Teacher Certification

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.

Program Overview

• Six-week courses help you complete your degree more quickly.
• Earn your bachelor's or master's teaching degree with your Washington teacher certificate.
• Your books are provided and delivered to you the first night of class.
• Learn with other adult students in Whitworth's cohort format.

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 evening 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.

Master's Degree with Montessori Diploma and Teacher Certification

For those who currently hold a bachelor's degree, Whitworth's evening Teacher Certification Program allows you to complete your Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) elementary Montessori diploma and Washington state teacher certification 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. Montessori coursework is included as part of the selected teacher-preparation program and will be completed during a three-summer Montessori course series. Cost per credit: Please see the Montessori Northwest website for AMI diploma pricing information. Master's degree/teacher certification pricing is $300 per credit for the AMI diploma courses (26 credits), in addition to the 2017-18 evening tuition rate for each additional credit in the TCP.

Apply to Montessori Northwest and Whitworth University. For more information regarding Montessori options at Whitworth, please .

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).

Already have a community college A.A. or A.A.S. degree?

With an A.A. or select A.A.S. degree, you may transfer to Whitworth's evening Teacher Certification Program as a junior, receiving 60-64 semester credits toward your bachelor's degree.  

List of A.A.S. degrees eligible for transfer.

More information regarding Whitworth's "upside-down" degree program.

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 evening 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.

Cohort Format

Whitworth's evening Teacher Certification Program is offered in a cohort format. Simply put, this means that you'll be part of a small group (approximately 20 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 evening 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 - 52 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

General Education Requirements & Electives

All adult education programs from Whitworth must include general education 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 on college-level examinations. 

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 evening 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.