Professional Teacher Certification

Instructor: Professional Certification Instructor

Course Description:

This course is designed to provide assistance with portfolio organization and verification that portfolio evidence is at standard.

Targeted Woodring College of Education Standards:

Professional Certificate Standards I Effective Teaching, II Professional Development, and III Professional Contributions.

Course Objectives:

 I.  Effective Teaching:

(a) using instructional strategies that make the learning meaningful and show positive impact on student learning

(b) using a variety of assessment strategies and data to improve instruction

(c) using appropriate classroom management principles, processes, and practices to foster a safe, positive, student-focused learning environment

(d) designing and/or adapting challenging curriculum that is based on the diverse needs of each student

(e) demonstrating cultural sensitivity in teaching and in relationships with students, families, and community members

(f) integrating technology into instruction and assessment

(g) informing, involving, and collaborating with families and community members as partners in each student’s educational process, including using information about student achievement and performance

II.  Professional Development:

(a) evaluating the effects of his/her teaching through feedback and reflection

(b) using professional standards and district criteria to assess professional performance, and plan and implement appropriate growth activities

(c) remaining current in subject area(s), theories, practice, research, and ethical practice

 III.  Professional Contributions:

(a) advocating for curriculum, instruction, and learning environments that meet the diverse needs of each student

(b) participating collaboratively in school improvement activities and contributing to collegial decision-making

Textbook(s) and/or Assigned Readings:

• Descriptors of Practice (word)(pdf).

• The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction’s on-line Professional Certificate Handbook at: http://www.k12.wa.us/certification/Teacher/ProCert-Handbook.aspx

• OSPI Descriptions of Effective Professional Practice (word) (pdf)

• Portfolio At-A-Glance (word) (pdf)

• Portfolio Evidence Guidelines (word) (pdf)

• Required Professional Certificate Portfolio Coversheet (word) (pdf) 

Assessments/Assignments:

• Develop and organize portfolio evidence for submission

• Include at least on entry in an Applied Classroom Inquiry Project (word) (pdf) format

Grading Scale:   S/U (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory)

Course Overview:

This course provides assistance in portfolio organization and verification that portfolio evidence is at standard

Professional development is a continuum that will span your entire teaching career. The Professional Certificate component of the continuum asks that you think about professional practice in your current teaching assignment with a special emphasis on what you do that makes a positive impact on student learning. Professional Certificate Standards and Criteria are not about elegant teacher presentation styles – they are about the impact of what you do on student learning.

In this course, you can expect:

• Assistance with portfolio organization and entry development

• Timely feedback on whether evidence is at standard – within one week

In turn, you are expected to:

• Submit portfolio evidence – electronically or via post

• Communicate with instructor via e-mail, at least weekly, of progress or no progress towards portfolio completion

You will enroll in a Linking Course until your portfolio is complete and evidence is at standard as verified by two instructors in the Professional Certification program. Upon verification, you may then enroll in a Culminating Seminar to complete the Professional Certificate process.

Academic Dishonesty Policy:

Western Washington University students are responsible for reading, understanding, and following the policy and procedures regarding academic dishonesty as set forth in the WWU Academic Dishonesty Policy and Procedure (see Appendix D of the University Bulletin).

Reasonable Accommodation Policy:

It is the policy of Western Washington University to provide reasonable accommodation to the known physical, sensory, or mental limitations of qualified individuals except where such accommodation would impose undue hardship on the institution.  To request accommodation, students must contact WWU disAbility Resources for Students at360-650-3844 or www.wwu.edu/depts/drs/.