Teacher Certification

Turn a Calling Into a Classroom

Teaching is more than a job—it's an opportunity to shape lives, spark curiosity, and help students discover their potential. This fully online, 90-credit program provides a clear path to certification while preparing you to lead inclusive, engaging classrooms where every student can thrive.

Whether you're changing careers, building on experience as a paraprofessional, or beginning your journey in education, Whitworth Online helps you grow into the educator you're called to become.

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A Step-by-Step Path to Certification

Whitworth’s program aligns with Washington State requirements. We guide you through each step of becoming a certified teacher:

Complete required coursework

in education theory, instruction, and assessment

Develop classroom skills

through practicum and hands-on experience

Pass required certification exams

such as WEST-B and endorsement tests

Complete student teaching

Clinical practicum in a K–12 setting

Apply for Washington State teacher certification

Throughout this process, Whitworth provides structured support, mentorship, and preparation to help you succeed at each stage.

Whitworth Online's Teaching program is:

Fully accredited (NWCCU)
Designed to meet all certification requirements

Choose Your Pathway to the Classroom

Bachelor’s in Elementary Education

You earn both your bachelor’s degree and your Washington state teacher certificate.

Certification only

If you hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree, you can earn an elementary teaching certification or a secondary certification in an endorsable content area such as math, science, English Language Arts (ELA), and history.

Certification only with graduate credits

If you already hold a bachelor’s degree, you can complete your Washington state teacher certificate at the graduate level via Whitworth Online and then transfer those credits into Whitworth’s M.Ed. degree program.

Advance Your Career, Your Way

Whether you're earning a bachelor's degree or adding certification to an existing degree, Whitworth offers flexible pathways that prepare you for Washington State licensure.

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Ready to Lead Learning

What Will I Study?

The most effective teachers understand both what students need to learn and what they need to flourish. This program prepares you to create learning environments where every student can grow, belong, and succeed.

You'll learn to:

Design engaging instruction for diverse learners
Assess learning and adjust strategies when needed
Build inclusive classroom communities
Support the whole child
Grow as a reflective and responsive educator

Expand Your Opportunities

Add Teaching Endorsements

Whitworth Online’s Teacher Certification Program offers classes that prepare students to take these endorsement tests after graduation:

Mid-Level Math
Mid-Level Science

"It has been 21 years since I have been in college, and it would not have been possible to go back to school if it wasn’t for the online format at Whitworth. Their online format has allowed me the flexibility to take classes online at home instead of having to go to campus. This format has made it possible for me to go back to school and still work full time, be a wife, and a mother of two young children."