Admissions

Join the Elementary Education Teacher Certification Post-Baccalaureate Program

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Application Deadlines

Admissions Requirements

Prepare to Apply

Requirements

All applicants must satisfy the following application requirements. We strongly encourage all prospective applicants to connect with an Admissions counselor prior to applying.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • Note: International transcripts must be evaluated prior to application
• 3.00 cumulative GPA in the last 90 quarter credits or 60 semester credits of graded upper-division coursework
• Academic Breadth prerequisites completed or in-progress with a minimum 2.0 GPA in each course. All Academic Breadth courses must be completed by the start of the program.
• WAIVED: 20 hours of documented work with elementary-level students in U.S. public K-5 grade classrooms, completed in the last two years and completed before application deadline
• Meet all UW Bothell admissions requirements

Application Components

• Online application
• Admissions Essays (300-400 words each):
  • Why do you want to be a teacher? What does it take to be a good teacher? Where do you need to grow in order to become one?
  • Share what strengths and perspectives you would bring to UW Bothell’s teacher certification program based on your lived experiences. Include examples of yourself as a learner and what you’ve learned from your interactions with youth.
  • Describe your learning related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how you respond when new or challenging issues arise. How will you bring this learning into your future practice as a teacher?

• Resume (2 page maximum; example here)
• Transcripts for all degree-granting institutions and institutions where you completed Academic Breadth coursework. Official transcripts must be sent directly to the UW Bothell Admissions Office.
• Enrollment verification forms for in progress courses
• WAIVED: Documentation of 20 hours of public elementary school classroom experience
• Academic Breadth transcript evaluation form completed by a School of Educational Studies advisor
  • An admissions counselor will help you work with the School of Educational Studies to evaluate your transcripts
• Two Recommendations – any two from the following:
  • School-Based Recommendation: a recommendation from a teacher who has observed you in an elementary school classroom
  • Academic Recommendation: a recommendation from a university faculty member or college instructor (no high school teachers)
  • Professional Recommendation: a recommendation from an employer or supervisor
    *Note: the School of Educational Studies does not accept recommendations from family members
• Reading, Writing & Math Test Scores – SAT, ACT, or WEST-B scores
  • Test scores are a state-mandated requirement
  • No minimum score required
  • Scores older than 5 years are accepted
  • Accepted basic skills tests:
    • SAT Reading, Math, Writing or Essay sections
    • ACT Reading, Math, & Writing sections
    • WEST-B, Reading, Math, & Writing subtests

Notification of Admission

Notification of admission generally occurs by early February. Applicants will have 20 days to confirm their acceptance and secure their place in the program through a tuition deposit.

Application Information & Resources 

• S/NS Grades or equivalent during COVID-19 Pandemic. For quarters designated as having extenuating circumstances, SES will consider an S (satisfactory) grade or equivalent as fulfilling an admission requirements. S grades will not negatively impact your application. 
• WEST-B Resources:
  • Additional information on WEST-B
  • Online proctoring available for WEST-B
  • Free WEST-B practice tests & preparation materials

Background Checks

Students accepted to the Elementary Education Teacher Certification Post-Baccalaureate will be legally required to submit their fingerprints to the Washington state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction for Washington State Patrol and FBI background checks.

Approved background checks are required before a teacher candidate can apply for their Pre-Residency Clearance, a pre-certification legally required for student teaching.

If students have any questions or concerns about fingerprinting or the implications of state and federal background checks, please contact an Educational Studies advisor.