Applications are open! [2021-2022 Cohort / June 19, 2021 Start]
Seattle University is approved by the Washington State Professional Educator Standards Board to offer alternative routes to residency teaching certification with elementary and ELL endorsement program. SU is working with urban districts to offer a residency teacher certification with elementary and ELL endorsement for paraeducators.
SU also invites career changers and individuals working with English learners in independent, charter and archdiocese schools to join the alternative routes to residency teaching certification program with elementary and ELL endorsement. The program is offered in a hybrid format (evenings and weekends) employing both face-to-face and on-line instructional strategies. Summer coursework includes face-to-face instruction with on-line learning experiences.
Seattle University offers three routes to full residency certification (the first level regular teaching certificate) with ELL endorsement.
Through culturally responsive and sustaining practices, student-centered pedagogy, and building classroom community, these programs support educators to implement high leverage, researched based practices to ensure all students needs are met.
We welcome all paraprofessionals including teacher candidates in non public schools.
More information
Program Flyer
AltRoute Flyer - Click to download
Summer 1
This application is only for applicants who are currently paraprofessionals with a Bachelor's degree, Washington Alternative Teacher Certification Route 2, 3, and 4.
This application is for those who qualify for Alternative Routes according to the guidelines established by the Professional Educator Standards Board. All application materials listed below must be received by June 15, 2021 for full consideration, with priority deadline of May 15, 2021. The 2021 application period is from January 15, 2021 to June 15, 2021.
All application materials (listed below) must be received for full consideration. Applications are reviewed in the order they are received until the program closes. Please check our application guidelines.
West B alternatives and cut off scores: https://www.pesb.wa.gov/preparation-programs/assessments/basic-skills-assessment-west-b/west-b-alternatives/
If you have any questions regarding the application process please email altcert@seattleu.edu or call 206-296-2147.
Allison Greenberg
Allison Greenberg is an Adjunct Professor for the Alternative Routes to Teacher Certification Program. Ms. Greenberg earned her Masters in Teaching from University of Washington in 2005 and her National Boards Teacher Certification in 2009. She spent 7 years teaching 5th grade for Everett Public Schools, serving a diverse ELL, high poverty population while applying her undergraduate background in science as a building and district science leader. Ms. Greenberg worked as the district’s Elementary Science and Engineering Instructional Facilitator for 7 years, supporting all Everett elementary teachers with science curriculum, instruction, assessment and transition to NGSS. She is currently sharing her wealth of expertise with building staff and students as a STEM Specialist. Ms. Greenberg’s work to advocate for and provide equitable STEM learning opportunities for all elementary students extends regionally in her work with OSPI for over a decade on multiple science assessment development committees and as a national speaker on elementary STEM instruction and assessments. Her passion for supporting the professional growth of teachers also extends to her facilitation of the National Boards Support Program at Seattle University.
Casey Klinich
Casey Klinich, M.Ed- Severe/Profound Disabilities, University of Washington, who has been teaching and working in public education since 2006 and was a classified employee for 6 years prior. His classroom consists of kindergarten through 3rd grade students with a range of severe disabilities. These include (but not limited to) children on the severe end of the autism spectrum, Down syndrome, intellectual disability, and genetic disorders; all of which contain physical, emotional, &/or behavioral deficits. He has some of the most behaviorally challenging & medically fragile students of this age group in his district. Casey became a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT)- Exceptional Needs Specialist (5-21) in 2011. In addition to teaching, he has been a NBCT Facilitator, an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Tutor, Co-Founded a non-profit 503(c) organization (My Village Northwest), district trainer for behavioral practice/safety, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) committee, and Mentor/Cooperating Teacher for Multiple Teaching Candidates. He continues to focus on educational equity by using positive behavioral supports for families with differing abilities through parent relationships, community outreach (non-profit/volunteer), and serving on multiple committees in district to give students a voice.
Oksana Rzhiskiy
Oksana Rzhiskiy earned the Residency Administrator Certification from Pacific Lutheran University in 2019 and Masters in Teaching from Central Washington University in 2016. She has spent 8 years serving the diverse K-5th ELL population in the Renton School District. She earned her National Boards Certification in 2017 and has spent the past 3 years mentoring teachers in her district to ensure novice teachers are given a strong start. She guides the new teachers through reflection, collaboration, and inquiry, advising about regulations and procedures; shared teaching methods, materials, and other resources; help solve problems in teaching and learning; provide personal and professional support, as well as modeling best instructional practices to meet the students’ needs. Oksana facilitates and provides Professional Development for staff, including administrators, so they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet the instructional and linguistic needs of ELLs. As a Board-certified teacher, Oksana supports fellow educators along the continuum and is actively engaged in policymaking and in raising awareness of equity gaps and setting priorities for taking action to address these gaps. She works closely with state legislators and other leaders to shape effective educational policy, promoting equity and access for all students. In her free time, Oksana enjoys time with family, traveling, reading, and watching cooking shows.
