Teacher Certification

Highly Qualified Teacher

Background

The federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of 2001 requires teachers in K-12 schools to meet the definition of Highly Qualified Teacher (HQT) through three criteria: 1) minimum of a bachelor's degree, 2) full state teacher certification, and 3) demonstrated subject matter knowledge in each core academic subject assigned to teach, including in Bilingual, English Language Learner, and Special Education classrooms. 

Generally, subject matter knowledge may be demonstrated by 45 credits, a degree, National Board certification, or a passing score on the WEST-E test in the applicable core academic subject:

 

 

Impact on Teacher Candidates  

Candidates intending to teach in the following classroom situations should determine how they can meet the Washington State Classroom Assignment Policy and the federal HQT requirement for teaching core academic subjects.

• Elementary teacher candidates wishing to teach core academic subjects in departmentalized grade 6, and grades 7-8

• Secondary teacher candidates wishing to teach in a middle level block program that includes a core academic subject in which their teaching certificate will not be endorsed

• Special Education teacher candidates wishing to teach core academic subjects in a non-consultative role

• All teacher candidates earning endorsements to teach in Bilingual and/or English as a Second Language classrooms

Link to the following Western Washington University resources for guidance:

• Guide for Meeting State Classroom Assignment Policy and Federal NCLB Highly Qualified Teacher Requirement

• Special Education Program HQT Guide

• Western Washington University WEST-E Resource Site.

Impact on Veteran Teachers

Teachers with at least one year of teaching experience in the core academic area may be able to demonstrate meeting the federal HQT definition through the Points-based Highly Objective Uniform State Standard of Evaluation (HOUSSE). This tool is administered by the employing school district, and considers the following six categories relative only to the core academic area:

• College credited coursework for certification

• Teaching experience

• Professional learning not attributable to certification

• Internships and work experience outside the school setting

• Professional leadership

• Awards, honors and publications

Link to the OSPI No Child Left Behind Highly Qualified Teacher webpage for information and tools used by employing school districts to determine veteran teacher HQT status.

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Teacher candidates or veteran teachers who need assistance in determining their HQT options should contact the following for individual advising:

Dana Edward, Director
Certification & Accreditation
Woodring College of Education
Western Washington University
Bellingham, Washington  98225-9090
Telephone: (360) 650-4630
Facsimile: (360) 650-6583
Dana.Edward@wwu.edu

 

Preparing Thoughtful, Knowledgeable, and Effective Educators
for a Diverse Society