Education Degrees

Teaching means influencing the lives of countless young people. Your dedication and hard work will be felt every day by your students. When you teach, you make a difference.

In order to teach in a public school classroom in Washington State, a person must become certified by completing a state-approved teacher certification program. There are three types of certification programs in Washington:

• Bachelor’s with certification
• Post-Baccalaureate certification
• Master’s with certification

The Education Department recommends that a student planning to transfer to a four-year university or college to pursue a degree in K-12 education, early childhood education, or children studies earn an Associate in Arts degree. While earning the associate in arts degree, the student should take required coursework for teacher preparation and/or basic studies. Since requirements vary by four-year institution, please see an education advisor to ensure that courses taken will meet requirements.

Program Local Partners

The following local universities offer four-year education degrees:​

​Central Washington University​​
Eastern Washington University ​​
Heritage University
Washington State University

Associate in Arts and Sciences (DTA)​

Associate in Arts-Direct Transfer Degree (DTA) is designed for students who plan to transfer to a 4-year school and pursue a bachelor’s degree in a wide variety of areas including business, social sciences, arts/humanities and some sciences. The DTA is accepted by most 4-year schools in the state of Washington and many out-of-state universities. With early and careful planning, students may be able to include recommended preparation for their major within degree requirements.

 Benefits of AA-DTA:

• The DTA degree satisfies most, if not all, general education requirements at the 4-year school
• Students will generally have junior-level standing at the university (90 quarter credits/60 semester credits)
• Many Washington 4-year schools give priority admission to students completing a DTA.  This does not necessarily mean guaranteed admission.

Basic DTA Degree Requirements

• 90 credits to complete degree
• Courses numbered 100 or above. “D” grades may be used to satisfy requirements but a GPA of 2.0 must be achieved within each area (except general electives).
• A cumulative college-level GPA of 2.0 is also required.
• A minimum of 30 credits must be earned at YVC.
• Students may graduate under the catalog in force at the time of entry for a period of not more than five years, if continuously enrolled.
• Application for this degree must be made by the student in the Registrar’s Office

Washington State Teacher Preparation

The Education Department recommends that a student planning to transfer to a four-year university or college to pursue a teaching certificate in PreK-12 education (WA State Certified Teacher) earn an Associate in Arts degree/Direct Transfer Degree (AA-DTA). A minimum of a bachelor’s degree plus teaching certification is required to teach in grades kindergarten through 12.

AA-DTA

Washington State Teacher Preparation

The Education Department recommends that a student planning to transfer to a four-year university or college to pursue a teaching certificate in PreK-12 education (WA State Certified Teacher) earn an Associate in Arts degree/Direct Transfer Degree (AA-DTA). A minimum of a bachelor’s degree plus teaching certification is required to teach in grades kindergarten through 12.

While earning the Associate in Arts degree, the student should take required coursework for teacher preparation and required YVC general distribution courses and electives.  Students who are pursuing an AA-DTA for Teacher Certification must;

• Meet entrance requirements to a Bachelors of Arts (BA) program, which includes an YVC associate degree.
• Take the WEST-B. This test is mandated for admission to all teacher preparation programs in the state of Washington.
• Meet with an Education Department advisor at the College or University to learn about their Teacher Certification Program admission requirements.
• Complete an Associate in Arts degree with Education Emphasis at YVC. Admittance into the YVC program does not ensure admittance into the teacher education program at a 4-year Institution.

AA Degree for Paraeducators

Paraeducators, teacher assistants, and paraprofessionals are an integral part of the learning and teaching team. Under the supervision of the teachers, paraeducators assist with multiple levels of support in schools. Washington State has two distinct efforts to provide assistance for paraeducators.

YVC Paraeducator Degree

Paraeducators, teacher assistants, and paraprofessionals are an integral part of the learning and teaching team. Under the supervision of the teachers, paraeducators assist with multiple levels of support in schools. Washington State has two distinct efforts to provide assistance for paraeducators. The law states in Section 1119(g) that all paraprofessionals who are performing instructional duties and are funded with Title I funds, including all paraprofessionals performing instructional duties in a schoolwide building, must meet specific requirements.

These requirements are: Paraprofessionals must currently have a secondary school (high school) diploma or its recognized equivalent and a Paraprofessionals can complete at least two years of study at an institution of higher education or obtain an associate’s (or higher) degree. The AAS-ECE for Paraeducator will fulfill this requirement. Students are encouraged contact the school district(s) to learn specific job qualifications and requirements.

The AAS for Paraeducators is designed to provide specific professional-technical career development. AAS-ECE is a terminal degree, and is not meant to directly transfer to a 4-year college or university. If you are seeking a transferable degree, please consult your advisor.​​

Paraeducator Requirements

What are the requirements to be a paraeducator?

