Program Information
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL WSU VANCOUVER PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION GRADUATES!
Who Should Complete a Professional Certification Program ?
- Teachers graduating after August 2000 receive a first-level certificate called the Residency Certificate. After finishing provisional status, teachers have five years to complete a Professional Certification program OR apply for a renewal of the Residency Certificate if they are enrolled in a Professional Certification program.
- Teachers who wish to improve their classroom techniques and explore personal growth opportunities.
Admission Requirements
- Valid Residency Teaching Certificate
- Current employment in a Washington State public or approved private school
- Completion of provisional status as a teacher. (Note: Teachers may begin the Professional Certification program while in provisional status, but will not be considered officially admitted until provisional status is successfully completed. However, admission of teachers on provisional status will not obligate WSU to officially admit the teacher at a later time.)
- Applicants wishing to pursue a master's degree along with their Professional Certificate must meet the admission criteria of the WSU Graduate School and the Department of Teaching and Learning
Note: Out-of-state teachers who have completed provisional status may request a review of their qualifications for advanced track.
Teachers who have completed Washington State approved Professional Certification courses at other institutions of higher education will be allowed to transfer those credits to WSU Vancouver upon evaluation and approval by the Professional Certification Program Coordinator.
Professional Growth Team
Teachers will assist in selection of a Professional Growth Team (PGT). The PGT will consist of the teacher, a colleague with three years successful teaching experience who is specified by the teacher, a Washington State University advisor, and a school district representative. The PGT will approve the Professional growth Plan and review the evidence for each standard and make a determination of successful authentic evidence for completion.
T&L 541 Pre-Assessment Seminar: Professional Education Seminar (3 semester credits)
This is the initial state-required course that enables candidates to evaluate their current teaching against standards/exemplary practices to determine strength/growth for professional growth plans which measure the positive impact on student learning. Candidates will select Professional Growth Team members to support them in this process. This course is offered either fall or spring term one night a week. Generally, several sections are available between Vancouver and Longview.
Core Research and Development (up to 5 combined semester credits and/or pre-approved clock hours that align with the Professional Growth Plan -- note: clock hours not accepted for Master of Education or endorsement programs)
Teachers, in collaboration with their PGT, will identify the learning opportunities that will enable them to acquire the competency to demonstrate successful performance of all Professional Certificate standards. These learning opportunities may include university coursework, professional conferences, independent study with faculty members, pre-approved clock hours, and professional development activities sponsored by outside agencies. WSU Vancouver offers advanced course work in most content areas, including teaching methods in the content areas as well as courses that address the various standards under effective teaching, professional development, and professional contributions.
T&L 543 Culminating Seminar: Professional Education Capstone Seminar (2 semester credits)
The culminating seminar is the final course in the Professional Certificate Program. Prior to enrolling in this seminar, candidates will have worked with their Professional Growth Team to engage in learning opportunities in fulfillment of their Professional Growth Plan (PGP). Candidates will have collected evidence and artifacts to document their competencies proficiencies in the three standards: Effective Teaching, Professional Development, and Professional Contributions that led to a positive impact on students' learning. Candidates reflect upon work accomplished, its relationship to exemplary practices using the state standards and criteria, and set new goals for the future. Candidates will become aware of the National Board options for their future professional growth. This course is offered either fall or spring term one night a week. Generally, several sections are available between Vancouver and Longview.
Successful Portfolio Completion
To complete the Professional Certificate Program teachers must provide evidence of meeting the Professional Certificate Standards. Successful completion will be based on the standards outlined in WAC 180-78A-540 and as included in the OSPI Professional Certificate materials. This evidence includes the following:
- Introduction to the Portfolio
- Resume
- Learning Context Profile
- Professional Growth Reflective Analysis
- 1A Instructional Strategies
- 1B Variety of Assessment
- 1C Classroom Management
- 1D Challenging Curriculum
- 1E Cultural Sensitivity
- 1F Integrating Technology
- 1G Involving Family/Community
- 2A Effects of Teaching/2B Professional Development/2C Remain Current
- 3A Advocating/3B School Improvement
- Unit Plan Overview
- Unit Plan Lessons
- Unit Plan Assessments
- Unit Plan Challenging Curriculum
- Work Sample
WHY CHOOSE WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY?
- World Class Faculty
- World Class Research
- Specialization across a variety of educational disciplines
- K-12 teaching experience
- Diverse and Multicultural
- Individualized Programs
Program Options
- Professional Certification Only
- Professional Certification a Component of a Master's Degree Program
- Professional Certification/Endorsement Combination
- Partnerships for Local Programs Program Options
Return
to Education Department Home Page
For student advising or information about
our Professional Certification program,
contact:
Barb Clausen, Professional Certification Program Coordinator Library Building Room 210-X Phone 206-669-2014 Email bjclausen@comcast.net or Jill Homme, Academic Coordinator Library Building Room 210-W Phone 360-546-9075 Email jhomme@vancouver.wsu.eduUpdated April 4, 2008 by WSUV College of Education Webmaster Debra Barnett