Teacher certification in the State of Washington is granted by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and must be recommended by an accredited 4-year institution with an approved teacher education program. 

The Secondary Education faculty at Western Washington University offers two programs which lead to teacher certification by the State of Washington for grades 5-12 or P-12 – Undergraduate/Post Baccalaureate and Master in Teaching (MIT).  These programs require completion of the appropriate Secondary Education professional education sequence, a completed major in a State-approved endorsable major, and a full semester internship.

Endorsable majors are approved by the State of Washington with certain minimum credit, knowledge and skill requirements.  In many cases, university departments require additional coursework beyond those minimums.  All prospective students are strongly encouraged to contact academic major endorsement advisors in their department for information about major endorsement requirements prior to applying to Secondary Education.  Endorsable majors offered at Western can be found at http://www.wce.wwu.edu/Resources/Endorsements

Undergraduate and Post Baccalaureate Program.  The Secondary Education course sequence is identical whether you choose to complete it as part of your undergraduate degree at Western, or whether you choose to complete it as a post baccalaureate student with a degree from any accredited four-year institution.

Master In Teaching.  This program is designed for those wishing to complete a master degree while gaining teaching certification. 

Preparing Thoughtful, Knowledgeable, Effective Educators for a Diverse Society