Teacher Certification Program (TCP)

Developed for individuals who have always wanted to become teachers, this program allows opportunities for growth and reflection in a small, supportive learning community, guided by Christian scholars who are dedicated to your success. Whether you're seeking a bachelor's or master's degree with a Washington teacher certificate – or your teacher certification only – Whitworth has an option for you. Or, you can speak to an advisor for more information on how to become a teacher in Washington state.

*Shared curriculum courses may be taken online or at the U-District location. All courses in the TCP cohort are offered exclusively at the North Spokane location. 

**Anticipated tuition rate for the 2023-24 academic year; rate applies to undergraduate-level courses. Cost for graduate-level courses is $675 per credit.

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What will I study?

Teacher certification students will learn:

• How to effectively instruct and assess K12 learning
• An understanding for the diversity of learners
• How to identify and describe the roles that social, cultural, linguistic, physical and community contexts play in the classroom 

Program Details

Bachelor's Degree with Certification

This track includes courses to allow you to earn both your B.A. in elementary education and your Washington state teacher certificate. If you are interested in obtaining certification in a secondary content area, please give us a call to speak with an advisor for more information. A program can be developed with supervisor approval.

Master's Degree with Certification

For those who currently hold bachelor's degrees, Whitworth's Teacher Certification Program allows you to complete your Washington state teacher certificate while you're working toward a master's degree. Enroll in the 500-level courses and apply 20-24 credits toward an M.Ed. degree. If you are interested in obtaining certification in a secondary content area, please give us a call to speak with an advisor for more information. A program can be developed with department approval.

Certification Only

For those who currently hold a bachelor's or master's degree, Whitworth offers a program that allows you to acquire an elementary teaching certification or a secondary certification in an endorsable content area (e.g., math, science, English, language arts, history).

Transfer Information

Already have an Associate of Arts (A.A.) or Applied Associate Degree (A.A.S. or other)?

With an A.A. or applied associate degree from a community college, you may transfer to Whitworth's teacher certification program as a junior, receiving 60-64 semester credits toward your bachelor's degree. You can complete your degree in as little as two to three years. Check out our generous transfer policy here.

Credit for Prior Learning

If you've obtained knowledge through experience outside of the traditional classroom, you may earn up to 32 semester credits of electives through subject tests, certifications, licenses, self-directed study, work-related trainings and more. For more details about credit for prior learning, click here.

Excellence in Teacher Preparation

Whitworth University is acknowledged as a leader in teacher preparation. School administrators actively recruit Whitworth graduates knowing that our program prepares educators who excel and will lead with integrity and commitment. The Teacher Certification Program blends theory with practice by arranging classroom experiences each term. Within the final semester you will have the opportunity to complete a full-time student-teaching practicum and an intercultural experience designed to help you become a well-prepared educator.

Make Connections

Cohort Format

Whitworth's Teacher Certification Program is offered in a cohort format. Simply put, this means that you'll be part of a small group (approximately 15 students) who work collaboratively through the teacher certification curriculum in sequence. Within the final semester, you'll complete a full-time student-teaching practicum. 

School of Education Mission

Degree Requirements

Teacher Certification Program Admission Requirements

After you apply and are admitted to the Teacher Certification Program, you will begin taking classes that meet prerequisite requirements. All prerequisite requirements must be met before you begin the teacher certification sequence – including credits in an endorsable discipline and passing scores on the Washington Educators Skills Test (WEST-B). Please speak with an academic advisor for more information.

For course descriptions and learning outcomes of this major, please view the course catalog.

Prerequisites and Content-Area Requirements

Elementary Teacher Certification Curriculum - 51 credits

*500-level courses available for the master's degree track

Secondary Teacher Certification Curriculum - 37-38 credits

For secondary certification, an academic major or sufficient coursework in an approved content area is required.

*500-level courses available for the master's degree track

Graduation Requirements & Electives

All adult education programs from Whitworth must include shared curriculum and elective coursework to complete degree requirements. Some of the requirements may be met by courses offered in the major. Check with an advisor for details.

Minimum Credits Needed to Graduate – 126

Total credits needed at Whitworth will vary depending on credits transferred from other institutions and/or earned via credit for prior learning.

What type of job can I get?

• Elementary certification allows you to teach from kindergarten to eighth grade.
• Secondary certification allows you to teach in middle school and high school in a specific content area (i.e., math, science or history).
• A master's degree in education with certification allows you to teach at the level for which you are certified, or at the community college or university level.

Our grads get great jobs.

In addition to most local and many regional districts, graduates from Whitworth's Teacher Certification Program are employed in school districts across North Idaho, northwest Washington, Southern Arizona, Montana, Alaska, Nevada, Hawaii, South Carolina, Florida, Wisconsin, China and even Oman.