Add-On Endorsement Programs
Pacific Lutheran University is pleased to offer extensive, graduate-level credit courses of study for teachers seeking to add an endorsement. These are the endorsements for students to select from:
English Language Learners (ELL)
**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.
Look below for more information on each endorsement and our application deadlines.
Program Costs
Add-On Endorsement Program Tuition Costs: $250 per graduate credit
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. Adaped PE Endorsement deadline is November 25.
Application Components
- Online Application: Click here.
- Adapted PE Endorsement 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 (click button to pay)
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 Add-On 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 individual 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 the pedagogy assessment will occur the final week of the program. Students will complete a Capstone presentation synthesizing their learnings and growth as an educator. 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!
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.
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.
Benefits
Participants will gain a deep understanding of Adapted Physical Education principles, evaluation techniques, instructional design strategies, and professional development opportunities. The program aims to enhance educators’ abilities to effectively support students with diverse needs in physical education settings. These are graduate level continuing education courses increasing flexibility and affordability. This endorsement is specifically designed for P-12 educators who already have special education and/or PE certification.
Timeline
This 12 month program runs January – December will be offered primarily online in an asynchronous and synchronous format to accommodate teaching schedules. During the school year of September to June classes will be held online with both asynchronous and synchronous work.
The Adapted Physical Education Instructional Design and Service Delivery course will include a 1-week in-person session offered when teachers are on summer break.
Participants will take 7 courses (16 credits) from PLU and one course from OSPI.
Cost
The cost for the 2025 cohort is 16 credits at $250 per credit, for a total of $4000 plus a $40 application fee.
To begin preparing for the WEST-E assessment, we recommend reviewing:
- The relevant Washington state endorsement competency outline
- Test summary and framework
- 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.
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