Depending on your district and/or position, the answer could be both. The Title I, No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Paraeducator Requirements apply to paraeducators funded out of Title I or are working in a Title I school-wide. The Paraeducator Competencies apply to paraeducators who are funded out of Special Education. It is the district’s decision to decide if all paraeducators must meet one or both of the requirements.

More Information and Resources can be found at: Paraeducator in Washington State or at OSPI.

Office of Superintendent of Public School Instruction (OSPI)

OSPI guidelines provide options and pathways for paraeducators to meet the federal requirements of demonstrating content knowledge and skills needed to assist in reading, writing, and mathematics instruction. Washington State Paraeducator Guidelines – Title I

OSPI has current resources and complete manual located on their website: Complete Manual

• Two Years of Study at an Institution of Higher Education Option

Transfer Degrees for Paraeducators and Routes to Alternate Certification

Alternative route programs operating Route 1 enroll currently employed classified instructional employees (paraprofessionals) with transferable associate degrees seeking residency teacher certification with endorsements in special education, bilingual education, English Language Learner or other subject matter shortage areas.

Candidates enrolled in Route 1 will complete both their baccalaureate degree and requirements for residency certification in two years or less, including a mentored internship to be completed in the final year.

At-a-Glance Title I, Part A Paraeducator Options and Pathways

Alternative Route 1 programs uphold entry requirements for candidates that include:

• District or building validation of qualifications, including one year of successful student interaction and leadership as a classified instructional employee;
• Successful passage of the WEST-B statewide basic skills exam,  and,
• Meeting the age, good moral character, and personal fitness requirements adopted by rule for teachers.
• As of January 2014, the edTPA became consequential for all preservice candidates completing an approved Washington teacher preparation program. (RCW 28A.410.280)  

For more information on Alternative Pathways for Paraeducators to become Certified WA State teachers:

Visit Professional Education Standards Board at PESB Alternative Route

Resources for Paraeducators

Organizations that Support Paraeducators
AFT PSRP (Paraprofessionals and School-Related Personnel)
The Paraprofessionals and School-Related Personnel (PSRP) division of the American Federation of Teachers represents more than 360,000 school support staff in K-12 districts, colleges and universities throughout the country.

Alternative Routes to Certification (Washington State)
Alternative pathways for paraeducators to become teachers in high need areas such as special education, science, math and ELL.

Center on Personnel Studies in Special Education (COPSSE)
A partnership between the University of Florida (UF) and Johns Hopkins University (JHU)—uses insights from research to address special education personnel issues.

National Resource Center for Paraprofessionals (NRCP)
The National Resource Center for Paraprofessionals provides information and community resources to serve paraeducators, teachers, policymakers and administrators.

Paraeductor.com
Paraeducator.com is a way to provide high quality training and regularly updated information and services to paraeducators and the teachers with whom they work.

Study of Personnel Needs in Special Education (SPeNSE)
SPeNSE was designed to address concerns about nationwide shortages in the number of personnel serving students with disabilities and the need for improvement in the qualifications of those employed.

No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (US Department of Education)
NCLB Act of 2001 is designed to increase accountability of students in schools, and to ensure that they are getting proper education.

Publications

• Let’s Team Up: A Checklist for Paraeducators, Teachers and Principals, Kent Gerlach, 5th Edition, National Education Association of the United States, 2007
• A Teacher’s Guide to Working with Paraeducators and Other Classroom Aides, Jill Morgan, Betty Y Ashbaker, 2001
• Supervising Paraeducators in Educational Settings: A Team Approach, Anna Lou Pickett and Kent Gerlach, 2nd Edition, Pro-Ed, 2003

Early Achievers Program

Over the past several years, Washington State ECE partners have been building the early learning systems with the support of Race to the Top federal funding. The Early Achievers Grant (EAG) program was built using Washington’s Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge grant to support early learning professionals in furthering their education and career goals.

​​Individuals working in facilities enrolled in Early Achievers, our state’s quality rating and improvement system, are eligible for Early Achievers  Grants.

Scholarship opportunities are available for students who are employed at an Early Achievers (EA) facility. At YVC, Scholarships are available for Certificates and Associates Degrees in Early Childhood Education (ECE). Grant recipients also get tailored academic advising and career planning from an early childhood specialist in our Department.

To Apply: Contact Denise Paikuli, EA Coordinator at  dpaikuli@yvcc.edu

Early Achievers Grants and Washington Scholarships for Child Care Professionals are two student financial aid resources that are prioritized for students who are employed by Early Achievers facilities.

More YVC Scholarship Opportunities for ECED and EDUC students.

Washington State Training & Registry System- MERIT

MERIT – managed Education and Registry Information Tool

MERIT is an online portal that helps professionals in the field of early care and education in Washington:

• Keep track of their education and training experience
• Find training opportunities by state-approved trainers
• Share their qualifications with current and future employers
• Complete a portable background check application
• Be recognized and receive awards for their professional achievements

Who Should Use MERIT?

