JBLM Post-baccalaureate teacher certification program

About the program

For people who have earned a previous bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree and wish to enter the teaching profession, Saint Martin’s University offers a teacher certification program at the extension campuses of Fort Lewis Army Post, McChord Air Force Base (JBLM) and Centralia College. The program is designed to meet the requirements for residency certification by the state of Washington. It provides elementary certification classes at the McChord AFB extension and Centralia College extension, and secondary certification classes at the Fort Lewis Army extension for those who wish to teach at the middle and high school levels. There is a minimum of two endorsements required for either the elementary or secondary program.

To be accepted to the program, the individual must have demonstrated academic ability, broad liberal arts preparation, a major field of study acceptable for K-12 school teaching and realistic career plans.

A candidate accepted into the teacher certification program can begin coursework any term and progress at their own pace. Terms are eight weeks long. Courses are usually from 5 p.m. to 7:40 p.m. or from 7:50 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. two nights a week (either Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday). Some classes are available Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Each course in the program is offered at least once a year and many are offered twice a year to give students flexibility in planning. After finishing all other coursework in the program, the student must complete a student teaching internship. Internships are 16 weeks in length and can start in either August or January. Student interns work days, fulltime and are unpaid.

Applying for the program

To be considered for candidacy in the teacher certification program, individuals must submit the following materials, fees and forms:

• Teacher certification program application plus $35 processing fee
• On-site essay
• Character and fitness supplement
• Three letters of recommendation
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
• State of Washington institutional application
• Institutional application attachment form
• WEST-B test
• First aid/CPR card
• Color photo
• Student contact sheet
• Oath of confidentiality
• Washington State Patrol/FBI fingerprint background check sheet
• Valid fingerprints (within the last 2 years)

The on-site essay may be taken at the College of Education office at the Lacey campus. Please call 360-438-4333 for office hours or to request an appointment.

A final acceptance interview will be scheduled by the administrative assistant when all completed application materials are received.

The fingerprint check required by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction must be submitted to the Washington State Patrol/FBI before acceptance into the program.

Priority of admission

Final interview, official acceptance and course registration are based on the military’s priority of admission, as follows:

1. Active duty military
2. Reserve Components (RC) personnel
3. Military active duty family members
4. Department of Defense personnel
5. Department of Defense personnel assigned, attached, or under inter-service support agreement to Fort Lewis or McChord
6. Non Department of Defense personnel
7. Retired government personnel
8. Civilians

Preprogram requirements

• Baccalaureate degree
• Cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale

The teacher certification program is designed for people who have at least one baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. Any previous coursework grade below a “C” (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) will not be accepted.

Required preprofessional courses

Before beginning core program courses, students must take the following required courses or challenge them through evaluation of previous coursework, experience or testing:

• English composition I and II
• Mathematics 101 or higher
• Introduction to psychology
• Child and adolescent development
• Speech or public address
• Basic computer skills
• Intercultural communications
• Introduction to education
• Natural science with a lab (elementary only)
• U.S. history (elementary only)

Basic core courses

Thirty-two credits of basic coursework are required for either the elementary or secondary certification programs. Student/intern teachers also must have completed coursework for two subject-area endorsements. The elementary certification includes an elementary endorsement and is considered one of two required endorsements. Requirements for current Washington state endorsement areas are available through this office.

Required education courses (32 credits)

Elementary certification courses (25 credits)

Secondary certification courses (8-11 credits)