Certification Information
Washington State certificates are renewed through the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) online system. Your renewal application and/or paperwork must be postmarked or submitted online by the expiration date listed on your certificate in order to avoid re-fingerprinting and other requirements (if expired certificate). OSPI will notify you of your new or renewal certification. (Ensure your contact information is up to date within your OSPI account.)
OSPI receives thousands of applications a year and does become backlogged during the summer months. Typical processing time is 6-8 weeks. It is advisable to submit your application for renewal as soon as you have completed all of the requirements. You must have a copy of a valid Washington State certificate to be able to report for work.
First Time Certified as a Teacher in Washington - The following links will assist you in the OSPI certification process:
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Washington issues the Residency Teacher Certificate to most first-time and out-of-state applicants for a regular teaching certificate. For additional requirements, select the following links:
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PLEASE NOTE: All applications are submitted online through the E-Certification system and all supporting documents must be uploaded at the time of application or mailed to the certification office. Also, your application will not be reviewed unless you have fingerprints cleared and on file with OSPI. This process typically takes up to two weeks.
Renewing your Certificate in Washington
Steps for submitting your application to OSPI:
- Choose the respective link below to access OSPI's website.
- Select the certificate that you CURRENTLY hold from the list.
- Read through the requirements to ensure you have selected the correct renewal page.
- Pay respective fee, and provide necessary documentation (if required).
- E-Certification Online Application for Washington State Educators
- OSPI Frequently Asked Questions
The following links will assist you in finding the appropriate application:
Adding an Endorsement
Scholarships are available adding endorsements in shortage areas. For more information, see retooling.
OSPI Contact Information
Phone: (360) 725-6400
FAX: (360) 586-0145
Website: http://www.k12.wa.us/certification
If you have any questions or need assistance, email Laurie Miner at [email protected].
Alternate Routes to Teaching Certification
Alternative routes are designed for career changers and for individuals already working in the school system who want to transition to full-time teaching. Compared to traditional educator preparation programs, alternative routes tend to be shorter, more convenient, more affordable, and more practically oriented. Enrollment in an alternative route program is through an alternative route provider.
With unprecedented growth/need in the Clover Park School District; and if projections hold true, we will continue to see a high demand for additional educators over the next three to five years.
Statewide, for the foreseeable future, significant teacher shortages are anticipated, particularly in Elementary Education, Math, Science, World Languages, and Special Education. The shortages in Special Education are particularly acute. This as a great time to enter the teaching profession!
The Clover Park School District has partnered with Central Washington University, City University, Northwest Educational Development, Pacific Lutheran University, Pierce College, and Seattle Pacific University to create several non-traditional pathways for our current classified staff, emergency substitute employees, and community members to become fully certificated teachers. Each of these programs is designed with the working professional in mind. Our goal in creating these partnerships is to provide a variety of options that are flexible, affordable, help prospective teachers apply new learning and skills in a practical manner, meet district need, and result in positive employment opportunities.
Find an Alternative Route Program through Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB)
For additional information regarding Clover Park School District's use of alternate route educators, please contact Lori Liedes at [email protected].