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Endorsements

An endorsement signifies the subject area in which a teacher is prepared and authorized to teach. Candidates seeking approval for an endorsement must demonstrate competency in the subject area knowledge and skills and with the appropriate methods course and practicum. He or she must also pass the appropriate content test (WEST-E www.west.nesinc.com).

Adding an Endorsement to a Teaching Certificate
Washington state offers three routes for certified teachers to add an endorsement to their teaching certificates.

• Pathway 1: Adding Compatible Endorsements
• Pathway 2: Adding Similar Endorsements (For each academic year, April 15 is the
  application deadline.)
• Pathway 3: Adding Endorsements through a College/University Program

Access the OSPI chart for the list of endorsement possibilities via Pathways 1 and 2, at Adding an Endorsement to a Washington State Certificate: Pathway 1 or Pathway 2

Pathway 1 allows teachers to add compatible endorsements. Candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

• Hold a compatible endorsement on a valid Washington state certificate (Column 1 of OSPI chart) with 90 days of teaching experience in that subject area;
• Pass the WEST-E test in the desired compatible endorsement;
• Apply through an educational service district or e-certification. Pathway 1 application & information.

Whitworth University offers endorsements via Pathways 2 and 3 for all state-approved endorsements. (see table above)

Pathway 2 allows teachers to add an endorsement if they hold a similar endorsement in terms of instructional methodology, content skills and passing the appropriate content test (WEST-E). (Column 2 of OSPI Chart). For each academic year, the application deadline is April 15

Pathway 3 allows a teacher to add an endorsement by completing an approved college/university program and passing the appropriate content test (WEST-E). If Whitworth does not offer the endorsement you are interested in (see table above), view a complete list of in-state endorsement programs here: Available In-State Programs.

For additional information on adding an endorsement, please contact our office at 509.777.4405.