Application Process

Applications for the Teacher Education program will open in February 2024 for a fall 2024 cohort. Please connect with the BAS-TE program regarding your interest and for advising at BAS-TE@yvcc.edu . Visit this webpage often for any new updates.

Minimum Application Eligibility Requirements

All eligibility requirements must be complete by the end of spring quarter.  If a student is completing any of the requirements during summer quarter, they can still apply however, potential acceptance will be conditional upon completing all minimum requirements before fall quarter.

1. An associate degree OR at least 90 college-level credits from a regionally accredited college or university

1. Minimum cumulative college-level GPA of 2.5 (combination of all college transcripts)
2. WEST-B skills test or acceptable alternative (by application submission applicants must provide evidence of attempting all three subtests)

Additional Recommended Coursework

The BAS-TE program is a selective admission program and therefore competitive, the following courses are highly recommended to increase program success and application competitiveness:

• ENGL& 101 grade of “C” or above
• College-level math or symbolic reasoning course that meets Quantitative Distribution grade of “C” or above

To Apply

Selective Admissions

Admission to BAS-TE is a selective process. Admission to YVC does not guarantee entrance to the program. A complete BAS-TE application must be submitted by the deadline indicated.

Step 1: Apply to YVC

• If applicable, complete the online YVC Application. There is a $30 non-refundable application fee.
  •  Students do not need to complete the YVC application if they have been a student within the last twelve months.
• Apply for FAFSA/WASFA, if you intend to use financial aid.
• Send all official transcripts from previously attended colleges or universities to YVC admissions for evaluation, if applicable.
  • Current YVC students and those who have submitted transcripts recently do not need to resubmit.
  • There is no need to request official transcripts from YVC.
  • Transcripts must remain in a sealed envelope to be considered official. If transcripts are sent electronically, have them sent to admission@yvcc.edu.

YVC Admissions
Yakima Valley College
PO BOX 22520
Yakima, WA 98907-2520

Step 2: Apply to the Program

BAS-TE Application opens February 4, 2022.

Several items need to be uploaded within the online application.  Make sure to have the following items ready before completing the application:

1. Reflective Essay:  BAS-TE Reflective Essay Instructions

2. Evidence of basic skills assessment scores (WEST-B, ACT, SAT): By the application submission, you must provide evidence of attempting all three subtests.

Step 3: Wait for Notification

Applications are reviewed after the application deadline in April.  Students can expect a notification from the BAS-TE program regarding interviews toward mid-May via US mail.

If you are accepted, plan on attending a mandatory advising appointment in July and an orientation session the week before fall quarter classes begin.  Instructions about orientation will be sent after notification of program acceptance.

Other Information

Candidates who are accepted into the Teacher Education program will be required to pass a criminal background check before their Field Experience (student teaching) begins. See the OSPI website for details. Also, applicants for certificates in Washington State must give evidence of good moral character and personal fitness as specified in WAC 181-79A-155. This evidence includes an affidavit from the applicant indicating that he or she has not been convicted of any crime or a complete disclosure of all arrests and subsequent dispositions of such arrests. In the event of a conviction for any arrest, the applicant shall state reasons why such conviction does not reflect adversely on the requirement to possess good moral character and be personally fit.

Alternative Route 1

The program offers both a traditional and alternative route to teaching. YVC is approved to offer Alternative Route 1: designed for currently employed classified instructional employees with transferable associate degrees seeking residency teacher certification with endorsements in special education, or bilingual or ELL endorsements combined with another endorsement. Alternative route programs in Washington State lead to the same teaching license as teacher preparation programs operated at four-year universities. For more information on Alternative Routes to Teacher Certification, please see the PESB website.

In addition to other BAS-TE admission requirements, enrolling as an alternative route candidate in YVC’s program includes:

• Must be a currently employed classified instructional employee
• Must have a transferable associate degree
• Must have successfully passed the statewide basic skills exam prior to program admittance
• Must be seeking residency teacher certification with endorsement in ELL combined with another endorsement
• District or building validation of qualifications, including one year of successful student interaction and leadership as a classified instructional employee
• Meeting the age, good moral character, and personal fitness requirements adopted by rule for teachers

Name of program: YVC Bachelor of Applied Science in Teacher Education
Routes offered: Traditional and Alternative Route 1
Endorsements offered: Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, English Language Learner
Main address: South 16th Avenue & Nob Hill Boulevard, Yakima, WA  98902
Delivery method: Hybrid
Delivery format: Days, evenings
Regions/school districts served: ESD 105
Description: Residency-based program which prepares individuals for a Washington State teaching certificate in Elementary Education (K-8), with additional optional endorsements in Early Childhood Education (P-3) and English Language Learner (ELL)
Contact information: 509.834.4522, bas-te@yvcc.edu
Estimated time to complete program: Two years if the student attends full-time and has met all other BAS requirements, including an earned associate degree or 90 college-level credits, plus 60 credit hours of general education courses in specific distribution areas.
Prerequisites: Associate degree with minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA, or minimum of 90 college-level credits from a regionally accredited college with minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
Sample cost breakdowns: See the financial aid.

Students in the Bachelor of Applied Science program pay upper division tuition fees. Tuition is set by the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges which acts upon legislative authority. Rates are subject to change.

A full description of tuition and fees can be found on the Financial Aid website. You can also locate information on how to apply for grants and scholarships to pay for college.

In addition to college tuition and fees, there are program specific costs for testing, fingerprinting and more.

Program Completion

Due to the variety of entry points into the program, program advisors work closely with candidates to create tailored educational plans that consider prior learning experiences with their educational background.

All BAS-TE candidates must complete 60 general education credits in combination with 300 and 400 level Teacher Education courses.

The length of time it takes to get a teaching certificate is unique, based on test scores and transcripts. Typically, completing the required 180 college-level credits for a BAS degree will take eight quarters, or two academic years.

Program Learning Outcomes:

• Explain how learners grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and design and implement developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences.
• Use understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high standards.
• Collaborate with others to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning, and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self motivation.
• Explain the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and create learning experiences that make these aspects of the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners to assure mastery of the content.
• Explain how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues.
• Explain and use multiple methods of assessment to engage learners in their own growth, to monitor learner progress, and to guide the teacher’s and learner’s decision making.
• Plan instruction that supports every student in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, and pedagogy, as well as knowledge of learners and the community context.
• Explain and use a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas and their connections, and to build skills to apply knowledge in meaningful ways.
• Engage in ongoing professional learning and use evidence to continually evaluate his/her practice, particularly the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and the community), and adapt practice to meet the needs of each learner.
• Seek appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning, to collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals, and community members to ensure learner growth, and to advance the profession.

The Bachelor of Applied Science degree (BAS) in Teacher Education integrates rigorous applied curriculum and residency experience. The BAS Teacher Education (BAS-TE) program prepares individuals for a Washington State Teacher Certificate in Elementary Education (K-8), with additional optional endorsements in English Language Learner (ELL) and Early Childhood Education (ECE).

The Teacher Education program is residency-based. Candidates complete an intensive Residency Experience (student teaching) that requires hands-on work in K-8 classrooms under the guidance of a Mentor Teacher and Field Supervisor within our local partner schools. In addition to residency experiences, candidates complete core courses, which are delivered in hybrid format: face-to-face evening classes and online.