Pathways 1 and 2 - Assessments
Two assessment options are available to certificated teachers who wish to add an endorsement that is compatible (Pathway 1) or similar (Pathway 2) to the endorsement held, in terms of instructional methodology and content skills.  Link to the following chart for endorsements available through these pathways: Adding an Endorsement to a Washington State Certificate - Pathway 1 or Pathway 2.

Pathway 1 via OSPI: Applicants for Pathway 1 must meet the following requirements:
Hold an endorsement in the compatible endorsement
Pass the WEST-E test for the desired endorsement
Have a minimum of 90 days teaching experience in a public or state-approved private school in the compatible endorsement
Submit the Request for Adding an Endorsement to a Washington State Teaching Certificate to OSPI.

Pathway 2 via WWU: Applicants for Pathway 2 must meet the following requirements:
Hold an endorsement in the similar endorsement
Pass the WEST-E test for the desired endorsement
Have a minimum of 90 days teaching experience in a public or state-approved private school in the similar endorsement
Hold a position as a contracted teacher or long-term substitute teacher in a public or state-approved private school
Successfully complete a minimum of two, and maximum of four pedagogy assessments in a classroom of the desired endorsement

Download WWU Pathway 2 Assessment Information and Application:
-- Washington State Pedagogy Assessment Information and Instrument
-- WWU Information and Application for Pathway 2 Additional Endorsement Assessment
-- Institutional Application for an Additional Endorsement to a Washington State Certificate (SPI 1535)
-- Verification of Endorsement Experience (SPI 1522F)
-- Pathway 2 Pedagogy Assessment / Employer Support Verification (SPI 4422)
-- Pathway 2 Assessment Fee Payment Schedule

Pathway 3 - WWU Endorsement Programs
Western Washington University Endorsement Programs are designed around majors, minors, or standalone curricula that align with Washington State endorsement competencies. Please refer to Teacher Certification Endorsement Programs for specific endorsement requirements, and to the contact below for advising.

Conditional Loan Scholarship
The Washington State Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) is offering a "Conditional Loan Scholarship" to teachers wishing to add an endorsement via Pathway 1, 2 or 3 in one of the following teaching shortage areas: Bilingual Education, English as a Second Language, Mathematics, Middle Level Math/Science, Designated Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Earth & Space Science or Physics), and Special Education.   Link to the PESB Educator Retooling Program for further information. 

Please note!!  Maximum available funding is $3,000 and recipients must complete the endorsement requirements within two years of receipt of the Conditional Loan Scholarship. The cost of WWU's additional endorsement programs via Pathway 3 will exceed the available funding, and most programs cannot be completed within two years.  To avoid repayment of a Conditional Loan Scholarship awarded in 2007-2008, candidates must teach in the shortage area in a Washington State public school for two years. 

Dana Edward, Director
Certification & Accreditation
516 High Street / Miller Hall 202
Bellingham, Washington  98225-9088
Telephone: (360) 650-4630
Email: Dana.Edward@wwu.edu

     Last Updated: February 13, 2008