bachelor’s or associate degree, and order official transcripts from your previous academic institutions.
- Request district approval, if needed.
Submit Your Application
Complete our online application
- $0 application fee
- Takes less than 10 minutes
- Rolling admissions—apply anytime
- Submit additional documents, such as your resume or test scores, based on the requirements for your alternative certification route.
Connect With Your Advisor
- Speak to your enrollment advisor about additional steps, including faculty interviews.
- Learn more about the state certification requirements and how you’ll meet them.
- Confirm the admissions office has received your transcripts.
Make a Financial Plan
Explore financial aid options with your advisor and determine whether your district offers funding support for your certification program.
Decide how you’ll pay your tuition and set up a payment plan, if needed.
Enroll in Your Classes
- Mark the program start date on your calendar.
- Ask your advisor how to register for classes.
- Sign up and get ready for the first day.
