Certification FAQ
How soon after graduation will I receive my first-issue Residency Certificate?
If my first-issue Residency does not have an expiration date, does this mean I can go indefinitely on a Residency Certificate with no expiration date?
Once I receive a Residency Certificate with a five year expiration date, how long do I have before I have to do a Professional Teacher certification program?
Can I re-new my five-year Residency Certificate?
What happens if my five-year Residency Certificate expires before I receive my Professional certification?
What if I need to talk to somebody about certification questions?
How soon after graduation will I receive my first-issue Residency Certificate?
As soon as your degree is posted, the Seattle University Certification Office will issue you a 180 day permit, which allows you to begin working as a certified teacher in Washington State. The Office of the Superintendant of Public Instruction will process and mail Seattle University your first-issue Residency Certificate approximately three months after your 180 day permit was issued.
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If my first-issue Residency does not have an expiration date, does this mean I can go indefinitely on a Residency Certificate with no expiration date?
Yes. However, once you have completed two consecutive years of successful teaching with a Washington public school or approved private school and have signed a third-year contract, you will need to apply for your five-year Residency Certificate.
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Once I receive a Residency Certificate with a five year expiration date, how long do I have before I have to do a Professional Teacher certification program?
You want to be enrolled in a Professional Certification program no later than your last two years of your five-year Residency Certificate. If you wait until the last year to enroll, your Residency will most likely expire before you complete the Professional Certificate program. If your Residency does expire before you receive your Professional cert permit, you will have to contact the certification office you received your Residency from to find out what your options are.
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Can I re-new my five-year Residency Certificate?
Currently you are authorized a one-time only, two year renewal. During this time OSPI expects you to be enrolled in or completing a Professional teacher certification program.
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What happens if my five-year Residency Certificate expires before I receive my Professional certification?
You will need to contact the certification office you received your Residency cert from in order to receive the current forms and procedures applicable. Please be advised that OSPI will also refer you back to the university you received your Residency Certificate from.
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What if I need to talk to somebody about certification questions?
Email Pat Witkowski at witkow@seattleu.edu, or call 206-296-5774.
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