Becoming A Teacher
In order to teach in a K-12 public school classroom in Washington state, a teaching certificate must be earned at a four-year college or university. There are several steps to complete this.
- Skagit Valley College offers a 90-credit transfer degree (AAUCT) that prepares students for entry into education certification and baccalaureate degree programs in Washington state.
- Upon completion of the AAUCT degree, students may transfer to any of the 22 teacher certification programs in Washington state, public or private.
- Completion of the teaching certificate at a college/university is the last step toward employment as a teacher.
Plan Ahead – See a Counselor First
By consulting with a counselor and the intended four-year college/university program, a clear plan for successful transfer can be established. Courses that meet prerequisites for teaching programs and AAUCT (transfer) degree requirements are:- English 101 and/or English 103/104 (with a minimum of a B-)
- Speech 121.
- Natural World courses: biology, chemistry, earth science and physics
- Culture/Social Science courses: Early Childhood Education 225, Education 200, 221, Early Childhood Education 220, Economics - any course, Geography 100, History 101, 102, 103, 111, 112, 113, 201, 202, Political Science—any course, Psychology 100, 110, 210
- Arts/Humanities: Art (any introduction or history course), Theater Arts 130 or 131
The above courses are suggested, based on college readiness. Some students may need developmental math, reading and/or English courses to enter college level courses. Consulting with a college counselor/advisor is recommended to plan the most efficient and effective path for degree completion.
Most education certificate programs require a special application in addition to the university/college application. Admission is competitive, with 2.75 being the minimum and higher GPA’s recommended for admission to the education program. Applications are accepted quarterly at most schools. The WEST-B (Washington Education Skills Test-Basic) is offered by a national company and is required for ALL education programs applicants in the State of Washington.
Completion of the WEST-B is recommended as soon as math and English courses are completed at Skagit Valley College. Test results must be received by the university/college as part of the application by the stated application dates. Please consult the WEST-B website at: www.west.nescinc.com or call 1-800-784-4999 for details and a testing schedule.
Course Equivalencies
Many SVC courses have direct equivalent courses at Woodring College of Education at Western Washington University. By consulting with Woodring College of Education at Western Washington University, a student can determine if the following courses will be required within their teaching course sequences. Here are some of the established course equivalencies. Please consult with a counselor or Woodring, for the latest information.- Early Childhood Education (ECE) 230* Observation, Records & Assessment is equivalent to the required 5 day observation
- ECE 230* and Education (EDUC) 104* is equivalent to ELED 430 at Woodring
- EDUC 221 is equivalent to SPED 360 at Woodring
- ECE 220 is equivalent to SPED 467a
- ECE 215* is equivalent to SPED 438
- ECE 221/EDUC 221 is equivalent to SPED 363
- ECE 102/EDUC 221 is equivalent to ELED 429
- EDUC 260 is equivalent to IT 344
- Psychology 220 is equivalent to Psychology 371
- Psychology 110 is equivalent to Psychology 372.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if I plan to major in Secondary Education?
A: Those who plan to major in secondary education will be asked to declare a major, and perhaps a minor, in a specific content area when they transfer. At Skagit Valley College, you need to take as many classes as possible in your major and minor areas. Plan to use these classes within the distribution areas (Natural World, Culture, Arts) or as electives within the AAUCT.
Q: When should I take my Math, Science, and English courses?
A: Because of demand and prerequisite requirements, you will want to start these courses right away. Some students find that they must spend their first year working on math and English prerequisites. If this is the case, start right away so that you get into the required sequences the second year. If you do not plan correctly you may end up adding an extra year to your program!
Q: Do I need to gain experience in the schools?
A: YES! One of the most valuable experiences you will have as part of your teaching preparation at Skagit is working in a K-12 classroom. Through Learning Into Action and ECE 230, classroom experiences can be documented and transcripted for later application at the four-year school.
Q: When do I apply for transfer to a four-year school?
A: Application deadlines vary. Most occur during winter quarter or early spring quarter. Check with individual schools to make sure you apply as early as possible. Keep in mind that applying may involve a two-step process. You may be required to apply to the university/college AND the teacher certification program.
Q: How long will it take me to become certified?
A: Depending on the program you choose, it will take you from two to three years after you leave Skagit. You won't believe how fast this time will go by. There are alternative certification programs that require less time for those who already have a BA/BS degree. Call the teacher education program at the college/university to ask about post baccalaureate certification options.
Q: Where do I go if I have more questions?
A: Faculty counselors and teachers are knowledgeable about teacher education requirements. Most colleges and university have information online. Arrange on on-campus visits to potential transfer colleges to meet with educational advisors as soon as possible. It is helpful to connect with one person who can serve as your contact in order to avoid talking to someone different each time you call.