Add-On Endorsement Programs

Pacific Lutheran University is pleased to offer an extensive, 23-credit course of study for teachers seeking to add an endorsement during the summer months. There are 3 endorsements for students to select from:

Special Education (SPED)

English Language Learners (ELL)

Bilingual 

**World Language (individually offered)** (1-2 course program)**

This rigorous program is designed to complete endorsement coursework in one summer. Participants will be expected to be in class and /or working on the class assignments every day of the program. Class meetings will be held in the evenings. A pedagogy assessment will also need to be completed. The SPED program will complete the pedagogy assessment during the summer at an ESY during the day and continue with classes at night. ELL/Bilingual students will complete the pedagogy assessment during the fall once school is back in session.

MAE and ARC candidates may have different requirements for program admission/participation. Please email profdev@plu.edu with admission and program questions.

Questions?

Phone: 253-535-8790
Fax: 253-535-7184
Email: profdev@plu.edu

Look below for more information on each endorsement and our application deadlines.

Program Costs

Program Tuition Costs: $5,750 

This tuition is not FAFSA eligible and will need to be paid out of pocket, by private loan, or a combination. There is also a reimbursement scholarship opportunity (see bottom of page for more details).

*Small textbook fees may be additional. Cost of testing and endorsement application are also additional and paid to appropriate company/governing body

Deadlines

Priority Deadline: March 15

*All other applications will be reviewed on a space available basis though April 30.

Application Components

  • Online Application: Click here.
  • Unofficial Transcripts from the College or University where highest degree was awarded
  • A copy of your Current Teaching Certificate
  • A current resume
  • 2 letters of recommendation from professionals who have observed your experience and ability: Click here.
  • $40 non-refundable processing fee (checks made payable to PLU or credit card through the PPD department)

Send all completed materials to:

Pacific Lutheran University
Attn: Education-PPD
12180 Park Ave S.
Tacoma, WA 98447

The Program Includes:

  • Blended learning model
  • Online in real time (synchronous) + Instruction Modules (asynchronous). Course content and expectations are rigorous and will demand the full-time attention of the candidate throughout the endorsement process.
  • 24-7 access to Summer Endorsements curriculum and support materials through specific online tools.
  • Calendar, class schedules, and tuition designed to meet the needs of practicing educators.
  • Check out each tab for Endorsement offerings, information, and schedules.

Participants will learn to intentionally use:

  • Data
  • Team Building Strategies
  • Specific Instructional Strategies
  • Effective Management
  • Assessment
  • Goal Setting and Education Program Design
  • Adaptation and Accommodations

Timeline

The Special Education program runs from the end of May to the middle of August.  Class meeting times are scheduled to be held online in the evenings. The pedagogy assessment is in the day during the month of July and the first part of August (unless other arrangements have been made).

Participants take 9 courses (19 credits total) and a Pedagogy Assessment (4 credits)

Program Structure

For SPED endorsement participants, fieldwork will take place in conjunction with Bethel Public School’s Extended School Year during the month of July. Summer fieldwork, allows a unique opportunity to participants to work with current Bethel Public School teachers as well as PLU faculty during their Pedagogy Assessment.  This also allows participants to complete all of the components necessary to earn their Special Education endorsement prior to the start of the school year!

Important Links

Click here for an FAQ

Program Requirements

  • Access to Technology: To successfully participate in the online class meetings you will need to have a webcam and headphones with a microphone (an internal mic on your computer will work if there are no other distracting noises) as well as a stable Internet connection.
  • West-E Test: Students will need to take and pass the West-E.  Be sure to select to have your scores sent directly to PLU during registration for the test.
  • Pedagogy Assessment
  • Earn a B- or better in all endorsement coursework
  • You must also submit all required paperwork in a timely manner and pay tuition and fees as they are due.

Not complying with the requirements may cause a delay in your endorsement.

Participants will learn to intentionally use:

  • Theories and Research of Language Acquisition
  • Specific Instructional Methods
  • Effective Management Tools
  • Knowledge of Culture and Linguistics
  • Differentiated Instruction

Expected Outcomes

Teachers completing the ELL/ Bilingual summer program are prepared to work effectively with students who are English Language Learners or Bilingual, reflect on contemporary issues and positively impact student learning.

Timeline

The ELL/ Bilingual program runs from the middle of May to the middle of August.  Class meeting times are scheduled in the evenings online.

Participants take 5 courses (18 credits) and a Pedagogy Assessment (5 credits).

Program Structure

For ELL/ Bilingual add-on endorsement participants, the Pedagogy Assessment will take place in the Fall in your school district, hopefully your classroom. Participants will need to secure their own host classroom through a joint approval process if their classroom does not meet the requirements.

Important Links

Click here for an FAQ

Program Requirements

  • Access to Technology: To successfully participate in the online class meetings you will need to have a webcam and headphones with a microphone (an internal mic on your computer will work if there are no distracting noises) as well as a stable Internet connection.
  • West-E Test: Students will need to take and pass the West-E.  Be sure to select to have your scores sent directly to PLU during registration for the test.
  • Bilingual Education Endorsement: Students will need to take and score Advanced Mid on the ACTFL assessment exams in addition to the West-E test.
  • Pedagogy Assessment
  • Earn a B- or better in all endorsement coursework
  • You must also submit all required paperwork in a timely manner and pay tuition and fees as they are due.

Not complying with the requirements may cause a delay in your endorsement.

Participants will learn to intentionally use:

  • Theories and Research of Language Acquisition
  • Knowledge of Culture and Linguistics
  • Differentiated Instruction

Expected Outcomes

Teachers completing the Designated World Language or Bi-Lingual summer program are prepared to work effectively with students in a specific language content area, reflect on contemporary issues and positively impact student learning.

To begin preparing for the WEST-E assessment, we recommend reviewing:

  1. The relevant Washington state endorsement competency outline
  2. Test summary and framework
  3. Free practice tests (scroll to the appropriate test at the bottom of the hyperlinked webpage)

Retooling Scholarship

The Professional Educator Standards Board and/or the Washington Student Achievement Council may provide a $3000 Retooling Scholarships for high need endorsement areas. Endorsement areas include Special Education, English Language Learner, Mathematics, and Science.  Should you intend to apply for the $3000 Retooling Scholarship, information about the application may be accessed here.