MERIT is for anyone who works in early care and education, including facilities and programs such as:

• Family home child care
• Child care centers
• Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP)
• Head Start
• School-age child care

MERIT is also for those who support early care and education:

• Administrators, including facility directors and program supervisors
• Coaches and trainers
• K–12 educators and higher education faculty

Individual ECE Courses Eligible for STAR Hours (MERIT)

All ECED courses offered at YVC are eligible for STAR hours. Students can update their profile in MERIT with official transcripts verifying course completion of 2.0 GPA (C) or higher. If you have any further questions regarding certificates, please contact the Registration Office at 509.574.4700 or e-mail registration@yvcc.edu

About Education Verification

Complete your Education Application in MERIT

More information about MERIT can be found at Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families.

WEST-B Test

The Washington Educator Skills Test-Basic (WEST-B) is required of all applicants to Washington-approved teacher preparation programs. The basic skills areas included in the assessment are reading, mathematics, and writing. All students planning to transfer to a four-year institution for teacher preparation must attempt the Washington Educator Skills Test – Basic, known as WEST-B, is a basic skills test required prior to admission to a four-year education program. National Evaluation Series™ (NES®) Tests provides information about the test, to download a study guide, or to sign up for the test.

Teacher Certification

Upon successful completion of a state-approved teacher certification program, the student earns a Residency Certificate. This certificate is valid for five years. Within the first 5 years in the profession, teachers are required to return to college to complete a Professional Certificate (advanced certification) program.

Certification Options:

• Elementary teachers (PreK-8th) instruct students in basic concepts in several subjects, including mathematics, language arts, science, and social studies. They also introduce small children to formal learning in PreK and kindergarten.

• Secondary teachers (9th-12th) usually specialize in teaching one subject to high school students such as English, music, history, mathematics, languages, biology, chemistry, or others. Many secondary teachers spend at least some time teaching outside of their subject area. Duties may also include attending staff meetings, supervising extracurricular activities and meeting with parents.

More information on Residency Certification can be found at Office of Public Instruction – OSPI

More information on teacher preparation programs in Washington State can be found at Teach Washington

More information on employment data can be found at the WA Employment Security Department.

Program Policies

Student Behavior

All students are expected to comply with the college’s code of conduct, available in a publication titled Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities and on the Washington state legislature’s website, Washington State Code of Conduct Information.​ For more specific Student Rights and Responsibilities can be located in the college course catalog.

Confidentiality Policies

Students must maintain confidentiality both in courses and practicum placements as indicated on the Confidentiality Statement signed at the beginning of each quarter. Failure to maintain confidentiality may result in dismissal from the program.

Students in web-based courses are advised that misuse of Discussion Boards for personal reasons and/or the use of inappropriate or offensive materials may result in failure in a course and program dismissal.

Practicum Policies

In order to begin practicum observations or field placement coursework, all registered students must:

• Have a signed employer agreement form that enables them to complete practicum requirements in their program-appropriate employment site, or
• Provide the Education Department with the following:
  • Signed permission to conduct a Washington State Patrol Criminal History Background check (WATCH) or Portable Background Check Clearance Verification issued by MERIT (Department of Early Learning)
  • Proof of having taken Blood Borne Pathogen training (certificate)
  • Proof of having a negative TB test (or x-ray).
  • Signed Education Department’s Confidentiality Statement

Practicum and Program Dismissal

Practicum sites have the right to end placements during a quarter. If this happens and the site concern was inappropriate treatment of children or staff, sites are encouraged to file formal charges or investigations as appropriate to the situation. The student will be suspended from the practicum until the issue is cleared up. If this happens and the site concern did NOT involve inappropriate treatment of children or staff,

• The instructor will try to clarify the concerns and develop a written remediation plan with the student that will include alternative placement.
• If concerns or difficulties in placements continue in alternative placement, dismissal from the program will be considered by the Chair of the Education and ECE program. Students will be notified in writing of reasons for dismissal.

Should a student wish to contest dismissal from an Education Program the following process must be followed:

• The student should write a letter to the Chair of the Education and ECE Department within one month of the date on the dismissal letter requesting reconsideration of dismissal. This letter should include the student’s name, student number, understanding of the reason for dismissal, and reasons for reconsideration.
• The Education Department will consider the request at the next Department Meeting and provide the student with a written determination of the request.
• If still unsatisfied with the decision, the student should take all correspondence to the WED Dean.

GPA Requirements

Students must complete all required courses in certificate and degree programs:

• With C or better grades, and
• Have a 2.0 Cumulative GPA to be awarded program certificates and AAS degrees.
• If an ECED, EDUC, or SPED program course is prerequisite to another course, students must earn a C in the prerequisite course before enrolling in subsequent courses.