About
The Transition to Teaching Program provides formal instruction and certification for individuals who are currently employed in a Washington State K-12 school, or individuals with a degree who desire to become full-time teachers. Our alternative-route program allows you to build upon previous education and work experience to reduce the time and cost of the program. We offer four routes to certification. Coursework depends on the route you choose and your previous studies.
For further information or questions, please contact the Program Coordinator Heather Shelley at altroute@ewu.edu or 509.290.7311.
How to Apply
If you are seeking enrollment in the Transition to Teaching Program and are not currently an EWU student, this application will allow you to apply to both the university and the Program. If you are currently an EWU student and are seeking enrollment in this Program, please complete the same application.
- Access the application page below.
- Select “Log in” if you are a returning EWU student and have previously applied to the University. Select “Create an account” if you are applying for the first time.
- You will be prompted to provide log in credentials if you are a returning user, or to set up an account and log in credentials if you are a first time applicant.
- If you are a returning student and have forgotten your log in credentials, please contact the EWU helpdesk at 509-359-2247 for assistance.
- Complete the application being sure to make the following selections:
- Select “Summer 2023 (June)” when asked “When do you want to start taking classes?”
- Select “Transition to Teaching” when prompted to provide “Your Intended Major.” (Please note it is important to select “Transition to Teaching” so that your application will be received by our program personnel.)
- Select your preferred location for face-to-face coursework from the options provided.
- Cheney (EWU’s main campus).
- Wenatchee and Moses Lake (meetings will alternate between these two locations).
- Submit your application and we will be in contact, soon!
Choose Your Route
- Route 1: For classified instructional employees (e.g., paraeducators) with associate’s degrees or AADTA. Provides K-8 certification with optional SPED, Bilingual, or ELL endorsement available.
- Route 2: For classified staff with bachelor’s degrees or higher. Provides K-8 certification.
- Route 3: For “career-changers” with bachelor’s degrees or higher. Provides K-8 certification.
- Route 4: For district staff with bachelor’s degrees or higher employed on conditional or emergency certificates. Provides K-8 certification.
Application Requirements Based on Route
Routes 1, 2, & 4
- If you are employed with either of our partner school districts, ESD 171 or Spokane Public Schools, begin the application process. If you are employed by another district, please begin by contacting us at altroute@ewu.edu.
- Discuss the possibilities of participation in our program with your supervisor and district.
- Complete the Transition to Teaching application. The application has been combined with the Eastern Washington University general admission application; your submission will be reviewed by both the university admissions office and our program.
Route 3
- Please contact us at altroute@ewu.edu. You will be provided with the next steps for applying to the program and securing a field placement.
- Contact local K-8 schools in your area and discuss possibilities of participation in our program.
- Complete the Transition to Teaching application. The application has been combined with the Eastern Washington University general admission application; your submission will be reviewed by both the university admissions office and our program.
Application Due Dates
- The Transition to Teaching program accepts yearly admission. The application will be available for the 2023-2024 school year beginning January 1, 2023.
- Application materials must be completed by April 1, 2023.
- If you plan on applying for financial aid, we recommend submitting all application materials by February 15.
- Please see Financial Aid and Scholarships for more information. Complete applications for quarterly admission are due in the Graduate Studies Office no fewer than three weeks before the start of classes for the intended enrollment term.