Alternative Route: Special Education, Graduate Certificate
VISION
Teacher Certification Programs at City University of Seattle strive to recruit, retain, and support a diverse educator workforce that mirrors the diversity of the PK-12 student population in schools. We aim to cultivate learning spaces in which all community members feel connected to and rooted in relationships within themselves, each other, and the environment. Our vision is to help future teachers align their instructional practices in culturally sustaining ways that foster the development of conscious, global citizens of the world who are at home in their place, environment, and communities.
MISSION
Teacher Certification Programs at City University of Seattle provide relevant, relationship-based learning experiences rooted in culturally sustaining and identity affirming practices for future PK-12 teachers. We equip future teachers with tools, strategies, and awareness to effectively and equitably facilitate humanizing, healing-centered, and high-quality learning experiences for PK-12 students in the school setting.
The Alternative Routes Special Education 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 Special Education 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)
Choose either Special Education Block a or Special Education Block B.
Special Education Block A (4 Credits)
| ESP 529 | Fundamentals of the IEP Process | 3 |
| ESP 540 | Teaming and Transitions | 1 |
Special Education Block B (4 Credits)