48 credits
(36 credits of coursework plus a 12 credit, year-long field experience)
See http://www.wce.wwu.edu/Depts/EDAD/PrincipalCert.shtml for specific details.
Program Goals
Designed for educators who hold a master’s degree, or are currently enrolled in a master’s program. Candidates earn the Washington State residency administrator certificate (principal).
Application Information
All applicants must complete the Graduate School online application. This secure process includes credit card payment of a $50 application fee and instructions for providing the following materials:
- Official Transcripts: Two from the institution that awarded your master’s degree. If you previously attended WWU, it is not necessary to provide WWU transcripts or other transcripts previously submitted to WWU.
- Letter of intent stating a) why you want to become a school administrator, b) how your understanding of diversity relates to improving learning for all students, and c) your goals and objectives as an education leader.
- Résumé outlining your education and professional history.
- One copy of valid Washington State certificate (teacher or educational staff associate). If submitting an ESA certificate, you must include a letter from your supervisor describing your assignment and service that supports successful school-based instructional experience with students.
- Prerequisite Experience for a Principal’s Certificate (Form SPI/CERT 4001F-C) Professional Reference Forms (3): One each from two building-level administrators, and one from a district-level administrator.
- Candidate Information Form
Prior to submitting an application, interested applicants to this program should contact the educational administration office, Miller Hall 416A.
Application Deadlines
To receive full consideration for admission to this program, applicants must submit all application materials by the following deadlines:
Fall Quarter: August 1
Winter Quarter: October 1
Spring Quarter: February 1
Summer Quarter: May 1
Program Requirements
Eligibility
- Master’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Valid Washington State teacher or educational staff associate (ESA) certificate.
- One year demonstrated successful school-based experience; three years’ experience is preferred.
Internship
- Washington State Requirement: All candidates for the residency principal’s certificate must spend 540 hours in a full school-year field experience, of which at least one half shall be when students and staff are present.
- Mentor Supervision: The intern shall be under the supervision of a mentoring principal or vice principal certificated at the appropriate level with a minimum one year experience in the role.
- District & University Approval: In addition to getting University approval on all internship arrangements, candidates must initiate and satisfy any internship approval procedures required by their district.
- University Credit: 540 hours of field experience (EDAD 592) translates to (12) credit hours in one academic year; i.e., three consecutive quarters of (4) credits each.
Admission to the internship is separate from admission to the certificate program and is based on an individual evaluation of the candidate’s preparation and experience.
Additional Information (if necessary)
NOTE: Evidence of good moral character and personal fitness is required for internship admission if the candidate is not employed by the school district of placement, and if the candidate does not hold a valid Washington educator certificate at the time of recommendation for the administrator certificate. Instructions and forms are available through the certification office: www.wce.wwu.edu/Resources/Certification/CFReq/Overview.shtml
