Business and industry professionals, seeking a teaching certificate can use the CWU/Career and Technical Education (CTE) Competency Block Certificate program to build a strong foundation in teaching methods, classroom management, curriculum development, assessment, leadership, and education technology.  The two-year program, is offered on ten Saturdays, per year, and is spread throughout each academic year, to facilitate a continuous teaching and learning experience. 

Students successfully completing the two year program will earn a teaching certificate in CTE.  Students who want to apply their CTE Competency Block Certificate courses towards a graduate degree can take an additional 21 credits to complete a graduate degree with a specialization in Career and Technical Education. CWU is the only program provider offering business and industry teacher preparation courses at the graduate level. If interested in pursuing the Graduate degree option contact the Career and Technical Education office.

The graduate degree model addition to the Plan 2 Business and Industry Teacher Preparation Program was added for the following reasons:

1. The graduate level program option more accurately reflects the rigor and quality of the CWU teacher preparation program.

2. Many CWU program participants already have a four year degree and need courses that will apply towards a graduate degree.

3. Non matriculated students in a certificate program are not eligible for financial aid. Students in a graduate degree program are eligible for financial aid.

4. Graduate degrees may help some teachers advance on the district pay scale.

5. Graduate degrees may provide some teachers with a hiring selection advantage

Program Benefits

The Competency Block Program is a variable-credit program. This means that you register only for the credits that you need to fulfill your individual certification requirements. If you are just beginning the program, you will register for a full credit load (12 credits). However, if you have completed coursework from another institution that you wish to have recognized by CWU, you must submit official transcripts and a course description or syllabus with your registration.

The program offers many benefits to its students.

• Variable credit hours designed to fit the needs of your individual certification requirements.
• 24-hour access to course curriculum, schedules, examinations and electronic messaging on the World Wide Web.
• Central Washington University faculty are CTE district administrators.
• Three delivery areas: Kennewick, Renton and Stanwood.
• Approved by the Washington Professional Education Standards Board
• Program is also available as a master's degree option.

Program Description

CWU uses a combined course/field based teacher preparation program of CTE administrators, cohort groups, regional course delivery sites, web support, and district partnerships to deliver the program.  CWU staff review applicant's employment history and assist applicants in enrolling in the courses they need to earn a CTE teaching certificate.  During the program, industry professionals complete a mentored teaching experience in a district classroom setting.  The following is a description of typical program offerings.

Competency Block 1

• OCED 310A  -  Teaching Methods

• OCED 310B  -  Occupational Analysis/Safety Class

• OCED 310C  -  Course Organization and Curriculum Design

Competency Block 2

• OCED 311A  -  Coordination Techniques for Cooperative Education
• OCED 311B  - Principles and Philosophy 
• OCED 311C  - Personal and Student Leadership
• OCED 311D  - School Law and Issues Related to Abuse

For Those With Education Degrees and Washington State Teaching Credentials

If you have your Education degree and a Washington State teaching certificate, submit copies of the certificate and relevant official transcripts for review. Applicants with Education degrees will participate in a modified Block 2 program. Central Washington University's Competency Block Program may accept up to three classes from your Education degree.

Web-supported

The Competency Block Certificate Program is a 24-hour Web-supported program, which allows you access to instructional materials, course curriculum, schedules, and examinations. To participate effectively, you must have access to a computer with the following capabilities:

• Internet Service Provider
• Current Internet browser

If you have any questions concerning the compatibility of your system, please call the Career and Technical Education office at 509-963-2776.

How to Register

If you have a Probationary Certificate, complete the attached registration form, attach a copy of the certificate and submit with your tuition and fees.

If you don't have a Probationary Certificate, in addition to completing and submitting the attached registration form with your tuition and fees, you must verify that:

• You are at least 18 years of age.
• You will complete a background check which includes fingerprints and screening by both the Washington State Patrol and FBI (OSPI form 4020B).
• You have three years (6,000 hours) of paid occupational experience in the specific career and technical education subcategory or specialty area for which certification is sought (OSPI form 4075A).

For information on how to download these forms, please go to the following OSPI career and technical education certification Web site: www.k12.wa.us/certification/CTEMain.aspx .

The deadline for registration is October 21, 2013; however, for late hires, contact the Career and Technical Education office. Admission may be available by permission of the instructor.

Payment Policy

The undergraduate credit fee rate for 2013-2014 will be approximately $302.21 per credit (tuition rates have not been established at this time). The graduate level will be $322.39 per credit (tuition rates have not been established at this time). 

Tuition and fees are due at the time of registration. CWU accepts the following forms of payment:

• Personal Checks
• Visa or MasterCard
• Purchase Orders

If paying with a purchase order, tuition and fees are due by November 18, 2013 or you will be dropped from the program.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

You may change or cancel your registration at no charge before November 18, 2013. If you withdraw after November 18, you will forfeit 50 percent of your tuition and program fee. No refunds will be offered after January 27, 2014.

2013-14 Academic Schedule

Classes meet one Saturday a month at each of the regional centers located in Renton, Stanwood, and Kennewick. The program starts with an orientation, then includes nine class sessions over the following nine months. Classes are held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and attendance is required. Orientation is required if you are registering in Competency Block 1, or are new to the program and registering in Competency Block 2. The following schedule is subject to change.

Where to send your Registration Materials

Mail your forms to:
Attn: Sheri Hubbard
CWU Career and Technical Education
400 East University Way
Ellensburg, WA 98926-7566

Preregister by e-mailing your registration information to :
hubbards@cwu.edu or fax your registration to: 509-963-2787.

You must follow-up by mailing your entrance requirement documentation to the address listed above.