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 and McChord Air Force Base.  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 secondary certification classes for those who wish to teach at the middle and high school levels at Fort Lewis Army extension.  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 kindergarten – grade 12 school teaching and realistic career plans.

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

Each course in the program is offered at least 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:

The on-site essay may be taken at the David L. Stone Education Center Testing Office – Fort Lewis.  The office is on the second floor.  For office hours, please call 253-967-5657. It may also be taken on the main campus; 360-438-4333.

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 the 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

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.

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 (26 credits)

Secondary certification courses (8 - 11 credits)

Information

For more information about the Saint Martin’s University Extension Campuses’ Post-baccalaureate Teacher Certification Programs, please contact: