Application Requirements

Requirements to Apply

All applicants must meet the following application requirements. We strongly encourage all prospective applicants to contact an Admissions or Educational Studies advisor prior to applying.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
       Note: International transcripts must be evaluated prior to application
• 3.0 GPA in the last 90 quarter credits or 60 semester credits of graded upper-division coursework
• Completed Academic Breadth or an Educational Studies/admissions advisor-approved plan for completion
• WAIVED for 2022-2023 application cycle: 20 hours of documented work with elementary-level students in U.S. public K-5 grade classrooms, completed in the last two years and completed before application deadline
• Meet all UW Bothell admissions requirements

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Application Components

2022-2023 COVID-19 Update

In recoginition of the many challenges faced by applicants and school districts during the COVID-19 pandemic, the School of Educational Studies is waiving the 20 hours of classroom experience application requirement for all teacher certification programs for the 2022-2023 application cycle. Elementary Education and Secondary & Middle Level certification applicants may list any classroom experience they may have on their resume, and reflect on their experience when answering application essay questions. 

Components

• Online application
• Three Admissions Essays (300-400 words each):

1. Why do you want to be a teacher? What does it take to be a good teacher? Where do you need to grow in order to become one?
2. Share what strengths and perspectives you would bring to UW Bothell's        teacher certification program based on your lived experiences. Include              examples of yourself as a learner and what you've learned from your                  interactions with youth.
3. Describe your learning related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and              how you respond when new or challenging issues arise. How will you                  bring this learning into your future practice as a teacher?

• Teaching-focused Resume (2 page maximum; example here)
• Transcripts for all degree-granting institutions and institutions where you completed Academic Breadth coursework. Official transcripts must be sent directly to the UW Bothell Admissions Office.
  • ​Submit enrollment verfication forms for courses in progress.
• WAIVED for 2022-2023 application cycle: Documentation of 20 hours of public elementary school classroom experience 
• Academic Breadth form completed by a School of Educational Studies advisor
  • An admissions advisor will help you work with the School of Educational Studies to review your transcripts for Academic Breadth coursework and complete an Academic Breadth form
• Two Recommendations - any two from the following:
  • School-Based Recommendation: a recommendation from a teacher who has observed you in an elementary school classroom
  • Academic Recommendation: a recommendation from a university faculty member or college instructor (no high school teachers)
  • Professional Recommendation: a recommendation from an employer or supervisor
    *Please note: the School of Educational Studies does not accept recommendations from family members
• Reading, Writing & Math Test Scores
  • Scores older than 5 years are accepted
  • Accepted "basic skills" tests:
    • SAT Reading, Math, Writing or Essay sections
    • ACT Reading, Math, & Writing sections
    • WEST-B, Reading, Math, & Writing subtests
    • • Additional information on WEST-B
      • Online proctoring available
      • Free WEST-B practice tests & preparation materials

Please note you may experience a 24-48 hour delay after completing your application before the online system prompts you to upload supporting documentation. 

If you experience difficulty with the online application, or if you have any questions about the status of your application, you can contact the UW Bothell Office of Admissions by email at uwbinfo@uw.edu. 

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Background Checks

Students accepted to the Elementary Education Teacher Certification Post-Baccalaureate will be legally required to submit their fingerprints to the Washington state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction for Washington State Patrol and FBI background checks.

Approved background checks are required before a teacher candidate can apply for their Pre-Residency Clearance, a pre-certification legally required for student teaching. 

If students have any questions or concerns about fingerprinting or the implications of state and federal background checks, please contact an Educational Studies advisor.