Emergency Certification
During these difficult times, the College of Education is here to support you through the certification process. Please reach out to us if there is anything we can assist you with.
Emergency Certificate Policy
Due to the novel coronavirus and the abrupt halt to the operations of public schools and testing centers nationwide, the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) adopted an emergency rule to assist pre-service teachers who were not able to meet requirements for the residency certificate because of COVID-19. Teacher education programs in Washington can temporarily recommend pre-service teachers for the Emergency Certificate if ALL requirements are completed with the exception of passing content exams (WEST-E or NES).
We are committed to assisting pre-service teachers with completing the requirements for the residency certificate. The Emergency Certificate is a tool that will allow candidates to serve as a substitute or contracted teacher with any district in the State of Washington while they finish outstanding requirements for the residency certificate.
If you qualify for the emergency certificate, the following will need to be completed in order for our office to recommend you:
- A bachelor’s degree
- All required coursework for the residency certificate
- Valid fingerprints or Washington certificate on file
- A request form (see below) which includes a narrative of how COVID-19 has stalled your ability to earn the residency certificate and how you plan to meet all requirements for the residency certificate within one year – this allows our office to accurately report and track candidates affected by COVID-19.
The request for the emergency certificate (below) should be submitted to Staci Bickelhaupt at sbickel@wsu.edu.
Once the request has been approved by the Department of Teaching and Learning, WSU will recommend candidates for the emergency certificate. The candidate will receive an email from “COE Certification” telling them how to apply and pay the $57 fee to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).
Please direct any questions to sbickel@wsu.edu.
Emergency Certificate Frequently Asked Questions
Request for a Washington Emergency Certificate
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