Endorsements/Pathway 2

Pathway 2 allows teachers to add an endorsement if they hold a similar endorsement in terms of instructional methodology and content skills. Candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a similar endorsement on a valid Washington state certificate
  (column 2 of OSPI chart PDF) with 90 days of teaching experience in that subject area.
• Pass the WEST-E test in the desired similar endorsement.
• Apply to a college/university that offers a state-approved endorsement program for the desired endorsement.
• Successfully complete the pedagogy assessments in a classroom of the desired endorsement (observed by a content-area expert).
• For each academic year, the application deadline is April 15

Pathway 2 Eligibility and Process at Whitworth University

Candidates are eligible to add an endorsement via Pathway 2 at Whitworth if they meet the following requirements:

• passing score on the appropriate WEST-E exam for the desired endorsement;
• minimum of 90 days teaching experience in a public or state-approved private school in the subject of the current endorsement held (left-hand column above); current status as a contracted teacher or long-term substitute teacher at a Washington state public school or state-approved private school is preferred, though not required;
• employer and building-administrator support (or support from the school district and building administrator where the pedagogy assessment will be conducted) for completing the Pathway 2 Pedagogy Assessment;
• successful completion of the pedagogy assessment administered by a content expert in a classroom of the desired endorsement.

Process for adding an endorsement via Pathway 2 at Whitworth:

• Pass the WEST-E exam for the desired endorsement. Go to www.west.nesinc.com to register online and access testing information. For World Language endorsements, contact Cathy Stephens (509) 777-4405 or cstephens@whitworth.edu for testing information.
• Review the Washington State Pedagogy Assessment Instrument.
• Complete and submit the following application materials (For each academic year, the application deadline is April 15):

• Whitworth Pathway 2 Application (PDF)
• Two recent letters of recommendation from K-12 personnel who have observed you in the classroom.
• Institutional Application for an Additional Endorsement (Form 1535) (PDF)
• Verification of Endorsement Experience (Form 1522F) (PDF)
• Pathway 2 Pedagogy Assessment/Employer Support Verification (Form SPI 4422) (PDF)
• Online Pathway 2 Payment Form: DO NOT submit payment until your application has been approved and fees determined by the Director of Educational Certification and Career Services. For an estimate of fees, please refer to list of non-refundable fees below.

After a thorough review of your application, Cathy Stephens, Director of the Educational Certification & Career Services Office, will contact you.

Non-refundable fees include the following:

• $1,400 for a pedagogy assessment (2 to 4 visits);
• a minimum of a $90 mileage/travel-time fee based upon your school's location relative to Whitworth;
• $15 application fee to add the additional endorsement to your certificate.