Professional Certification (ProCert)

Do you have a Residency Certificate? (If you were certificated after September 2000, or entered from out-of-state since September 2000, you do.)

If you've answered YES, Washington State requires that you earn your second level teaching certificate, called the Professional Certificate, within five years after you complete Provisional Status (usually your first 2 years) in your teaching. This is a performance-based, 15-credit university program. (Those coming from out of state MAY be able to pursue an "Advanced Track" option.)

Seattle Public Schools has partner relationships with two universities; Seattle University and the University of Washington, whose programs have certain advantages for Seattle teachers. There are also fifteen other universities in the state offering ProCert programs (see OSPI link below).

It is recommended that you begin ProCert in your third year of teaching, after you have completed two years of Provisional Status. If you choose, however, you may begin in your second Provisional year by taking the Pre-assessment Seminar. After that course, you must have completed Provisional Status prior to continuing your program, unless you receive permission from the district (via the Provisional Status/Employer Support Verification form from OSPI.)

Information will be posted here soon about programs for 2008-09 .

Please contact Jane Dudley if you have questions.

Please see links at the left for more information. Also, a comprehensive ProCert Handbook from OSPI is available at:

http://www.k12.wa.us/certification/ProfEd/profcertprograms.aspx

Does your Teaching Certificate expire in 2009?
If so, you will want to request an extension to be sure you have time to complete your ProCert program.
Click here for more information.