Under the previous Continuing Certificate legislation, teachers accumulated 45 quarter credits, some of which were in Educational Foundations, and submitted them to the State for a Continuing Certificate.

Beginning September 1, 2000, all teachers who complete a Residency Certificate (formerly called the Initial Certificate), must comply with new requirements for a Professional Certificate (formerly called the Continuing Certificate). This also applies to teachers who are transferring from another state and need a Washington certificate. Some important changes follow.

1. Teachers must enroll in a program offered by a university that also grants undergraduate teaching certificates in the state.
2. Most importantly, the certificate is performance-based. Building on changes in the new Residency Certificate, the candidates for a Professional Certificate are required to demonstrate that they have met 12 criteria listed under three standards: teaching effectiveness, professional development, and leadership.

3. All teachers will assemble a professional growth team. 

4. All teachers will develop a professional growth plan. 

New 2009 Program Design

SPU’s Professional Certification program has been revised in response to recent changes at the state level.  A new state assessment will be implemented in January and will become mandatory in 2011.  The good news is, you can still get your Professional Certificate with SPU through many partner school districts, private institutions, or online in the coming school year.

New Pro Cert Candidates

SPU’s Professional Certification Seminar (4 Credits) will assist candidates in completing the certification process in one academic year.  For the 2009-10 and 2010-11 school years, portfolios will be evaluated by the SPU instructor, and certification will be processed through SPU. The state assessment is not required.

Candidates in Progress

SPU’s Professional Certification Completion Seminar (2 Credits) is for candidates who have completed the current Pre-Assessment Seminar.  This course will focus on gathering the necessary evidence and writing portfolio entries. For the 2009-10 and 2010-11 school years, portfolios will be evaluated by the SPU instructor, and certification will be processed through SPU.  The state assessment is not required.

State Assessment Option

The Professional Certification Portfolio of Evidence Assessment will be available as an independent option for earning the professional certificate as of January 1, 2010.  The assessment fee will be $495, plus additional cost for retakes if necessary.  Portfolios will be evaluated by state-trained scorers.