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Teachers who want to expand their expertise and become more competitive in the job market may assume another degree is the only option. However, Washington educators can also add teaching endorsements to specialize in new subject areas or student populations without pursuing a full degree.
If you hold a Washington State teaching certificate, endorsements can help strengthen your credentials and broaden the subjects and students you’re qualified to teach. At City University of Seattle, educators can pursue endorsements in Reading, Special Education, and English Language Learners (ELL) to support career growth and expand professional opportunities.
What Are Teaching Endorsements in Washington State?
Teaching endorsements identify the subject areas, content specialties, or grade levels an educator is qualified to teach. According to the Washington Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB), every Washington teaching certificate must include at least one endorsement, although some endorsements cannot stand alone.
Washington endorsements generally fall into three categories:
- Endorsements added to a Residency Teacher Certificate
- Basic endorsements added to a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Certificate
- Specialty endorsements added to teacher, Educational Staff Associate (ESA), or administrator certificates
Washington offers endorsements in areas such as mathematics, science, special education, reading, computer science, and English Language Learners. CityU currently offers stand-alone endorsement programs in Reading and Special Education, as well as an ELL endorsement program.
Why Add an Endorsement?
Adding an endorsement is often faster and more affordable than earning another degree. It can help educators:
- Qualify for additional teaching assignments
- Develop expertise in a high-demand area
- Expand career opportunities across school districts
- Increase flexibility as staffing needs evolve
For educators passionate about a particular subject or student population, endorsements provide a focused path to specialization without returning for another bachelor’s degree.
High-Value Teaching Endorsements
Special Education
A Special Education endorsement prepares educators to work with students receiving special education services in grades P-12. CityU’s program includes 27 credits across nine courses covering special education law, assessment, IEP development, collaboration, and inclusive practices.
Reading
Reading specialists play a critical role in helping students build literacy skills. CityU’s 17-credit Reading endorsement emphasizes structured literacy and evidence-based reading instruction, including support for students with dyslexia. The program prepares candidates for the required WEST-E assessment.
English Language Learners (ELL)
The ELL endorsement equips educators to support students learning English as an additional language. Coursework covers second-language acquisition, bilingual education, language development, assessment, and instructional strategies. In Washington, ELL must be paired with another endorsement and cannot serve as the sole endorsement on a teaching certificate.
How to Earn an Endorsement
Requirements vary by endorsement area. Depending on the endorsement, educators may need to complete a state-approved program, pass a WEST-E or NES assessment, or both.
CityU’s endorsement programs align with Washington State requirements and prepare teachers to meet applicable testing and certification standards.
Flexible Learning for Working Educators
Balancing professional growth with a full-time teaching career can be challenging. City University of Seattle’s online and hybrid endorsement programs are designed to fit the schedules of working educators while providing practical, career-focused training.
Whether you’re interested in Reading, Special Education, or ELL, CityU offers flexible pathways to help you expand your credentials and advance your career.
