Alternative Route to Teaching, Undergraduate 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 to Teaching Undergraduate 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.
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
This certificate is designed for candidates who are employed by the school district as classified instructional employees or paraprofessionals who have completed an associate degree. In addition to City University of Seattle's undergraduate admission requirements, found under Admissions in the catalog menu, applicants to this program must also meet the requirements listed below.
- Hold a bachelor degree from an accredited institution
- Complete an interview with program faculty
- Complete each section of the Washington Educators Skills Test - Basic (WEST-B) or 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 (NEW 203 or 204), and/or Elementary (NES 102 and 103). All candidates must pass these tests for certification.
- Submit a resume with contact information for three professional references
- Alternative Route 3 and Alternative Route 4 applicants must also provide documentation of 80 hours of supervised work with children
Bachelor of Arts in Education, Alternative Route 1
This program is designed for students who are employed by school districts as classified instructional employees, or paraprofessionals who have an associate degree. Applicants to the Alternative Route 1 program must meet the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in Education as well as the following criteria:
- Candidates must have district authorization to participate in Alternative Routes
Applicants for alternative route programs who are eligible veterans or National Guard members and who meet the entry requirements for the alternative route program for which application is made shall be given preference in admission.
Total Required Credits (24 Credits)
Core (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 |