Alternative Route: English Language Learners, Graduate Certificate
The Alternative Routes English Language Learners graduate certificate prepares reflective teachers who translate educational theory into practice making a positive impact on student learning based on student strengths and needs. Candidates are challenged to critically examine teaching and education from historical and sociopolitical contexts for the purpose of developing culturally responsive and anti-racist teaching practices within the classroom. Candidates are given space and encouragement to reflect on their own life experiences and how those impact their presence with and response to the children and families they serve. Candidates demonstrate competence in planning, instruction, and assessment relative to state learning standards and evidence-based teaching practices. Candidates continuously improve and refine their skills as reflective practitioners through coursework and field experiences, collaboration with colleagues, families, and community stakeholders, and prepare for career-long professional development.
Completers earn an initial Washington teacher certification and an endorsement in English Language Learners (P-12).
Note: Licensing and certification requirements vary by state. Students who relocate to another state during their enrollment may or may not satisfy the eligibility criteria to obtain a professional license or certification in that state. If a student is located outside of the State of Washington, it is highly recommended that you first seek guidance from the appropriate licensing agency in your home state before beginning an academic program outside of your state. CityU has provided the following information about requirements for certification or licensure in other select states.
Admission Requirements
Alternative Route 2
This certificate is designed for candidates who are employed by a school district who have completed a bachelor degree. In addition to City University of Seattle's graduate admission requirements, found under Admissions in the catalog menu, applicants to this program must also meet the requirements listed below.
- Complete a bachelor degree from an accredited institution of higher education with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher
- Complete an interview with program faculty
- Submit a resume with three references
- Complete each section of the Washington Educators Skills Test - Basic (WEST-B) or have taken other State-approved tests for Math, Reading, and Writing
- Take one of the following tests, preferably prior to admission to the program: SPED (West E 70), ELL (West E 51), Math (NES 203 and 304), Reading (NES 104), and/or Elementary (NES 102 and 103). All candidates must pass these tests for certification.
Alternative Route 3
This certificate is designed for candidates who are not currently employed by a school district who have completed a bachelor degree. In addition to City University of Seattle's graduate admission requirements, found under Admissions in the catalog menu, applicants to this program must also meet the requirements listed below.
- Complete a bachelor degree from an accredited institution of higher education with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher
- Provide documentation of 80 hours of supervised work with children
- Complete an interview with program faculty
- Submit a resume with three references
- Complete each section of the Washington Educators Skills Test - Basic (WEST-B) or have taken other State-approved tests for Math, Reading, and Writing
- Take one of the following tests, preferably prior to admission to the program: SPED (West E 70), ELL (West E 51), Math (NES 203 and 304), Reading (NES 104), and/or Elementary (NES 102 and 103). All candidates must pass these tests for certification.
Alternative Route 4
This certificate is designed for candidates who are employed by the school district on a conditional teaching or emergency substitute certificate who have completed a bachelor degree. In addition to City University of Seattle's graduate admission requirements, found under Admissions in the catalog menu, applicants to this program must also meet the requirements listed below.
- Complete a bachelor degree from an accredited institution of higher education with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher
- Complete an interview with program faculty
- Submit a resume with three references
- Complete each section of the Washington Educators Skills Test - Basic (WEST-B) or have taken other State-approved tests for Math, Reading, and Writing
- Take one of the following tests, preferably prior to admission to the program: SPED (West E 70), ELL (West E 51), Math (NES 203 and 304), Reading (NES 104), and/or Elementary (NES 102 and 103). All candidates must pass these tests for certification.
Applicants for alternative route programs who are eligible veterans or National Guard members who meet the entry requirements for the alternative route program shall be given preference.
Total Required Credits (24 Credits)
Core (20 Credits)
English Language Learners (4 Credits)
| ESL 544 | Evidence-Based Instructional Practices for ELL | 3 |
| ESL 670 | Identification, Assessment, and Culturally Responsive Practices for ELL | 1 |