Teacher Certification Program (TCP) - Online

Developed for individuals who already work in schools and want to become teachers but may not be able to attend in-person classes, this program allows opportunities for growth and learning in an online cohort. If you're seeking a bachelor's degree in elementary education (K-8), this program will align with your life circumstances while allowing you to continue to work.

Snapshot
Course Format	Synchronous (virtual) classes online, one evening per week
Locations	Online*
Average Completion Time	Bachelor's with Certification 2.5 years with A.A. or applied associate degree (A.A.S. or other); 5 years with no transfer credits Master's with Certification 3 years Certification Only (for those who hold a bachelor's) 2.5 years
Cost Per Credit	$565 per credit (financial aid & scholarships available) $2,000 one-time scholarship available for first semester; apply here by May 1 to be considered. $1,000 tuition discount** for all students who qualify during final student teaching semester.
Application Deadline	Four weeks prior to start date
Cohort Model	Yes
Eligibility	Available for school employees who are currently working in an instructional role and seeking teacher certification for K-8 elementary education.

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

**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:

Methods in planning, instruction and assessment of K-12 students
Issues of diversity, equity and inclusion in K-12 settings
Strategies for teaching social and emotional learning

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.

"I am so thankful for the experience I gained teaching virtually. Despite its many stressors, learning to teach virtually provided me with experience and an extra skill set that I wouldn’t have otherwise learned. The pandemic showed everyone that you truly never stop learning!"

Melody Amene

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 - Online, Admission Requirements

After you apply and are admitted to the School of Continuing Studies, you will begin taking pre-cohort courses that meet state requirements for certification. All pre-cohort courses must be met before you begin the teacher certification sequence – including passing scores on the Washington Educators Basic 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.

Pre-Cohort Requirements

EDE 302*	Foundations of Education	3 credits
MA 220	Structure of Elementary Mathematics	3 credits
Coursework in the natural sciences and social sciences
SS 102	Concepts in Social Science II	3 credits

Elementary Teacher Certification Curriculum - 51 credits

EDE 204	Child and Adolescent Development	3 credits
EDE 320*	Exceptional Learners and Inclusion	3 credits
EDE 332A	Mathematics Methods in the Primary Grades	3 credits
EDE 332B	Mathematics Methods in the Intermediate Grades	3 credits
EDE 332C	Instructional Strategies Practicum	1 credit
EDE 340*	Differentiated Instructional Strategies and K-8 Social Studies Methods	3 credits
EDE 341	K-8 STEM Methods	3 credits
EDE 345A*	K-8 Physical Education and Health Methods	1 credit
EDE 345C*	K-8 Music Methods	1 credit
EDE 345D*	K-8 Art Methods	1 credit
EDE 366*	Teaching English Language Learners	1 credit
EDE 367*	Introduction to Intercultural Education	1 credit
EDE 368*	Intercultural Immersion Experience	2 credits
EDE 401W	Critical Issues in Education	3 credits
EDE 441A*	Literacy Methods in the Primary Grades	3 credits
EDE 441B*	Literacy Methods in the Intermediate Grades	3 credits
EDE 441C	Literacy Practicum	1 credit
EDE 470	TCP Online Capstone Seminar	3 credits
EDE 471*	Assessment and Classroom Management	3 credits
EDE 496	Clinical Practicum	9 credits

*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.
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.